Page 130 of Just a Little White Lie

The first dance is incredible. The TA Terminators are sharp and robotic in their movements, their dance unique and jaw-dropping. The lighting, their music choices—it all blends perfectly, and the cheers from the crowd make it abundantly clear that they are a school to contend with.

“Oh crap.” Cedric stars chewing on his nails like they’re pieces of gum. He’s already got nubs, and I take his hand, giving it a light squeeze.

“You guys are just as good.”

“Yeah right!” Alexia whispers, glaring at me like I’ve lost my mind.

“Come on, let’s go backstage.” I quickly lead them away just as the next group is taking the stage.

Coaxing them into our designated area, I’m scrambling to think how I can keep them focused while we wait for our turn.

“This is bad.” Arlo’s shaking his head. “Why’d we come?”

“Because you’ve got something to prove.” A deep voice makes us all spin, and I can’t help my gasp as I spot Jack stepping up behind Maverick.

“Jack!” Trixi raises her hands in the air. “You made it.”

He slides his hands into his pockets, looking cool and unflappable in his jeans and Misfits T-shirt. “I wasn’t about to miss you guys dancing. I know you’re going to kill it out there.”

My heart is bursting at the edges as I watch him grin at the students. And then his eyes land on Maverick.

The boy raises his chin, setting his jaw in that defensive way of his.

Jack nods and clears his throat. “I know you’re gonna dominate. You’re a talented kid, and you’ve got a bright future ahead of you.”

Mav is obviously surprised by his comments. I kind of am too. I was expecting a reprimand.

“Yeah, uh… thanks,” Maverick murmurs, bobbing his head and swinging his arms like he doesn’t know what to do with them.

Laying his hand carefully on Maverick’s shoulder, Jack gives it a squeeze. “But I should let you know that if you hurt my woman again, we’re having words. You feel me?”

Maverick swallows, and his head bobs a little faster. “I’ll look after her. Promise. We’re gonna win this for her.”

The crew lets out a little cheer, and my heart is full.

Jack’s eyes hit me then, and I’m drawn by invisible tractor beams that pull me into his arms.

“Wasn’t sure you’d come.” I smile up at him. “I really wanted you here and I shouldn’t have—”

“It’s okay,” he whispers. “I was always going to be here. I just… stupidly took the long way round.”

I let out a watery laugh. “When you didn’t call me back, I thought you must hate me.”

He brushes his knuckle down my cheek. His cringe is endearing, and I nearly laugh with relief when he tells me, “I left my phone at the gym. And then I didn’t know your number off by heart, so I couldn’t call you and I chickened out telling Luke because I promised him I’d never hurt his baby sister.” His expression crumples with remorse. “I should have made it right the night we argued. I should have told you I was going up to Auckland. I…” He sighs. “I’m sorry. I acted like a jerk.”

“It’s okay,” I murmur. “You can’t be completely perfect. In fact, I’m relieved that you’re not, because it makes the gap between us that much smaller.”

“There’s no gap.” He pulls me closer as if to prove his point. An affectionate smile lights his eyes, and I soak it in.

It only then occurs to me that he wouldn’t have read my text, and as nervous as I was to send it, I now want to tell him everything.

“I didn’t lie,” I quickly bust out the truth. “I told the principal what happened with Maverick and now he’s agreed to see a counselor and do some anger management stuff, which means he’s allowed to stay on the team.” I glance over my shoulder, wondering if Maverick’s listening in. He’s facing away from us, but I bet his ears are burning. I turn back to Jack and finish in a whisper. “I had to fight so hard to get him here, but I’m really glad I did. It was the right thing to do.”

Jack hisses. “What did the principal say?”

“Oh, she told Mrs. Kwan where to stick it!” Arlo starts laughing. “But man, it was so good, bro.”

The kids all join in his laughter, and I have to explain.

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