Page 133 of Just a Little White Lie

We didn’t see all the performances, so we can’t really make an accurate guess, but I keep assuring her. “They’ve got a really good shot, baby. Trust me. I think they’re gonna place.”

She gives me a stiff nod and licks her lips.

“Aw.” With a tender smile, I take her face in my hands and kiss her forehead. “It’s gonna be okay.”

She gives me a grateful smile, but it’s tight and edgy. Then her eyes flick to the stage and her mouth pops open.

I spin to see the judges walking on from stage left.

“Here we go,” I murmur, pecking Lauren’s cheek as one of the judges steps up to the microphone.

“Well, it was a tough year for judging, that’s for sure!” She laughs.

A ripple of amusement carries across the arena. Lauren lets out a nervy squawk that sounds more like a dying cat.

I snicker and press the back of her hand against my lips. I can’t get enough of this woman.

“The performances were outstanding, and the judges want every contestant to know just how impressed we are. You all put on a brilliant show and should be very proud of yourselves.” She beams, then looks down at her clipboard. “After much deliberation, the judges have made a final decision. Now, the top three places today are awarded a monetary prize, plus an automatic placing in the North Island competition later this year. Before we announce those, I’d like to acknowledge two schools whose performances were top-notch and deserve a special mention. Congratulations to Wyatt College and North Ridge High School!”

Applause goes up, and a few raucous cheers from the very back carry over the crowd. I’m suddenly too nervous to clap, so I just hold my breath and stare at the woman who will decide our fate.

“So, in third place… This team will receive one thousand dollars toward their dance program, plus automatic entry into the North Island competition. Their dance was dynamic, fun, fast-paced, and had an amazing wow factor. We’d like to congratulate… the Haven Misfits from Haven Academy in Cambridge!”

Lauren jolts beside me. “Did they just say our name?”

“Yes!” I laugh and let out the loudest whoop I ever have.

“Third place,” she murmurs, turning to take in the cheering crowd. “We got third place!”

“Yes!” I grin and jump up, pumping the air with my first.

“We placed! You guys, come on!” Lauren leads them up to the stage and shakes the judge’s hand. “Thank you so much.”

The judge beams her a smile, and then Lauren steps back so Maverick can lead the crew forward to receive their prize. The cheers of the crowd, the smiling faces, the approval. It’s a trip.

The sheer triumph of placing in an event they’ve never even competed at before is enormous. I’m feeling like a proud papa and am incredibly grateful to be here, sharing this moment with my beautiful woman. Sharing this moment with the Misfits.

When Maverick punches the trophy into the air with that jubilant smile on his face, I clap so loud my hands start to hurt.

Lauren’s got tears on her face as she runs down the stairs and straight into my arms.

I catch her against me. “So proud of you, Teaching Queen.”

“I wouldn’t be that without you.” She grins up at me, jumping up to plant a solid kiss on my lips.

Her words make me feel like a million bucks.

As we walk back to our seats, she wraps her arm around my waist, and the moment we sit down, she leans in to whisper, “You saved us, Jack. This wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for you.” She kisses my cheek, her eyes brimming with affection. “Thank you.”

I kind of don’t know what to say. All I can do is smile right back at her and try to silently say just how much that means to me. She gives me a kiss, but we’re torn apart by the applause around us. It’s time to congratulate the second-place winners.

The TA Terminators come in first. I didn’t see their performance, but by the cheer of the crowd, it sounds like it’s a well-deserved placing.

“They’re the team to beat next time, fellas,” Arlo tells us when we’re walking back to the van after the official photos have been taken.

Man, the crew had fun with those.

The poor photographer was having a bit of a hard time containing the excited bunch, but she got there in the end.

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