Page 134 of Just a Little White Lie

Stopping by the van door, Lauren turns to face her crew and steps onto the van’s running board so we can all see the little shorty. I love her.

She holds out her hand for the trophy, and Alexia passes it to her. Lauren raises it above her head. “I know some of you might be disappointed with third place, but I am so excited. You placed! We won a thousand dollars! You made me so incredibly proud today. Even if you hadn’t placed, you would have… but you did! You placed!”

Maverick grins. “Hell yeah, we did. And we can only get better, right?”

“Hells yeah!” Arlo punches his arms into the air, and Trixi jumps on his back, grinning like a chimp.

“So, you sticking around to help us place at the North Island competition too?” Dante asks her, his gaze almost like a dare.

She grins right back at him, her eyes lighting with feisty determination. “I’m planning on helping you win it.”

The comment scores her some cheers and joyous shouts as she jumps down to let the crew board the van.

I take my chance to pull her aside. “I guess I’ll see you at home?”

“I hope so.” Her smile falters a little, flashing with a vulnerability that makes my chest hurt. “Hey, do me a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Never take off without saying goodbye again. I can handle Broody Jack, but Disappearing Jack? Not my favorite.”

“Noted,” I rasp, hating that I put her through it. “I’m sorry.”

“Forgiven.” She lifts her cheek to me, tapping it with her finger and silently asking for a peck, but that won’t do.

With a gruff laugh, I lift her off her feet, claiming a proper kiss. One that’s sweet yet overpowering. The kind that leaves you with a goofy grin and the inability to think straight.

LAUREN

Iwobble onto the van and flop down in the front seat. Jack’s standing on the curb with a goofy grin and looking just as dazed as me.

“Someone’s in love,” Alexia mutters.

“Oh yeah, I am.” My dreamy look scores me an eye roll, but then she starts to shake her head and laugh.

My phone buzzes, and I unearth it from my pocket.

April: How’d it go? Did they kill it?

Me: Third place, baby! So stoked for them. They were amazing!

April: Yes! When do you get back? I’ll make sure I’m out there to welcome them home.

I reply with a time estimate, and we text back and forth until we near the school. As the van pulls in and we approach the entrance, I’m pleased to see not only April, but Helen, Erik, and a small group of teachers forming a welcoming committee.

“What are they doing?” Maverick asks, rising on his knee to get a better look out the window.

“They’re welcoming you back.” I turn with a grin. “You did the school proud today, you guys. You showed everyone in this place just how capable you are.”

Maverick’s lips curl at the corner, but his expression tells me he still can’t quite believe it.

He’ll get there. I’ll make sure of it.

The van pulls up, and the senior leadership team plus a handful of staff start applauding as soon as the doors open. The students file out to praise and affirmation, and I can’t help thinking,My job is complete.

But it’s not. It’s only just beginning.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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