Page 35 of Just a Little White Lie

“It didn’t look okay when you walked in the door.”

I sigh and focus on making perfect carrot sticks. I know that’s what Luke wants.

“Come on, sis. One thing. Just one thing about your day.”

“I met a very nice librarian.” I force a smile, but it drops quickly. April was nice, but she also guilt-tripped me into accepting an entire week with that pack of bad attitudes.

“Did you get any more work?”

“Yeah, I’m doing the full week.”

“That’s great!” Luke’s enthusiasm is irritating. “At this rate, we’ll have to get you your own car. I was actually talking to a guy today who wants to upgrade. I can ask him if you like.”

“I can’t afford a car,” I mutter.

“I’m happy to spot you if it’s for work. You can pay me back later.”

“Great, so I can oweallof my family money?”

“Well, what are you going to do, then? Catch the bus to school?”

I sigh, instantly knowing how awkward and annoying that would be. The school’s in the middle of nowhere, and even if I could get on the school bus schedule, I hardly want to be catching a ride with students every day.

“Fine,” I sigh. “Ask the guy, then, but just know that I won’t be able to pay you back for a while.”

“Agreed. Mum and Dad have to be paid back first.”

I grind my teeth together, then quickly change the subject before I say something that makes me sound like a spoiled brat.

“Hey, why doesn’t Jack dance anymore? He seems to have a real thing about it. I remember in high sch—” I cut off when I notice my brother’s expression.

He looks at me like I must be stupid.

“What?” I flip my hand up in question.

What did I say?

Now he looks confused, then shakes his head and mutters, “Nothing.”

“What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing. I just thought you knew.”

“Knew what?”

“Nothing.” He shakes his head and gives me one of thoseyou aren’t getting another word out of mesmiles.

I scowl at him, and he just shakes his head again, tapping the kitchen counter with his finger. “Chop-chop.”

With a little huff, I go back to my dinner prep duties, my mind whirling with whatever it is I’m supposed to know. Something must have happened to Jack while I was away in London. Something everyone but me knows about.

Mr. Secret saunters into the kitchen just as I’m finishing my bok choy slices. Luke already has brown rice boiling on the stove and obviously has grand plans for some Asian stir-fry concoction. I pass him the veggies while studying Jack from the corner of my eye. He opens the fridge and uncaps a beer, offering us each a drink.

“Yep. Hit me up.” Luke wiggles his fingers, but I just shake my head and return to my room.

Jack and Luke are hiding something. They always used to do that to me, like some stupid boys-club incapable of decent communication. I was always left in the dark, the annoying little sister who was never allowed in. And we’re right back there again.

Grabbing my phone, I impulsively open my Instagram account and do a quick search on Jack Akana. Surely there’ll be a clue if I scroll back far enough.

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