Page 65 of Just a Little White Lie
I did something good today.
Well, Jack did. But I was totally there!
I pick up my fixed-term contract and decide to read it then and there. I skim the small print—it’s all the standard jargon—then sign my name at the bottom. Slapping the pen down, I slide the contract across the shiny counter with a grin. “See you tomorrow.”
As soon as I get to Luke’s car, I plug my phone into the stereo system and blast the playlist on repeat. I want to know these songs so well that they become a part of me. I wonder how Jack’s going to mix them up.
It’s the first thing I ask him when I bust through the door, ignoring Luke’s greeting and plunking down next to Jack. He’s at the dining room table, his laptop out and AirPods in.
He hands me one, and I shove it in my ear, leaning close so I can look at his screen and watch him work.
I bob my head to the beat, grinning and grooving.
“Ooooh. I like that changeup there.”
He nods. “It’s a smooth enough transition, right?”
“Totally!” My enthusiasm is on overdrive, but I can’t dampen it. I’ve had a freaking good day, and I don’t want it to end.
“Okay, I’ll see you guys later!” Luke shouts, and I give him a cursory wave, too caught up in the music for much else.
The sun sets, the room growing dark as Jack and I forget time. Our only focus is this dance mix, and by the time it’s done, we leave it on repeat, the song becoming background music to our conversation.
“Thank you so much for what you did today. Those kids love you.”
Jack gives me a lopsided grin that quickly drops. “I’m pretty sure Mav doesn’t.”
“Ugh.” I tip my head back. “He doesn’t like anybody.”
“What’s his story? Why such a bad attitude?”
“I read so many files the other day, their stories kind of blurred together, but one or two of them have come from violent homes. It wouldn’t shock me if Mav was one of them.”
Jack sighs. “Tough break. I hope he lets the school help him.”
“Me too.” I nod. “At least we’re doing something, though, right? I mean, this crew could really save him. Dance can change people’s lives. And he’s good. You can really stretch him with whatever moves you’re thinking. I know he can do a backflip, and I bet he could show off some break dancing moves. He’s strong, athletic… probably has more talent than he realizes.”
Jack nods. “If he’ll let us. It’s all about his attitude.”
“He’ll come around. He just needs encouragement and belief. We can bring out the best in him. And who knows?” I laugh. “Maybe he’ll go on to be some world-famous dancer or something. We could be setting him up for life right now.”
Jack’s eyebrows bunch, and he pushes away from the table with a heavy sigh. That hurt, wounded-puppy look is back on his face, scrunching up his expression.
“What?” I sit up straight as he walks for the hallway. “Jack. What? What did I say?”
He leaves me in the fading light of the dining room, and I wait until his bedroom door clicks shut before slumping back in my chair with a huff. So much for this being the best day ever.
What the hell is his problem?
JACK
I’m acting like a total douche, but how do I tell her that I hope Maverick doesn’t become a professional dancer, because I hate the idea of anyone having to go through what I did?
I should just admit it to her. Tell her every detail of my demise, but it’s so freaking humiliating.
So you just walk away and ignore her instead?
Nice move, jackass.
