Page 97 of Just a Little White Lie

“Ugh! It’s so annoying. I hate the sound of that thing.”

“You’ll be grateful when you’re looking all hot in a Haven Misfits outfit,” Trixi bites back, pulling a face at her friend.

They growl at each other, but I can tell it’s in jest because they’re laughing only moments later.

“Okay, well, I can’t wait to see them.”

“We’re also getting hoodies printed.” Tobias beams. “Sully arranged it for us.”

“Awesome. That guy’s the best.”

All the boys are nodding, and my suspicions are confirmed. Cal Sullivan cares about those boys, and they know it.

It’s all about trust.

And I can’t believe how relieved I am that this crew is starting to trust me.

It makes me want to tell them my secret.

I was going to wait for Jack, but I just can’t hold it in.

“So, you guys have been working really hard, and tomorrow is the last day of term before you head to wherever you’re going for the two-week break.” There’s a collective sense of foreboding, so I try to keep my voice as upbeat as possible while my heart cracks right down the middle. I wish I could ask them all to stay with me.

I’m sure Luke would love that.

I clear my throat against the giggle at Luke’s facial expressions if I brought a horde of teenagers into his little house.

“When you get back, we’ve only got a few days before the competition, so we’re gonna have to hit the ground running. But…”

Every head turns my direction. It’s nice to have their full attention, and I can’t stop my smile.

“I thought it’d be really nice if we could celebrate. So, I’ve been saving my pennies along with some other teachers and friends of mine, and we would like to treat you to a night out tomorrow.”

“What?” Dante’s confusion is kind of endearing.

Mouths drop open around him, and a few sets of eyes bulge. I’m greeted with everything from pure excitement to cautious skepticism.

“Tomorrow night, we’re gonna pick you guys up and take you to a place in town. We’ve hired out a bar that willnotbe serving alcohol.” I point around them all and get some mock groans and complaints, but the rest of them are too busy grinning. “It’s just gonna be a chance to dance and hang out and eat some yummy food and just… be together somewhere that’s not here.”

“Are you serious?” Maverick asks.

“As a heart attack.” I mirror his pointed look and enjoy the slow changeup as a smile grows on his lips, and then he lets out a laugh and claps his hands together.

“Yes!”

“But I thought we all had to leave tomorrow afternoon.” Alexia is still looking skeptical.

“I’ve arranged with Monica and Sully for you guys to spend one extra night at the boardinghouse. You can head off the next morning.”

Her lips twitch like she’s starting to believe me.

“It’s happening, Alexia. Get used to it.” I point and wink at her, then clap my hands together. “So, before we can go and party, you need to be prepared to put on a little show for the people taking you. It’ll be your way of saying thanks and kind of like a technical rehearsal. So, as soon as the bell goes at the end of the day tomorrow, I want you changing into your costumes and meeting me here.”

They agree without really hearing me. They’re already busy talking, their buzz of chatter taking over the room. I let them go for it. Watching their joy at this small gesture is almost too much. I’ve had the sweetest life, and the problem with growing up that way is you sometimes forget to be grateful for the little things.

JACK

Ilean against the edge of the wall, bobbing my head in time to the beat. Lauren’s beside me, looking all proud while the librarian—April, I think it is—and the music teacher, a sweet redhead, grin. Her husband’s here too. The guy obviously has no rhythm, but he can appreciate a good show. I’m just glad he’s stopped trying to snap his fingers to the beat. His hand is now securely wrapped within his wife’s grip.

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