Page 51 of Tell No Lies

There was a definite energy among the team. We were all excited that this was the last dance and that we were almost done. Everyone had done so well today, and we wanted the results now.

In our opening formation, Cassie whispered an encouragement to the team. I smiled as the lights and music turned up. The lighting was different this time, and I could make out more of the audience. I smiled and winked in the direction of my friends and heard the cheers increase.

Something caught my attention in the middle of the routine. Standing next to the exit doors, a person in a hooded jacket stared directly at me. I tried to look as often as possible, hoping Brandon or Mike might notice my gaze and look at the figure.

After we hit our final pose, I looked back to the doors. No one was there. Freaky.

Relief set in as I changed back into my team warmups and walked with the girls out to the stage for the scores. There was nothing more we could do except wait.

Once all the teams were present, they began with the small groups. Cassie’s group placed second in their category and mine placed first in ours. I looked over to our coaches and saw them smiling and cheering. It was one of the first times they’d been openly proud of us. Too bad it would only last for the day; by Monday we would be back to running the same eight-count twelve times before they would let us move on.

When the judges announced the solo category, my heart jumped to my throat. I grabbed hands with Cassie and squeezed. She laughed, but let me crush her.

They read off third place then second, so either I didn’t place, or I’d gotten first. I could only consider this for a few quick seconds before I heard my name. Cassie yanked me into a hug then pushed me forward to accept the trophy. I held it up and smiled at my coaches before looking up for my brother.

First, my eyes found Carter, who was cheering like a fan at the Super Bowl. I blushed then looked down the row to Brandon. He looked like a proud papa and was hugging Liv. I waved and stepped back to my team.

Next were the overall scores, which included our team routines. If we placed here, we would move on to regional competitions.

We all held our breath as they announced the third-place team. I didn’t expect us to get first, but I really needed us to place. The judge took her sweet time to make the announcement for second place, and it wasn’t us. After the cheers for the other team settled, silence spread through the auditorium.

When the words “Dance Academy” hit my ears, tears filled my eyes instantly. We’d done it! We were first place in the competition.

Our team surged forward to collect the trophy, and the audience flowed down and mixed with the teams. Suddenly, I was in the air. I looked down to see Mike smiling up at me, chanting my name. Brandon handed me a beautiful bouquet of red roses. Cassie was lifted up by Caleb, and we grabbed hands and laughed. I couldn’t remember a time I’d been this blissfully happy. If only it would last.

Eighteen

“I’m not worthy.” I giggled as two strong arms slid around my waist. “You were absolutely breathtaking, babe.”

I turned around in Mike’s embrace and smiled up at him. “Thank you. I’m so happy you were here!”

“Nothing could have kept me from seeing you like this.” He winked suggestively. “I wouldn’t mind seeing those outfits again soon.”

“Oh, really?”

He nodded eagerly.

“Nice try, but those are for competition only. Although, I was more covered than I am during practice.”

His eyebrow shot up. “Why have I never witnessed this?”

I swatted him and took his hand before walking back to our friends. “Because you have your own practice to attend.”

He tugged my hand back before we reached everyone. “Aubrey, I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting lately. I’m just really happy you and I are finally together, and I want to be with you. I was being a jerk asking you to come to my practice.”

I stood there, frozen with my mouth agape. He’s admitting he was wrong?

“I didn’t mean to make it seem like I didn’t appreciate what you do. It’s obvious how hard you work. Things have just been so crazy lately, and I wanted to be able to keep an eye on you. I need to trust you to be able to take care of yourself.”

Well, this was completely unexpected. He was telling me exactly what I’d been wanting to hear, but he was wrong. Things were getting worse.

Today was the first time my stalker made physical contact, and I’d panicked. I’d been surrounded by people all day, but the monster had been able to corner me during the few seconds I was alone. I was way out of my league, and I knew I had to tell him and Brandon, but I wanted to enjoy my few moments of glory.

“Thank you. I appreciate you apologizing. I know you weren’t trying to be mean about me skipping my practice, but it felt like you thought it didn’t matter because it was dance.”

“That wasn’t it at all. I just didn’t like you not being with me.”

“I understand.”