Page 23 of Kissing the Debutant
“Oh no, you can’t go back on your word now, Lil.” A wicked-charming smile spread across his face. “You said I was your choreographer, which means we have a deal. You dance in my documentary, and I help choreograph your dance for the scholarship competition.”
“Really, Jack, that’s not necessary.” Lillian turned to gather her bag and wet clothes from the back room. She didn’t want to be rude after Jack had stepped up and helped her send Claude on his way, but Claude was right, she needed so much more than a small-town guy to help her win this competition. Even if that boy was an incredible dancer on his own. It just wasn’t the level of professionalism she was accustomed to. She’d have to find someone on her own if her mother refused to find a replacement for Claude.
“I think it is.” Jack moved to follow her. “One lesson?”
“Lesson?” She whirled on him. Did he really think he could teach her?
“No, no. Bad word choice. Clearly, you’re leaps and bounds more talented than me. I’m not a real dancer and don’t claim to be, but I can choreograph this routine for you if you’ll give me a shot. Give me one afternoon to prove to you I can do this?”
Lillian studied him for a moment, reminding herself what she’d seen when she’d spied on him earlier. “Fine. You get one practice session.”
“Perfect. I promise, this is going to work out beautifully for both of us. You’ll see.”
Lillian wasn’t so sure about that. Something told her she’d regret this whole thing once her mother got wind of her plans.
8
Lillian
“Can you just drop me off at the Main?” Lillian asked her Uber driver.
“I’m not supposed to take you anywhere but the dance studio, miss.”
Lillian rolled her eyes. Most of the Uber drivers didn’t give a crap about the rules, but this one was eager to follow them. “I’m early. I promise I’ll walk to the studio after a quick bite at the Main. I do it all the time.”
“I don’t know.” The young guy ran a hand through his hair.
“Come on, give a girl a break. Do you even know how stuffy Defiance Academy is behind those huge stone walls?”
He looked back at her over the seat. “I bet it sucks never getting to leave except for your dance lessons.”
“Yeah, it really does.” She leaned back against the seat.
“Okay, just this once.” The driver pulled into the Main parking lot. “Get a milkshake and a burger, will ya? You’re too skinny.”
Lillian flashed a friendly smile as she slid out of the car, grateful for the sunny afternoon. She was supposed to meet Jack in a half hour for their trial practice session, but she wasn’t in the mood. This whole thing was turning into a disaster. She still hadn’t heard from her mother, and that was a bad sign. She would pay the consequences for her actions, and it would be ten times worse if her mother showed up to find her practicing with an untrained townie.
“Back again?” Cara met her at the diner entrance, all smiles like she was genuinely happy to see Lillian again.
“Yeah, I have some time to kill.” Lillian followed her to the same booth she’d sat in last time.
“Order a peanut butter chocolate banana milkshake.” Cara winked. “It will chase any worries from your mind, and you look like you could use it.
“Lord, that sounds like it has ten thousand calories in it.” Lillian smiled as she perused the menu.
“It’s totally fat free and guilt free.” Cara stood with her order pad at the ready. “Even better with a side of low-fat french fries.”
“I wish.” Lillian glanced at the vegan menu, surprised to see several extremely healthy options.
“Got something on your mind, sweetie?”
“Avoiding my mother, actually.” Lillian didn’t know why she told Cara these things. She had such a caring nature, it just tumbled out of her mouth before she realized it.
“Moms can be tough.” Cara nodded sympathetically. “But milkshakes can make it better.”
Lillian laughed. In her world milkshakes would make this situation a whole lot worse. She was about to order a water and side salad when her phone chirped with a text from her mother.
Mom:You’re grounded for a month. You’ll be lucky if Claude doesn’t sue us.
