Page 16 of I Don't Need Your Love

A tremor goes through her, but she pretends like she’s not affected by my close proximity. “I don’t.”

“Looks like you do or you wouldn’t be so irritated.”

“Your existence irritates me,” she nearly barks.

Chuckling, I hold up my hands. “Okay, okay. Will you accept my apology?”

“Do you still think dance is corny?”

“Not dance,” I clarify. “Dance club.”

Now it looks like steam is shooting from her ears. She seems to be too mad to respond, just continues to glare at me like she wants a gorilla to leap at me and tear me to shreds.

Smiling, I rest my hand on her shoulder. “But good luck with it. Honestly, kid, I wish you all the best.” After patting her shoulder, I make my way down the hallway to my locker. I can still feel Carly burning a hole in the back of my head.

I could turn around and tell her I didn’t mean what I said. That I genuinely do wish her well. But where is the fun in that?

Laughing again, I take my books from my locker and head for my first class.

Chapter Seven

Carly

The end of classes can’t come sooner! Why does the time refuse to move when you really want it to? The dance tryouts are after school and I’m so antsy-pantsy. Does it really matter what my teacher is droning on about when we’re talking about my future here?

When the final bellfinallyrings, I grab my stuff and race to the gym. No one is here yet, not even Coach Moreno. But she did set up a table for her and me to sit at. I’m currently team captain because this was my idea, but once we have a proper team, we’ll have a vote because I want the right person to be the captain.

I know I’m super early and can’t expect the hopefuls to teleport here right away, but I really want to get the show on the road. I already have some ideas for a kickbutt choreography and I can’t wait to show it to my teammates and to my coach.

My body perks up when Addie walks through the gym doors with Caleb at her side. She’s dressed in her gym clothes, which are a dark green shirt and matching shorts. When she sees me, a huge smile takes over her face and she jets over.

“You’re here!” I throw my arms around her and hug her super tight. “I can’t wait to see your routine. You’ll beamazing.”

“Thanks. Caleb, Raven, and Sophie helped me put it together last night. I can’t wait to knock you dead.”

I smile at Caleb. “Are you here for moral support?”

He wraps his arm around Addie’s waist and presses his lips to her cheek. “Of course. I’m here to support my girlfriend and her best friend. I know you both will be great.”

“Thanks. I just wish everyone would come already!”

Sophie has tutoring, so she won’t be able to join us, but Raven should arrive soon. She’s speaking to one of her teachers.

Addie, Caleb, and I chat about various things while we wait, though it’s mostly Caleb and Addie doing the talking because I’m so nervous. My eyes keep flitting to the door every five seconds, as though that will somehow magically make everyone appear. But it’s still pretty early.

After about five minutes, a girl with long dark hair who looks like she’s a freshman hesitantly walks inside, looking around like she’s lost. I wave at her and say, “Are you here for the dance tryouts?”

A relieved smile breaks out on her face. “Yeah.”

“Cool. We’ll start once more people arrive. You can stretch in the meantime. What’s your name?”

“Naya Jani.”

“I’m Carly Simmons and this is Addie Hayes and Caleb Ashton.”

She smiles again and walks to the side to stretch. I’m so happy we have a freshman hopeful! I love the idea of helping to shape the younger students to be the best dancers they can be, and if our team is successful, they can keep it alive for many years to come.

Addie goes off to stretch, too, while Caleb sits down on the bleachers. I settle down at the table and take out a piece of paper to jot notes. We didn’t have a signup sheet because I want to keep the door open until the last minute. Anyone is welcome to try out.