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AVERY

"I can do this," I say to Maggie and Lyn, as I walk through the halls to the dressing rooirls can do it without you"

"I’ve practiced," I protest, thoughthem with this concert"

Both women look at each other, then back to e The girls need h; it’s their end-of-year concert, and they’ve been excited about this I’m the main dancer in their set, and if I don’t join in they will be let down I won’t let them down

"Avery!" they cry when I step out into the back dressing roo on h the routine with the sure they’re all dressed, their hair is done and they’re ready to go When the concert starts, I preparean introduction dance and then they will join me The moment my name is called, I take a deep breath and step out I can see Kelly and Liam in the crowd, and my heart warms that they’ve come to watch me

Ithe routine we practiced I dance and twist, gliding as best I can When the girls join me, I smile as they perforirls do aht thee when it coli closely with Lia about? Max is glancing down at his phone, then back to Lia before he takes the call I can’t focus too much more, because I really have to make sure this concert ends sh my performance, and my heart sinks a little

By the tione – only Kelly remains My heart kicks up a notch as I try desperately to pay attention to h my performance when Max returns, without Liam He stares up at me, and I watch him as I lean down and then jump It’s in that moment I see his face, really see his face and I knowinstantly I know He has that look, the look people have when they’re about to tell you so way beneath oes silent I lift ain, and I see the exact moment a tear rolls down his cheek Suddenly I can’t hear anything but white noise My vision blurs as I feel are and pulled out the back, but I’ my cheeks

Why did he look like that?

"Avery?" Lyn de?

"Avery!"

Why did Liam run?

I force myself to my feet almost robotically as I ie’s cries but I don’t stop I push through the backdoor and step out into the cold, h to protect me fro towardsI need to know before I even get to hi bad, so I stop in front of the