“Sure. But people are going to think you're creepy.” She laughs again. Win.
“But do you think I’m creepy?” I ask playfully.
“No.”
“Then that's all that matters.” I widen my eyes and move in closer, making her burst into laughter some more.
“Stop it.” She pushes my shoulder. “Pay attention. We have people to judge.”
Gripping her chin, I tilt her head up, so she’s looking at me. “I love you,” I murmur, before leaning down and kissing her soft smile.
“I love you too.” She sighs contentedly before hugging my arm and leaning her head against my shoulder.
“Okay, it’s time,” Donny says, walking over to the table as he rubs his hands together in excitement. “We’ve got a lot of people out there waiting for us.”
“If we can’t find anyone to replace that bitch, then I say we just redo the choreography,” Mateo grumbles.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I glare over at where he’s sitting on Rylee’s other side. “Let’s not write these people off just yet. There has to be someone good enough out there. Also, I really like our routine, and I know it will win us Nationals. I really don’t want to have to change it.”
“I guess,” Mateo mutters. “Not like it’s going to take much to replace Missi. She was average at best.”
He’s not wrong. While she isn’t the worst dancer, the only reason why she lasted this long on the team was because of her connections. I'm sure we could have won more competitions if I was able to replace her a while ago.
Rylee snorts and leans forward. “Alright, Donny, let them in.”
Donny jogs over to the gym door with a whoop, before throwing it open. “First person, you're on.”
“Oh, my God!” A tiny blonde squeals after busting through the door and doing a front flip, and are those spirit fingers?
“I can't believe I am actually here! I have been dreaming of this day!” she starts babbling, and Teo looks like he wants to slam his head into the table. He better keep it together, this is just the start.
“Yes, glad to have you. Tell us your name and where you are currently attending college, or what team you are on,” I say, pulling the notepad closer to me, so I can jot down some notes.
“Hi, I’m Kirsten, That’s with an e, not an i. I am currently a senior in high school, but that doesn’t matter, right? I’m really flexible, and used to be a gymnast, so I can nail the flips and splits.”
She takes a breath and I frown. “How did you hear about us needing a replacement? We didn’t reach out to any high schools.”
Her lower lip wobbles and she looks like she’s about to cry.Shit! “I have been a huge fan for years, and I saw it on the Widows’ fan page,” she says, then sniffles. “Can I please just try out for you?” She drops onto her knees and gives us prayer hands.
“Aww, sure,” Donny caves, and she gives him a huge smile. I look at him and he just shrugs.
“Thank you!” she squeals, then nods her head and music starts playing. As her routine starts, my eyes get wider, and I have to place the notepad over my mouth to hide my laughter.
“Oh, God, she’s awful,” Donny says quietly, and I nod.
“Thank you, sweetie,” Rylee shouts and the music is cut off. “Next.”
Kirsten glares at Rylee for interrupting, and Teo stands, making her squeak and run out the door.
“What the fuck was that?” Teo mutters, and I shake my head, sighing.
“I don’t know, but Donny, go out there and make sure they are all in college,” I tell him, and he pushes his chair away and stands, then walks over and opens the door.
“Who here is in high school?” He waits a minute, then laughs. “Leave. This is not a joke. We take our team seriously. Only try out if you are dedicated.”
He returns and calls for the next person. The door opens and the scent of buffalo sauce is strong. What the hell?
“Well, hey there, cuties. I heard there were big, strong men on this team, and thought maybe y'all were hungry.”
