Undercover Affection

Chapter 7

Lisa’s grin could hardly contain itself as she stared up at the glowing sign above her: *Jump City Trampoline Park.* The entire place screamed "fun for kids," which made it the perfect destination for Lisa’s next move. She had been waiting for this moment all week, ever since Jennie had—whether she realized it or not—*kind of* agreed to come along.

“Well, well, well,” Lisa muttered to herself, hands on her hips. “If this isn’t the perfect setting for a showdown.”

Jennie arrived right on time, dressed in casual clothes—black leggings and a sleek jacket that somehow made her look like she belonged in a runway show instead of a trampoline park. Her eyes scanned the venue with what could only be described as mild horror. Kids were bouncing around everywhere, shrieking and giggling as they launched themselves into the air.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Jennie said flatly, glancing at Lisa with a look that said *I’m already regretting this.*

Lisa threw her arms wide like she was unveiling a masterpiece. “Come on, it’s the *ultimate* cardio! Also, you’re secretly going to love this. I can feel it.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been wrong before.”

“True,” Lisa admitted, hopping toward the counter to grab their special trampoline grip socks. “But this time? I’m *so* right. This is going to be epic.”

As they put on their socks and entered the park, Lisa was already bouncing around like a child on a sugar high. “Look at this! I feel like I’m defying gravity! Take that, science!”

Jennie stood perfectly still on her own trampoline, arms crossed, watching Lisa with an expression that could only be described as a mix of disbelief and amusement.

“You’re supposed to bounce, Jennie!” Lisa called over, springing higher with each jump. “Otherwise, you’re just standing on a bouncy floor, and that’s—well, that’s just sad.”

Jennie, with a resigned sigh, tentatively bounced once. Just once.

Lisa stared at her, narrowing her eyes. “That wasn’t a bounce. That was, like, a polite *dip.*”

“I’m not here to compete in the Trampoline Olympics,” Jennie replied, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

Lisa grinned, bouncing over to her like an overexcited kangaroo. “Oh, I see how it is. You’re scared. Afraid you might actually enjoy yourself. Or worse—*that you’ll lose to me in a jump-off.*”

Jennie’s eyes flickered with a challenge. “I’m not scared.”

“Prove it!” Lisa shouted, immediately launching herself into an over-the-top, awkwardly angled somersault that ended with her flopping onto the trampoline in a heap. “Nailed it!” she declared, her voice muffled against the mat.

Jennie burst into laughter, the sound catching Lisa by surprise. She hadn’t heard Jennie laugh that freely before, and it filled her with a sense of triumph.

“Alright, alright, you win,” Jennie said, still chuckling. “But don’t expect me to be as... theatrical as you.”

Lisa rolled onto her back, arms spread wide. “No promises. But come on, just one good bounce. Do it for me.”

Jennie shook her head but took a deep breath, and then—much to Lisa’s surprise—she bounced. Properly. High. Gracefully.

“Oh my God!” Lisa cried, sitting up. “Look at you! You’re like a majestic swan! No—an *eagle*!”

Jennie let out a soft laugh, her ponytail bouncing as she hopped higher. “I think you’re overselling it.”

“Nope,” Lisa said, grinning like a proud parent. “You’re soaring, Jennie. The *Jennie Bird.*”