Page 15 of Lance

Willa

Never before in my life have I so wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole. And considering some of the awkward social interactions I’ve had over the years, that’s really sayingsomething.

He didn’t know who I was. He had no idea. There I was, about to jump out of my skin with excitement because Lance Foster was paying attention to me. Because Lance Foster thought I was beautiful. Because Lance Foster was kissing me. Me! And that whole time he thought I was a stranger, some groupie he was picking up in the bar. He had noidea.

If I thought I might hurl before leaving the apartment, that was nothing compared to how I’m feeling rightnow.

And then my brother walks over to join us and I realize that itispossible to feel even worse. Because I happen to catch sight of Lance’s face as James approaches—his eyes wide with something that looks a lot like guilt and maybe even a little fear—and it’s becoming pretty clear that Lance not remembering me isnotthe worst thing that canhappen.

Lance being embarrassed of meis.

“Minnie!” James says, pulling me into a hug that I can only hope will hide the wince at his use of that hated nickname. “I’ve been looking for you.” My older brother pulls back to look down at me and for a moment the pain of Lance’s reaction lessens. I haven’t seen James in a few months, not since before he went to Europe, and so much has happened for him since then. It’s not unheard of, these long lapses of time between visits. And he always makes sure to call me every other week or so, no matter where the band has taken him. But still. As the only member of our family who isn’t crazy, I miss having himaround.

“Look at you,” I say, swallowing past a sudden lump in my throat. “Big rockstar.”

He grins, looking so much like the little boy I used to idolize that I feel tears sting my eyes. “It’s pretty crazy, huh?” he asks, his voice a little raspy. Is James about to get emotional? That would be a first. “All this forus.”

“You deserveit.”

“How are you? It’s been way too long, Minn.” He releases my arms, looking me over. Suddenly a furrow forms between his eyebrows. “What are youwearing?”

“It’s called a dress,James.”

His frown grows into a scowl. “It’s not much of one. And what are those shoes? Minnie, are you wearing fakeeyelashes?”

Did I say I missed him? Yeah, maybe not somuch.

“I think she looks amazing,” Haylee says, elbowing James. “Doesn’t she look amazing,Lance?”

He stammers something incoherent, scuffing his Chucks against the floor, and my heart breaks a little more. I have a feeling I won’t be getting a repeat of his “beautiful” line any timesoon.

“Oh my God,” a voice squeals and then Layla Perry comes into view, looking as outrageously gorgeous as ever. “Minnie? You look smoking, girl! When did you get all grownup?”

James glares at her and Haylee laughs. “Oh, come on, James. Please don’t tell me you’re going to do the grumpy older brother bit. Minnie is an adult, youknow.”

“She’s a baby,” he snapsback.

Funnily enough,babyis not quite the impression of me that I’d like Lance tohave.

Layla returns my brother’s glare. “She’s obviously not a baby. Are you,Minnie?”

Dear God, I silently pray.If you could banish that freaking nickname from existence I’d really appreciateit.

Layla doesn’t wait for me to reply. “She doesn’t need ababysitter.”

“She’s mysister.”

“Patriarchal bullshit,” she returns. She’s smiling now, and I get the impression she’s enjoying this. Which sounds like Layla, all right. Riling up the boys just for fun. I could probably learn a thing or two fromher.

Apparently taking advantage of their bickering, Lance takes a step closer to me and I feel myself tense up, every inch of my body preparing for the proximity of his presence. “Why on earth did you say your name was Willa?” he mutters in myear.

“Because it is,” I snap back. “Short forWilhelmina.”

“But James always calls youMinnie.”

I turn to glare at him, feeling completely fed up with the entire evening. “It’s a nickname. From when we were little. Do you honestly think my parents named me after a cartoonmouse?”

Before he can respond, someone sidles their way between me and James. Nia. Nia has come to rescue me. My knees feel weak with relief. “Hey,” she says, her voice low enough not to be overheard. “How youdoing?”