Page 34 of Lance

Layla looks like she’s going to blow up at him, but Haylee places a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s just get through the night,” she says. “We’ll do the show, Lance can talk to the lawyer, and we’ll have a much better idea of what needs to be done in themorning.”

“I think that’s for the best,” Louis says, standing, and Lance nods, still staring at the floor. “Let’s getgoing.”

For the best, I repeat in my head, like I’m trying to convincemyself.

But I can’t help but notice that Lance doesn’t look at Simon again until he leaves. James pulls me into a big hug, telling me I’m a lifesaver, while the others head out and Lance grabs some clothes from his bedroom. When he comes back out, he sets three twenties on the table. “For dinner,” he tells me, not meeting my eye. “In case you want to order in. Or you can get room service—just charge it to theroom.”

“Um, where should he sleep?” I ask, trying not to notice the way Simon’s eyes are following Lance around as he hurries to getready.

“Oh.” Lance stops in the middle of pulling on a shoe. “I guess my bed? I’ll crash on thecouch.”

“Does he have pajamasor…”

Lance keeps his back to me. “He has a bag. I saw some clothes inthere.”

“Lance—”

He finally turns to face me but again doesn’t meet my eyes. “Thanks for doing this, Willa. You’re a lifesaver, seriously. I’ll be back in a fewhours.”

He doesn’t explain what’s happening to Simon, doesn’t even say goodbye. He merely gives me an awkward wave and slips out of the room, leaving me alone with hisson.