Page 59 of Lance

“I think that would defeat the purpose,” Haylee tells him. “Since, you know, we’re supposed to be promoting theclub.”

A waiter arrives with a tray of brightly colored cocktails. “I approve of this,” Layla says, grinning at him. The waiter is dressed in jeans and no shirt and he’s built like an action hero—all muscle. “Usually it’s just waitresses who have to swan around in next to no clothes.” The waiter smiles at her as he drops off the drinks and her eyes follow him as he disappears into the dark club. “Equal opportunity ogling,” she murmurs. “Verynice.”

Haylee turns to me, rolling her eyes. “So, how are you liking your newjob?”

“It’s great,” I tell her, reaching for one of the neon drinks. “Simon is a really cool littlekid.”

“Isn’t he a toddler?” Dylanasks.

“He’s six,” Lancemutters.

“What do six-year-olds even do?” Dylan goes on, apparently not picking up on the warning note in Lance’s voice. “Can they like, feed themselves andeverything?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Dylan. Kids usually start feeding themselves before they’retwo.”

“You ate lunch with him a few hours ago, idiot” Lancesays.

Dylan shrugs. “I wasn’t paying attention. Anyhow, you’re a saint for doing this, Willa. I think I’d go crazy if I had to hang out with a little kid allday.”

I don’t know why I feel so defensive—maybe it’s the look of annoyance on Lance’s face. He almost looks…offended. “Actually, Simon and I have a really good time,” I say, trying to keep my voice light. “We read comic books together and we go for bike rides and we draw and we swim and we watch awesome cartoons. It’s kind of ablast.”

Lance’s annoyed expression has shifted. He’s almost smiling now. “I love how unembarrassed you are to share so many interests with a kindergartener,” he says, a teasing glint in hiseyes.

“That kid has good taste!” I shootback.

Lance turns to Haylee. “Star Warsand comic books—it’s all they ever talkabout.”

“That’s not true,” I say, but I’m laughing. “We also occasionally talk aboutBattlestarGalactica.”

He rolls his eyes and I smack his arm lightly before realizing that James is watching me, his eyes slightly narrowed. I sit up straighter, putting an inch or two between me andLance.

“It sounds like the break has been good for you then,” Haylee says and I make myself focus on her.Stop looking for excuses to touchLance.

“Definitely. I haven’t thought about particle physics in weeks and I couldn’t be happier aboutit.”

She laughs and turns to Lance. “You know, Lennon’sbrother—”

“Which one?” Lance and Dylan say inunison.

“Cash,” sheclarifies.

“Oh,” Dylan says, looking a littlecrestfallen.

“Dylan has a crush on Reed Ransome,” Laylaexplains.

“I do not have a crush!” Dylan cries. “I just think he’s cool. And a kick-assdrummer.”

“And super dreamy,” Layla adds. “It’s okay, Dylan. We’re not going to judge you for living yourtruth.”

“Anyhow,” Haylee continues loudly. “Cash is going to come down to visit Lennon next weekend with Sam. Sam is his girlfriend,” she says to me. “And she has a nine-year-old son, Wyatt.” Haylee turns back to Lance. “Lennon thought maybe you guys would want to get together with the kids? Do something familyfriendly.”

“Sounds fun,” Layla mutterssarcastically.

“Sure,” Lance says, but he doesn’t sound much more enthused about it than Layla did. He looks at me. “You think Simon would likethat?”

To spend the day with you?I think.He would be thrilled.But I don’t say it out loud. “Yeah, I bet hewould.”

“And,” Lance adds, smiling at me. “You probably wouldn’t mind getting away from the house, right? Imagine—a whole day without handstand contests in thepool.”