I bite my tongue to stop myself from telling her I’m not the host and that Kellan is. While I might be popular by name, I’m not in person. I’m not the type who hangs out in big crowds and makes friends with strangers, and frankly, talking to someone I don’t know sounds worse than getting a root canal.
We leave my room, locking the door behind us, and head down the stairs. It takes us five minutes to weave through the party and say our goodbyes to the ones who matter.
“I didn’t realize how hot the house was,” she says as we take off down the street.
“Are you cold?” I ask as I put my arm around her shoulders.
She shakes her head. “I’m good.”
“Did you have a good time tonight?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I did. I’m glad I came.”
“Me too. I’m glad things seem to be working out with the help you guys have now.” I press a kiss to the side of her head.
“Janice is a godsend. I know it’s only for one night a week, for me at least, but it’s amazing. Will seems to appreciate it too.”
Pride rushes through me the more she talks. Even if things never work out between us, I’m glad that I could set this up for her. She deserves the help. Not that I will ever let her know I was behind it.
When we get to her house, I follow her inside and shut the door behind me.
“Hi, Janice,” she says softly.
The older woman, who would probably be about my mother’s age if she were still alive, looks up from her sewing project and smiles. “Good evening, Lyla. Did you have a good time?”
“I did. How was dad tonight?” Lyla asks as she wrings her hands together.
Janice’s eyes soften. “Your dad was fine, and he’s already asleep. I checked on him about twenty minutes ago, and he was out like a light.”
“And he didn’t try to run you off?” Lyla asks.
That’s been her main worry. That her dad would forget who Janice is and try to run her from the house.
Janice shakes her head. “No dear. Honestly, he was no trouble at all.”
“Good. I’m glad.” Lyla sighs as she relaxes. She turns her gaze toward me. “I’m going to go check on him.”
“Sounds good.” I smile.
Once she disappears down the hall, I turn back to Janice.
“Good kids like them shouldn’t have to go through things like this. It’s unfair,” she says as she puts her project into her bag before picking it up.
“I agree.”
Janice walks over to me and rests her hand on my shoulder. “You’re a good boy for helping them. She is lucky to have a man like you at her side.”
“Thank you,” I tell her quietly.
“I’ll slip out while she’s busy. Tell her I will see her next week.” Janice heads toward the door.
“Night.”
I watch as she leaves.
“Hey, where did Janice go?” Lyla asks as she comes back into the room as I lock the front door.
“She had to go,” I tell her.
