You’re so naive, Ginny.
He’s told me that.Lancehas told me that. And for the first time, I agree.
Percy fidgets with his mug handle. “Please don’t tell Lance I said any of that.”
“I won’t.”
His phone buzzes. He glances at it and stands, draining the last of his coffee.
“That’s my cue.” He carries the mug to the sink—just like Lance did—and sets it down.
Percy opens the door and Lance fills the frame, a paper bag in one hand, his eyes scanning the apartment before they land on me.
My stomach flips.
“Anything?” Lance asks Percy.
“All quiet.”
Lance nods, and reaches out, gripping the back of Percy’s neck, and gives him a small shake. “You eat today?”
Percy rolls his eyes. “It’s six thirty in the morning.”
“That’s not an answer.” Lance holds up the paper bag. “There’s an extra sandwich in here. Take it.”
“I’m fine.”
“Percy.”
The kid sighs, but he’s fighting a smile as he takes the bag and pulls out a wrapped sandwich.
“Get out of here,” Lance says. “And call me if they’re about to take you to a pop-up.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“I mean it.”
“I know.” Percy tucks the sandwich into his hoodie pocket and glances back at me. “Bye.”
“Bye, Percy.”
He slips past Lance and disappears down the sidewalk, andLance watches him go, standing in the doorway until the kid rounds the corner and is out of sight.
When he turns back to me, the softness is gone. But I saw it.
“You care about him,” I say.
“He’s a good kid.”
“Is he fighting?”
He halts halfway into the living room and drops his head. “I knew he wouldn’t be able to keep his mouth shut.”
“How could you let them do that? He’s just akid.”
Lance stares at me.
“You done?” he asks.
