The show continued with a performance from a pop band whose song played every five minutes on the radio, followed by Team Lissa’s elimination. Naturally, Lacey and Fairy Lights were still safe. Ray talked about how sweet and wholesome she was while she ran off the stage, and I wanted to gag. I had a few choice words for the viewers about the real Lacey, not that anyone would believe me over her.

Last night, my glasses had been waiting for me on top of my guitar case at the end of the show. When I asked producer Steve, he said he’d talked to Lacey but she’d denied everything, and there was nothing he could do. I couldn't tell if he was lying or if he thought I’d just misplaced my glasses. But I knew it was her.

Team Angel went up next, and The Static Klingons were safe, too, which meant I’d have to deal with Sean sometime this week. Instead, the punk band was kicked off her team.

Mohawk Girl and I ran into each other in the lounge after the elimination.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I can’t believe you’re going home.”

She gave a one-shouldered shrug, like it wasn’t a big deal. “It’s fine. We knew we wouldn’t win.”

“You’re not upset?”

“Not really. I’m thrilled we got this far. I mean, a punk band with mohawks and spikes? No way the producers would let us win the show. But we knew we’d get more exposure and bring in a lot of new fans, maybe even get some gigs out of it. That’s all we wanted.”

I was impressed by how calm she was. If we’d been kicked off tonight, I’d be hiding in the bathroom and sobbing. “I hope things work out for you.”

“Thanks.” She leaned close and lowered her voice. “We never had a shot at winning this thing, but you do. Don’t let that Lacey bitch win, even if the show is practically handing it to her.”

“I’ll try.” I was floored she thought we could actually win. But beating Lacey, America’s sweetheart? That might be tough.

Thirty minutes after I got back to the hotel, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find Jared leaning against the frame. His eyes drank me in, skimming up and down my body, and then he gave me a slow smile. “Room service.”