As my father calls up the next performer, Nick squeezes my hand. But even with him holding my hand tightly, I feel very lost and alone.

“I have a surprise for you,” Nick says later that night as we pull into the parking lot of the Star Light Motel.

“You do?” I smile.

Nick looks at me for a long moment. “I told my mom and dad about where you were staying.”

I can feel the smile melt from my face. “You did?” I didn’t want anyone else to know.

Nick nods. “They were as horrified as I was.”

“It’s not that bad,” I say defensively.

“It’s pretty bad,” Nick says.

I make a face. “Fine, so it’s awful. But I’ll be okay. Anyhow, it’s not like I have anywhere else to go right now.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” He turns to me. “You know how I said I was staying in the little apartment above the restaurant?”

I nod, and Nick continues.

“Well, I talked to my mom and dad, and they said it’s fine if you move in there for a little while.”

I can feel the blood drain from my face. “What? Nick, I barely know you. I can’t live with you! I can’t even believe your mom and dad would be okay with that!”

Nick laughs. “No!” he exclaims. “I mean, I moved my stuff home to my parents’ house this afternoon. I’ll stay with them for a few weeks. It’s no big deal. The apartment above the restaurant is so tiny you can barely turn around in it, but at least it’s not infested with roaches. And the sheets have actually been washed this decade.”

“Nick!” I exclaim. I’m floored. “I can’t take your apartment!”

“Sure you can,” he says. “And you’d better. Because I know I’m not going to be able to sleep at night thinking of you being in this dirty motel.”

“I have Raid,” I say weakly. “I’ll be fine. Really.”

“I’m not discussing it further,” he says firmly. “Go pack up. I’ll help you move your stuff.”

I open my mouth to protest again, but Nick shushes me.

“Seriously, Amanda,” he says. “There’s no way I’m letting you stay here.”

“Nick, I don’t even know what to say. I’ll give your parents everything I make at the restaurant, but I don’t really think I can pay them much rent right now . . .,” I begin. I can feel my cheeks flush in embarrassment. Nick shakes his head.

“Amanda, no one expects you to pay for the apartment. We all agreed that you couldn’t keep living here. Now stop worrying and start packing, okay?”