Simone And Layla’s Confrontation Is A Long-Time Coming

Although All American: Homecoming gifted Simone and Jordan closure in the season two premiere, it was clear that Simone still had unresolved issues with Layla. During “Integrity,” they finally get the chance to talk.

Simone is not thrilled when Layla shows up at Bringston unannounced with Patience’s choreographer. She and Layla had never directly addressed Layla and Jordan’s romance, as Jordan and Layla had not been officially romantic when Simone reunited with them at Christmas. However, she had determined that Layla and Jordan were hooking up.

“Integrity” has Simone question how to handle Layla’s arrival. Layla wants to save their friendship, but Simone does not seem to agree eagerly with Layla’s sentiment. Still, the two having an isolated conversation face-to-face, finally addressing their connections to Jordan is a long-time coming.

The tension between Simone and Layla is evident as many of their interactions face the awkwardness of handling the situation. However, Layla never lies to Simone. Instead, as much as Layla and Jordan have agreed to keep their relationship a secret from the rest of the Vortex, Layla makes sure she is truthful with Simone.

When Simone claims she knows Jordan and Layla were hooking up, Layla admits they had never done anything while Jordan and Simone were still together and not at Christmas either. However, Layla also does not hold back in revealing that her relationship with Jordan is more serious than just hooking up.

Simone’s anger at Layla is called out by Lando when he questions how she could be so angry at Layla when Layla is telling Simone the truth rather than acting behind her back or lying.

Layla wants to keep their friendship alive, which includes explaining what had caused her and Jordan’s bond to become romantic when Simone asks. Layla’s description of how Jordan had stuck by her side when many others had left during a low point in her life is a solid but shortened wrap-up of the events in All American since college started.

Although Layla makes it clear where she stands with Simone, the next move is up to Simone, and she must decide how she wants to handle it. She chooses to be happy for Layla and Jordan, which means doing it from a distance.

Although Layla and Simone’s friendship may not be close, they conclude the episode with a new understanding. Having the two of them sit down and talk about everything gave them a chance to clear the air.