A/N: Technically, it was "SC"'s turn to get a new chapter, but this one was easier to write. However, I am working on something for Sophomore Chronicles, so that should be up soon.

From the maitre d's podium, Thomasin peered over and groaned aloud in frustration. Sitting with Billy, stirring her margarita idly, was Mrs. Maguire, a stern and cold lady who looked to come from the traditional upper crust. It was clear to Adam, after a few days in the Maguire household, who held the power in the family.

"Crap," Thomasin hissed under her breath, "Billy brought his mom. God help me, that woman is going to be my mother-in-law."

Adam directed a discreetly quick and worried glance at Thomasin. She genuinely seemed perturbed by the appearance of her would-be mother-in-law. Adam didn't blame her—Mrs. Maguire reminded Adam easily of his own mother, who never approved of his engagement to Thomasin.

When everyone was seated, Adam finally noticed the empty chair beside him. "Are we waiting for somebody?"

Before Billy could respond, a familiar voice sounded behind Adam. "Adam! I'm so glad to finally spend some time around you!" Adam almost groaned aloud as Stacey draped her arms around him and gave Adam a kiss. With each passing moment, Adam was questioning even more and more what exactly he saw in Stacey. Even without Thomasin around, Adam was sure that eventually he would have come to this conclusion.

"Thomasin," Mrs. Maguire began, "I was telling Billy that he should talk to you about leaving school after the wedding."

Billy glared at his mother. "Mom, I told you that I'm not going to ask Thomasin to leave law school just because she's marrying me."

Adam opened his mouth to speak, but Pilar threw him a glance that said that it wasn't his business. It hurt Adam to be reminded just how inconsequential he was in Thomasin's life.

Mrs. Maguire spoke in an unemotional and detached tone. "Thomasin, there is no need for you to chase this silly 'liberated woman's' dream when Billy can provide everything you'll ever need. All you have to do is maintain his household and raise his children."

Thomasin replied in her cool voice, each word carefully chosen. "With all due respect, Theresa, but I graduated from UCLA as the valedictorian of my class with a double major in political science and economics. I believe that I've earned the right to chase my silly 'liberated woman's' dream." Adam was impressed by her composure.

Mrs. Maguire seemed perplexed by Thomasin. "You're going to have so many responsibilities as a Maguire wife that you won't have time for law school. There are parties to host, charity fundraisers to organize, plus all the time it takes to maintain the upkeep of your appearance. A Maguire wife is a public face of the family."

Billy inserted good-naturedly, "There are firms that are aggressively recruiting Thomasin right now, and she's still in school. Given a few years, she'll be the one providing for ME."

Mrs. Maguire shook her head, with a hidden element of anger. "I just don't know where you're coming from, Thomasin. What family do you come from? The Logans own a few bookstores across the country. You're dealing with a family that is integral to the history of California—you adjust to us, not the other way around."

Adam couldn't take staying silent any longer—Thomasin certainly didn't deserve this abuse. But before Adam could speak, Billy pounded his fist angrily, capturing the attention of everyone at the table, and the subtle ear of everyone in the restaurant. "This is our life, Mom—not yours. We've all been afraid of you, the whole family. But I refuse to let you bring Thomasin into this vicious cycle of intimidation."

"Billy, please, we're in a public institution—" Mrs. Maguire was visibly shaken.

Billy continued, "In fact, I think its time that I finally got the courage to say—"

"Your avocado scallop, sir." The entrance of the waiter interrupted Billy.

He appeared to calm down and paused to enjoy his meal, but Adam had to look at him in wonder. He knew from experience how hard it was to stand up to domineering parents—Billy was made of something tougher than Adam initially thought. Adam caught Billy's eye, and couldn't help but give him somewhat of a tentative smile.

Mrs. Maguire looked distressed, staring at Billy for a long moment. Finally, she wordlessly picked up her purse and walked out of the restaurant. Billy watched his mother leave with an indescribable expression on his face. There was a silence at the table, and Thomasin gently placed a hand on Billy's. "Thank you."

Adam had to look away, for the moment seemed painfully intimate.

Stacey, seemingly feeling left out of all the proceedings, reached around to snake her unwelcome arm around Adam's waist. Adam couldn't pretend any longer to be attracted to her—he had to end it tonight.

Pilar chuckled at the sight of the two couples. "It looks like I'm the only single one here. Luckily, the menu has the single girls' comfort dessert—English truffle."

Stacey nodded. "I love English truffles—Adam and I are going to have them at our wedding. Right, sweetie?"

Adam's mouth dropped open—he couldn't believe Stacey's audacity. Before he could respond, Billy smiled. "Really? Are we expecting another set of nuptials?"

Stacey beamed. "Well, we aren't officially engaged, but after five months it's only a matter of time, right?"

Pilar and Billy laughed while Stacey absorbed the attention. It was an awkward situation for Adam—exactly how was the best way to burst Stacey's bubble?

Adam's eyes wandered the table and he noticed Thomasin looking at him. Adam met her gaze defiantly. Thomasin simply shook her head slightly and looked away. "So, Stacey—have you thought about a color scheme for your wedding?"

Adam didn't know what to think. His situation just kept becoming more and more complicated and Adam was becoming less and less sure that a happy ending was possible.