Layla looked around the restaurant, a bit awestruck. Her mother's salary didn't lend itself to extravagances. She planned on angling for the Cheesecake Factory; instead Aunt Miranda pulled up right in front of Marjiano.

"I've been told this is the new hot spot in Maxville."

Layla's rapidly snapped her jaw shut. "Yeah, if you like spending lots of money for pasta." Her aunt didn't know what she was getting into. It would be unprincipled to take advantage of her. "And that's before the wine list."

Aunt Miranda was rather fond of alcohol as she recalled.

"Too bad to hear that," Miranda grinned cheekily. "I do enjoy a good merlot. You probably remember I enjoyed it a little too much when you were a little tike. Nothing like a little wine in the afternoon to mellow out the day."

Layla let herself be led to a table with fine linen and a menu without prices. She couldn't help but feel grown up when the host pulled out a chair for her.

"Aunt Miranda. Can you afford this?" she whispered.

Miranda waved off her concern. "I got a message last night from an old friend with a lucrative job offer, so I thought I'd splurge. "I guess you haven't been here before."

Layla surprised her by shaking her head. "The Strongholds, that's Will's mom and Dad, treated us for Mom's birthday."

"It sounds like they have money," Miranda nodded approvingly. "A bulging wallet is a great accessory. Hang on to this one with tooth and nail if you have to."

"His parents are pretty successful and his granddad's rich," Layla told her. "I'll have the vegetable lasagna and iced tea," Layla told the hovering waitress.

"And I'll have a seafood salad and the house recommended wine." Miranda closed the menu with a snap. The waitress left to place their order. Miranda tore off a piece of bread. "Have you decided what you want to study in college?"

"Not exactly. Certainly something in the environmental or plant science field. Will and I are going to go to University of Maxville. I'll probably transfer to Metropolis at some point for a Master's." Layla bit her lip. Aunt Miranda's expression had hardened. She knew her aunt hadn't finished college. "The community helps us with placement, you know."

"I guess there are some advantages to being part of a secret society." Layla couldn't tell if she sounded bitter or just resigned. "What about your boyfriend? Is he the egghead type?" Miranda asked.

Layla's couldn't help giggling at the mere thought. "Not Will. I think he may have a mild case of ADD. I mean, he's not stupid, but he gets distracted easily. Maybe he'd do better if he had to sweat it, but he's going into the family business." Layla rolled her eyes. "It's been planned since birth. His parents' are very successful realtors."

"That's lucky for him."

"It can be a bit of a drag sometimes. Will's parents mean well but they are a bit larger than life. Nobody can suck the oxygen out of a room quicker than the Co . . ." Layla hastily took a sip of the tea the waitress had just silently delivered, "than his parents."

"He doesn't want to be a realtor? This is a free country. Tell him to get a backbone."

"Will doesn't have a better idea, so going into real estate is fine. He and his Dad are arguing right now about his college degree. His Dad wants him to go into Business. Will wants to study liberal arts. I think he will do well in real estate."

"Why?"

Layla warmed to her favorite subject. "He's very good with people and has a wonderfully easy going charm. I think he'll enjoy helping people find homes. It's not like he has a lot of choice. What with," she lowered her voice, "being you know what, a lot of careers are out of the question. It's too bad he couldn't come today. You'd understand him better if you could meet him."

Miranda reached forward and grasp Layla's wrist. "Maybe this is better. We can have some good girl talk." By know the server had returned with their orders. Miranda took a mouthful of salad. "I got the impression my sister wasn't thrilled with Will."

"Oh, no," Layla interjected quickly. "She likes Will. She just thinks I'm too young to be emotionally attached." Layla took a mouthful of pasta.

"Well," Miranda leaned forward conspiratorially, "I shouldn't tell you this, but Nat had plenty of boyfriends in high school.

Layla stared morosely at her plate. "She's gotten so uptight on the subject that we can't even have a discussion without her losing it."

"Layla, if you want a sympathetic ear, I've available. Trust me, I love your Mom, but nobody knows better than me how closed minded she can be when she makes up her mind."

Layla looked doubtful.

"Honest, what's happens at Marjiano's stays in Marjiano's."

Her sex life, or lack of it, was the last thing Layla had planned on discussing at lunch, but her aunt had provided an outlet to vent her unhappiness. "Well, I tried to talk to her about going on birth control and she couldn't deal. She had a screaming fit, made it sound like I was going to start streetwalking. I wasn't allowed to even date Will for a week, and we hadn't done anything." The injustice of it still infuriated her.

Miranda looked suitably shocked. "That's terrible, Layla."

Layla just stared at her nearly empty plate.

"I really mean it. Nat is being totally unreasonable."

"I know she just worries about me. But does she think I want to get pregnant?"

"So Will uses protection?"

"Between his parents and my nazi of a mother, there is NO reason. I'm pretty sure she told Will's Mom about the birth control, cause it got even worse after that. We hardly get to spend any time together alone. I mean, I'm going to be eighteen next month." That unpleasant knot was back in the pit of her stomach. The knot that would never completely be untied, no matter how affectionate Will was to her. She was dating the most eligible boy in school. Will could have his pick of any Hero girl. Sure, he didn't pay any of them the least attention. Most of the time he didn't even pick up on the fact that they were coming on to him until Warren pointed it out. Layla took her last bite of lasagna. Her feelings of ill usage were threatening to overwhelm her. The two ate in silence for a while.

"What about you?" Layla asked with forced cheerfulness. "Are you seeing anybody?"

Miranda gave her credit card to the waitress. "I'm taking a little vacation from men. How 'bout an early birthday gift? I don't think I'll be in the country for your birthday. I've got the perfect gift for you."

Miranda dragged toward the department store next door. She scanned the directory quickly and headed for the escalator.

"Where are we going?" Layla asked. Her aunt just kept walking, finally coming to stop before a display of robes and matching mule slippers. Layla had always thought an evil villain invented high-heeled slippers.

"If I ever met a girl who needed a sexy nightgown, it's you." Miranda held out a black silk teddy. "Do you like it?"

Layla laughed humorlessly. "Mom would burn it."

Miranda put it back. "Good point. 'Sides, a girl your age doesn't need to wear black. How bout something a little more conservative? Look around for something you like." Miranda took off before Layla could object. She knew her mother would not approve of her sister buying her expensive gifts, but Layla was feeling rebellious. And her birthday was coming up. Layla wandered around. She stopped at the display of matching pajama sets. She found one the color of Granny Smith apples. The fabric was soft and shiny. It wouldn't show a lot of skin, but there was something decadent about it all the same.

"Ohh, that will look good with your coloring."

"Where you serious, about an early birthday gift?"

Miranda nudged her toward the changing rooms. It only took a few minutes to discover the pajamas fit like a glove.

"There is nothing like silk on your skin, is there." Miranda plucked the fabric from Layla's hands. She had picked out a few items for herself.

"I don't know what to say," Layla felt awkward. "I really shouldn't let you buy me anything."

Miranda embraced her, kissing her on the cheek. "You are only young once, Layla. It's a special time of your life. Don't let your mother ruin that."

Layla looked surprised. "I know that's not politically correct speech, but I think your mother should have more respect for you. You're a sensible girl. Let's go sit outside for a few minutes. I want to talk to you."

Layla followed her aunt out of the store. It was hot outside so they found a bench in the shade.

"Remember I told you I got an e-mail last night. An old friend of mine needs some last minute help with an album. It's good money. I can't afford to turn him down. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."

"That's too bad." Layla meant it. Today had been fun.

"This isn't the Saturday that you work, is it?"

"No. I'm off this weekend."

"Good, what about your boyfriend?"

"Will insisted he be left alone on my weekend off. We'll probably catch a movie."

"I am going to make a reservation at the Maxville Regency for Saturday night. You can check in at 2.00pm." Layla's eyes popped open wide. "I'll put your name on the reservation and I'll pay in advance. All you have to do is pick up the key. They won't ask for identification. I wouldn't have your young man standing next to you, but hotels are discreet places. There is a subway connection right in front of the hotel."

Layla's face had turned white. "What are you saying?"

"You, Will, and hotel room. I don't think I need to draw you a map.