"Okay, just remember that her punishment for falling off the wagon and deeply disappointing all of us is being left on the couch while you sleep in a comfy bed…and give her cold coffee once she wakes up." Layla was leaning on the driver's side window of Alex's car, setting the punishment into motion for Sarah's behavior before she and Nick took off. "Call if you need anything. Here's my number. I know that you live kinda far from me, but don't hesitate. I mean, even if you just need someone to listen, I'm there for you."

He looked over at Sarah, passed out in the passenger's seat. "Does she normally get like this at those parties?"

She bit her lower lip, knowing this was her fault for taking them there. "We all have demons, Alex. I'm sure you know that better than anyone. It was always just a place for her to let loose. Maybe she shouldn't go anymore. It kills me to say that, but her relationship with you is more important than a good time."

"But she has friends there," he argued.

"Friends that may get her into nothing but trouble," she replied sadly. "Look, you two talk about it tomorrow. I don't want to stop being friends with her, and I'd even like to get to know you. There's a lot more to me than parties, so there's plenty we could all do together."

"Nick included?" he asked quietly with a smile.

She looked over her shoulder, seeing him by her car. He was studying the detailed work she recently had done to it. "Yes, he'd definitely be included. He seems like a very cool guy."

"He's like the brother I never had." He looked towards Nick's direction a little longer, then back at Layla. He wanted to say more, but figured he'd better keep his mouth shut. "I'll call you when we get in," he promised.

"Okay, I’m sure we'll be awake. Be careful." She watched his car pull away, the taillights soon out of sight.

"I can't believe you have an Austin Powers' Beetle replica!" Nick laughed.

Layla smirked and made her way over to the car. "And what, sir, is so wrong with that?"

"I dunno. Guess I should've known. I mean, you've got the bell bottoms, peasant shirt, granny glasses, hippie sandals and fringe belt. The only thing that could top all of that off would indeed be a Volkswagen Beetle."

"Are you making fun of my car?"

"No," he laughed. "I'll just keep my mouth shut."

"I'm not offended," she assured. "Just hop in and be prepared for a blast from the past."

He entered the car and chuckled. "Blast from the past my ass, you have a CD player in here. Shouldn't that be replaced with an 8-track?"

"Okay, I see, it's going to be a round of let's laugh at the mildly futuristic hippie."

"I won't say another word," he smiled. "Besides, anything amusing I say is all in good fun."

(The song ‘Sunshine of You Love’ starts playing)

"Does this music bother you?"

"No, not at all. Don't know what ya like or hate until you give it a try, right?"

"Right," she agreed. They made their way onto the highway, heading to her house. "Are you comfortable sleeping in what you have on, or do you want to stop somewhere to get something different?"

"Um, I'm comfortable in my boxers if that's okay with you."

"Don't have a problem with that at all. I just like to make sure my guests feel at home while they're staying with me. I'm sure I have an extra toothbrush. I'm forever making sure I have those since my teeth are horrible."

He looked at her oddly. "Huh? You're teeth are beautiful." He thought about what he had just said, wondering if it sounded stupid.

"Well, thank you! I have a secret though. Promise not to tell anyone?" He shook his head yes, allowing her to continue. "They aren't mine."

"You have false teeth?"

"In a sense, most of my teeth are capped. I inherited horrible genes from both parents when it came to the dental aspect of my life. It just goes to show you that real beauty truly does come from within. Most outer beauty is fake."

"There are other parts of you that are fake?" As soon as the words escaped his mouth, he hit himself in the head.

Nothing but laughter erupted from her. "No, nothing else is fake. My face, butt and boobs are real. No nose jobs, no implants, no liposuction and no lip enhancements. I was just trying to prove a point," she giggled.

He couldn't help but join in the laughter, still feeling like an ass. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, there's not an inch on me that's fake. Not everyone in this business needs to perfect what the Lord gave us. Not all of the women need to have their boyfriends pay for breast implants so that their career can be boosted by their cup size." He bit his tongue, looking over and seeing her practically doubled over in laughter.

"I love your brutal honesty, Nick Carter. I also like your sense of humor. This could indeed be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!"

(The song ‘Freedom’ begins playing)

Layla smiled big as she turned up the radio. "You've got to listen to this! This is from Woodstock 1969. Richie Havens had been playing for hours while the promoters were waiting for the other performers to show up by helicopter. He had basically been through his entire set of music. He stepped off the stage and they told him to go back up and play some more. The man was totally out of songs. So, he just strummed his guitar and started singing the first words that came to mind."

Nick listened intently to the passion and exhaustion that filled the man's voice. The words were as powerful as his vocal chords. "I've heard oldies music before, but never like this," he said in amazement. "My parents were always into the classics, so I'm not totally stupid about what you're into."

"And that's a good thing," she confirmed. "I just hope you're not freaked out by my place."

"Looks like the party?"

"No, it's just....different. I'm a collector of many things. I'll just wait to explain more once we get there."

"Is that soon?"

"Are you usually this antsy?"

"No, I just really have to use the bathroom," he replied shyly.

"Oh, well, I'm embarrassed that I made fun of you now."

"Don't be embarrassed, just drive," he giggled.

"Only five more minutes," she confirmed.

Nick just concentrated on the music until they pulled into her driveway. The outside looked normal enough, so he prepared himself for once they entered.

"Okay, don't be fooled by the first room," she warned. "I figured one room should at least look normal." She turned the key and allowed him to enter first. "This is the living room."

The area was magnificent. The walls and sofas were pure white, the shag carpet was a deep blue and the furniture looked to be real oak. "Did you decorate this yourself or hire someone?"

"I'm guilty of this entire house. We'll be in this room most of the night, so let me take you on a grand tour. But first, I'll show you to the bathroom." She led him down a long hallway, heading for the last door possible. "The guest bathroom isn't working. I gotta get that fixed this week. So, you can use the bathroom in my bedroom while you're here."

Once his eyes took a look at the space before him, he was in love. Her entire bedroom had an ocean theme. "My God," he breathed. "You wanna decorate my room?" he smirked. The carpet was the color of sand. The walls, made to look like the bluest waters, had miniature sea shells glued to various spots. The waterbed had gorgeous attire and the headboard was made of glass and filled with sand. "Aren't you afraid that might break under," he paused for a second and smiled at her, "strenuous activity?"

She was sent into a fit of laughter once more. "Believe me; this bed doesn't get to experience much rockin'. I think the only waves that get made are from when I flop down after another disturbing fashion show."

He chuckled along, but inside he was jumping up and down for joy. All he really had to do was spend some more time with this girl, let her fall madly in love with him and he'd be set, right? "I'll be out in a bit." He entered the bathroom, allowing a long sigh to escape past his lips. This room held the same look as its counterpart. He looked in the mirror, seeing he was still looking pretty decent for it being so late. "Just play it cool," he whispered. "Be friends with this girl, become everything she's ever wanted and more," he continued. He finished his business and took one final look. "Don't screw up, don't push it and whatever you do don't fall so hard that you can't get back up."