(The song ‘Killer Queen’ is playing)

Nick bit his lower lip once he exited the bathroom, seeing Layla lying on the bed playing with the stereo remote. No matter what this girl did tonight, he had to act normal. He had to treat the sight of her on a bed just like it was his sister on the bed. Who was he kidding? There was no way he could do this and get away with it.

"Come and join me," she chirped. "You said yourself that you don't get to relax nearly enough." He swallowed hard and did as asked. He thanked the Lord that the bed was king sized, leaving plenty of space between the two of them. Unfortunately, Layla remedied that, scooting closer once he lay down. "I hope this doesn't sound weird, and I know that we're practically strangers, but I feel a really good connection with you." She lay on her side, facing him, and propped her head up on her left hand. "If you think I'm totally spacey and want to run out of the house, I understand," she giggled.

He had to chuckle along. "I don't think you're far out there for thinking that. I've only known you for a few hours, but I can already tell you're a pretty special girl." He fought every urge to look at her, to keep staring at the ceiling, but his heart forced him to look at her regardless.

She smiled shyly, feeling embarrassed yet flattered. "You know, and don't think I'm flakey for confiding this, Sarah had to convince me to meet you today. I thought she was just trying to set me up with one more guy. She insisted that it wasn't her plan, to just give you a chance as a friend. To let you be the kind of friend I've been in need of for a long time." She looked away, lying on her back. "I totally believe in fate. I believe God put us in our places today for a purpose and reason. He's known that I've been losing one of my closest friends for a long time now and that I needed someone to listen."

It was his turn to face her, becoming intrigued by whatever story lay beneath this confession. "That guy you went and talked to tonight at the party, is that the friend you're talking about?"

(The song ‘Show Me the Way’ begins playing)

"Jasper has been my friend for a long time. Hell, I think of him like a brother. He's always had more experience than me in everything. He grew up in Las Vegas and hung out in the casinos before he reached double digits in age, lost his virginity by the time he was fourteen, started drinking and smoking pot by the time high school rolled around, was experimenting with deadlier drugs before the prom and was dealing by the time graduation hit."

He saw her eyes water as she talked, soon feeling the pain she was harboring. "No offense towards him, but what in the world made you even associate with someone like that?"

"He has a heart of gold. He cares about the people in his life. He's a wonderful listener and is intelligent."

"But he also sounds destructive as hell."

"I could say the same about Alex," she smirked.

"But he cleaned up his act. He wanted to live and remember the moments. Something tells me you only see the good in people."

"I try to see the good in everyone."

"But not everyone is good. There are some people out there who are downright evil."

She looked away, not wanting to think about the pain in her life anymore. "This is a depressing subject. I still have to show you around my house, but I think we should both get comfortable."

Fear entered his mind. He realized he should've taken Layla up on her offer of stopping somewhere for a pair of pajamas. No, he had to keep his cool. He could pull this off. There was no reason why he should feel self conscience around this girl while wearing his boxers. It was just like a pair of shorts. No big deal. "Did you want me to step out while you change?"

"Nah, you can just stay here." She walked over to her closet, trying to pick out something to wear.

"Are you sure?"

"Yea," she picked out what she wanted, turning around to face him. "You've seen a naked girl before, right?" She watched as he swallowed hard, and then busted out in laughter. "I'm just playin'! I wouldn't do that to you. I'll go in the bathroom and you can strip down to your undies out here." She walked past him, and then stopped. "You're so easy to fool," she giggled.

He smiled along and waited till she shut the door, staring up at the ceiling once more. "That could be my downfall with you," he whispered. "How the hell am I gonna know if you want me or if you're just playin'?" He sat up and began to undress, realizing he needed to relax just a little. If they were going to be friends then she had to know she could trust him and that he wasn't just interested in her for one thing. That's was totally not what he wanted to get out of this. Once he was left in only his boxers, he sat patiently. He decided to lay back on the bed, taking in the music that was playing. The guitar was absolutely amazing. But, just as he was getting into it, the song ended.

(The song ‘You’d Better Love Somebody’ begins playing)

A shocker was about to come his way though. Were his ears deceiving him? Was eighties rock filling the room? He hadn't heard the song in forever, but it was a familiar one. The lyrics were also reminiscent of the young girl he had just met that evening. He decided to take a look at her giant music collection, only shocking him more. He expected to see a vast assortment of golden oldies, but found that a huge spread of rock and roll history was right in front of him. Bryan Adams, Heart, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Lynard Skynard, Boston, Journey, Motley Crue, Guns and Roses, Metallica, April Wine, Blue Oyster Cult and the list went on and on.

"You're finding out my secret!"

The bubbly voice surprised him, causing him to whirl around and almost knock Layla over. "Hasn't anyone ever told you not to stand so close when sneaking up on someone?" he laughed. "Besides, being a rock and roll fanatic of all eras is nothing to be kept secret. My God, you have a small fortune here. I thought my CD collection was huge."

"Music isn't just your passion," she confided quietly, "it's mine as well."

"Gee, I couldn't tell." He took a good look at her. The outfit wasn't revealing, but she still looked good. The tank top and pajama pants were cute, but she was cuter.

"Well, this only gives me more fuel for the fire," she teased.

"Huh?"

"I'm getting you back for the perky comment you made earlier, but finding out my deep secret only gives me more of a reason to do this to you."

"Do what to me?" he questioned curiously.

"Sit on the bed. No, instead, follow me out to the living room. Grab some CDs that interest you."

He looked oddly at her, but took another look at the collection. "I don't know if I should be scared or not." He glanced up, only seeing a devilish grin on her face. "I should definitely be scared," he giggled.

"Just walk this way to receive your revenge."