Frank takes her home and meets Mom

"I thank you for your confidence in me," Frank laughed. "We'll see how it goes."

"I can call her right now!" Brittany bubbled, nodding her head eagerly.

"Hold it. Not today. I'll tell you when. Right now I better get you home. Your mother is probably worried."

The sudden look of shock on the blonde teen's face told him she hadn't thought of her mother until now. She scrolled through her phone, biting her lip and looking worried.

"She's called a couple of times and texted too. I had the phone muted, so I didn't hear them. She sounds really mad."

"Phone her and tell her you slept at a friends and that you'll be home soon," Frank advised. "I'm going to have a quick shower."

Frank showered and dressed, and found Brittany standing in his kitchen looking nervous.

"Ready to go? Everything ok?"

"Umm...I told her I stayed with a friend and she asked who, because she'd already called the Gillespie's and they said I wasn't there. So...I told her that I stayed with another neighbor because I was worried about walking home late and there were a bunch of people staying here." She looked at him anxiously. "I told her I'd be home soon, and that I was getting a ride. Ummm...she said she wanted to meet you."

"Ok, let's go," Frank smiled. Brittany looked doubtful.

It took less than five minutes to drive to Brittany's house. She bit her lip and looked longingly at Frank before she got out of the vehicle and led him up the steps to the front door. Opening it, she called out to her mother, and stood waiting anxiously as and answering voice said she'd be right there.

Frank stood at ease and relaxed, waiting to see what would happen.

"Brittany! I was worried sick! I can't believe you didn't call! And...oh excuse me. I'm Brenda Gleason, Brittany's mother."

"Frank Castillo. I live on the same block as the Gillespies."

"Mr. Castillo let me stay at his place. A bunch of people did. There was nothing to worry about Mom. I'm eighteen anyway."

"You know how much I worry. Pleased to meet you Mr. Castillo, thanks for sheltering my wayward daughter. Won't you come in? I have some coffee on."

"That would be great," Frank smiled, following her into the kitchen, Brittany trailing behind still looking anxious.

"I've got to admit I was worried that Brittany was...well you know how boys and girls can be. I feel much better now that I've met you, Mr. Castillo."

"Frank. And you feel better because I'm old and harmless?" he chuckled.

"I don't mean to be rude," Brenda blushed apologetically. "But a mother does worry. Did you have a good time at the party, sweetheart? I'm sure there was alcohol there, but I hope you didn't get silly."

"No mother," Brittany sighed exasperatedly. "I was a good little girl. I just didn't want to walk all the way home in the dark. And Mr. Castillo was my knight in shining armour."

"How lovely. Cream and sugar Frank? Help yourself. I just have to run to the little girl's room." She left the coffee cups on the counter as she scurried away. Frank smiled at Brittany, who looked after her mother with irritation, and patted the vial of drugs that he had in his pocket, considering options.