Vickie could just imagine what those "other things" were. She continued to walk alongside Jeff as they turned down Gayley.

"Nice, isn't it?"

Vickie had to admit the street had charm. Tall maple and eucalyptus trees arched over the narrow street, shading the area protectively. Small houses and apartments with neatly manicured lawns lined either side of Gayley. It was almost too perfect to be real. Vickie thought it had a Disneyland cuteness about it.

"Some of these places are a steal," Jeff said, slowing down as they approached a two-story brown stucco apartment house halfway down the street. "My place. Come on in. It's hot today and I need something to drink."

Vickie felt all the danger signals tripping in her mind. Don't go in! Don't go, or you won't come out that door the same!

"I'd better not. It's getting late and I've got so much to do. I have to decide whether or not to join the sorority and…"

"You'll join. All the girls around here whose folks are important or have money join it sooner or later. Pressure on the family, on you, you know," Jeff said, shrugging his shoulders. "Come on."

Pressure? What kind of pressure? What kind of pressure was he going to put on her? Already Vickie could feel the tugging of persuasive strings as she walked reluctantly up to the door of his building.

"Don't took so gloomy. Once you get used to the rules, it's not so bad."

Vickie followed him into the darkened hall, past several closed doors and up a narrow stairway. Somewhere in the distance she could hear a stereo faintly playing jazz. There was giggling behind some doors and the faint aroma of marijuana. There was little doubt college students inhabited this building.

"This is the place," Jeff said proudly, fishing out his keys and unlocking the door.

"Only for a few minutes," Vickie warned, passing in front of him. She shivered, feeling his hot breath against the back of her neck. Had he purposely leaned forward and done that or was it just her imagination?