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painting. Emotionally, I’ve never been happier.” I realized I’d spoken more harshly than I intended.
    “We’re so relieved to hear it, Lexi. We really are, nothing makes us happier than to have our Lexi back. It doesn’t mean we’re ready to ship you off to ancient Pompeii though. You have to admit this is too crazy for even the crazy to believe.”
    “Come on, Charlotte. Aren’t you the least tiny, teeny bit curious about this?” I peered at her above the rim of my cup. Like me, Charlotte was a hopeless romantic. Pleading to her whimsical, romantic side would bring her around pretty fast. From the sparkle in her eyes, I knew my plea worked.
    “Okay, I’ll entertain the idea that the painting is a time portal. And let’s just say we help you with research and you actually go. Then what? What if you get stuck there? What if something happens to you there? What are you going to tell your parents? What will we tell your parents?”
    As I already knew, there was a lot to consider, which I obviously was thinking about...But it didn’t mean I wasn’t going back. Not a chance.
    “We’ll make you a deal. Lexi: you stay put and don’t mess with the painting at all during the week and we’ll help with research. She glanced at Charlotte for consent and, from the corner of my eye, I saw Charlotte nod. “Deal?”
    I couldn’t believe my ears. “Yes, Kate, it’s a deal.” I burst into giggles, throwing my arms around her. Then I turned to Charlotte and hugged her just as tightly.
    “I know this is complete madness. I just can’t help but feel there’s a higher power at play here, and that the painting landed in my hands for a reason. I guess I better brush up on my Latin…” I let my words hang unfinished in the air between us. I clapped my hands with excitement. “So, where do we begin?”
    “Well, we can start with another pot of coffee and ordering in from somewhere. I’m starving and, as lovely as the toast with eggs was, I need real food to think clearly.” Kate stretched like a cat on the couch, grinning.
    “Done. I’ll find the menus and then we’ll get started.”
    “Real slave driver, isn’t she? Life in Pompeii might be just the right fit for you after all, Lexi.” Kate nudged me with her foot making us all laugh out loud.
    By four in the afternoon, the girls headed home with the plan to return for the sleepover on Friday after our dinner. We promised we would send each other important information that we came across during our research.
    The wheels were in motion. My skin tingled with excitement. By this time next week I could be on my way to Pompeii again. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of walking among the locals as one of them, free to explore the once-glorious city.
    I debated whether to tell Mrs. Ashton about the painting now or wait until after my second visit.
    I decided to tell her right away. I had no doubt she knew more than she’d said. And I wouldn’t leave her apartment until she told me something…anything. At the very least, she’d be an extra set of hands with the research.
    Pulling my hair into a low ponytail, I slipped on my flip-flops and traipsed downstairs. I’d barely knocked on her door when it swung open, startling me. That woman was always on high alert. Geez!
    I have to admit that sometimes she gave me the creeps even though she was kind, sweet and always had good intentions. She sometimes seemed to teeter between psychic, eccentric, and at times, completely out there. “Lexi, this is a nice surprise.” She stood aside for me to go in.
    “How was your weekend?” I tried to sound casual, hoping the tenor in my voice didn’t give away my nervousness.
    “It was fine, but nothing as exciting as yours.” She took a seat on the couch, patting the cushion next to her.
    Was she hinting at what I think she was?
    “Ah…what do you mean?” I hoped to sound nonchalant.
    “Well, I know your girlfriends were here and you always have a wonderful time