Eric had to admit that she looked street—upscale street, but still street. Kayla's look tended to change with the seasons; at the moment it was less Goth than paramilitary, with laced jump boots.

He paused at the sight of the newly arrived trio: Seth, standing unsteadily, blood oozing down his forehead; Cyndi, in her microdress and heels; and Duane, with Blossom coiled around him, her head hovering next to his.

an L variety

inhibit someone's freedom