A Look Around Honey Hollow

Boxwood Court

“Okay, I’ll add Sienna and Olena to the list for Too Scary as the primary reason. Should I add Iona as well?” Newt mulled over before turning to study the dry-erase board.

While he pondered the fate of JoJo’s hyper soccer teammate, Newt looked over the board. He’d listed every girl in his senior class, and each candidate for his potential girlfriend received a ranking based on one of the categories deemed essential. These included intelligence, attractiveness, known sexual experience, and “Can I talk to her?”

Upon deciding that Iona might be too aggressive for his experience level and her close friendship with JoJo, Newt added her to the Off List, bringing the list to eight names. Aurora ended up on the list primarily due to Austin. Whitney, Lacey, and Ramsey weren’t ranked, as Newt viewed them as reserved for Sean. A Questionable List was also created for girls with solid potential in a current relationship. Heidi Ceet, Daisy Kirby, and Abby Pharr filed the list. Chester and Abby’s on-and-off relationship flummoxed Newt. He didn’t understand those relationships. If you aren’t compatible with your partner, you should make a clean break.

In particular, Newt frowned at Abby’s name. Not only did she score high marks in each category, but as one of JoJo’s teammates, he felt the soccer player to be approachable. Of course, JoJo wasn’t even on the larger list. Although he recognized his friend as an attractive girl, unlike Sean, Newt also didn’t view her as a romantic interest. JoJo was just JoJo.

Another name Newt couldn’t decide on was Annika Bergstrom. Should he add her to the Questionable List? He knew the star volleyball player best on the team as she’d visited Peyton occasionally over the years. However, during Newt’s people-watching last night, he spotted Annika getting cozy with Mason Angle, another of JoJo’s teammates.

“Why don’t I just add Annika to the further research section?” Newt pondered aloud before typing her name into the adjusted lists on his computer. “Alight, let’s look at the cheerleaders.”

Newt couldn’t believe he even had a shot with any cheerleader, but Whitney taking over Sean’s dating life opened new doors for his best male friend. Clearly, Yumi went onto the Virgin List (Too Much Work). After finally losing his virginity, Newt wasn’t in the mood to wait several months for his next sexual experience. Virgins weren’t necessarily eliminated. However, they needed to be girls open to the strong possibility of sex. That’s the reason why Roxanne didn’t join Yumi.

Caterina wasn’t the girlfriend type. Yet, she could be an experience gainer as a fling. Kaitlin scored the highest marks of any ranked cheerleader. And none of the junior-year cheerleaders seemed worth the trouble of dating a younger girl.

“Well, this is perplexing,” Newt said, scanning the list of Sugarbees.

With Sean seemingly claimed by the cheer squad that closeness might hurt his friend's chances with the dance squad. Delilah could still be in play, but Bianca and Yelena held grudges against their rivals. Also, both sexy dancers frightened him. Newt could see himself with Jasmine. Rosita appeared as the most fun option of the remaining Sugarbees. And with her working as a barista part-time at The Gassy Spout, Newt had easy access to striking up conversations.

“Hmmm,” the teen sounded, reading the Bumble Girls names.

Although Newt knew he didn’t have a chance with Honey Hollow’s bluebloods, he imagined a scenario where his sexual prowess led to one of the gorgeous, uptight aristocrats slumming with a simple, smart stud. Quilla, Cheyenne, and Lux had bodies that filled the nerdy teen’s fantasies. As the friendliest Bumble Girl, Zelia might be possible, yet she was hardly in school or town. Even Veronica could be an option if they snuck around behind Olena’s back.

“Perhaps I could open communications as a tutor,” Newt strategized. “Most girls playing sports don’t appear to be my equal in intelligence.”

Outside of Annika, potential girlfriends on the volleyball squad included Claudia Cork, Brennah Karpinski, and Erica Gane. The tennis team included beauties such as London Olmstead and Marcie Huff. Then, you had swimmers and runners and…

“Arrgh!”

Newt’s frustration over his options and low-level potential for success caused him to turn to girls more likely to accept a date. Gennifer Greiner and Suzie Unser were in almost all his classes and could be considered part of his nerd circle. However, Newt believed both to be virgins. Poet Upton boldly made it known that she wasn't. Yet, the quirky art girl might be too eccentric for Newt’s rational mind to handle. Dora Delay, from the drama club, might be approachable. Still, her virgin status scored low marks on the list. Jessalyn Granmeyer's shy standoffishness made her a puzzle. A brilliant actress and known bookworm, Jessalyn also looked like a brown-haired doppelganger of Peyton Tarver. Newt didn’t know if that turned him on or made him feel uncomfortable.

“I…I can’t do this. Not on my own. I need advice, but from whom?”

Despite Sean’s status as his closest friend, the new hero’s upended life might have caused him to lose perspective. Thus, Newt couldn’t trust his advice right now. So, the brainy teen mulled over his options.

Five minutes passed. Then, another ten minutes ticked by.

Finally, Newt reluctantly picked up his phone. And he used it to make an actual phone call.

“What’s up?”

“Um, hello, Elvis. This is Newt Denton calling. Um, you know, Joanne Gibble’s friend.”

"Jesus, Denton, I know who you are, and your number is saved in my phone," Elvis Sponder replied, unsure whether to laugh or cry at the other guy's awkwardness.

“Ah, yes, of course,” Newt responded before going silent.

“So, what’s up? Are you calling to spill the beans on JoJo and her tasty piece of meat? Iona’s texts didn’t make much sense, but I got the gist. I understand our little busty spitfire became a full-fledged bombshell. About time! I’ve tried to get more out of Iona. Instead, she’s passed out from too much fun with a mystery guy last night. Let’s hear the details!”

“Um, I don’t think Jo wants me…”

“Come on, Newt. Nosy Nectar has jack! Give me something, and I’ll write up a spread about Newt Denton, Boy Genius, for the yearbook,” Elvis bribed.

“Ah, oh, well, I don’t want Jo mad at me…well, I’m calling as…um, like JoJo, I also expe—I mean, I had my first sexual experience last night,” Newt managed to admit.

“Wow! What happened? You get a handjob under the table?” Elvis speculated. “One of Tarver’s castoffs?”

“No, Sean had nothing to do with her. And I progressed further than that action, Sponder,” Newt said stiffly.

“Whoa! A blowjob?” Elvis questioned while considering the likely events. “Look, sometimes when people get drunk, they don’t mean what they do. I know based on personal experience–”

“I had sex with an older woman!” Newt blurted out.

“Wait, what? Seriously?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be serious?” Newt queried, finding it an odd question.

“Don’t take it the wrong way, but you are known to run away from hot women. Wait, was she ugly?”

“She’s a mod—she’s a gorgeous woman. I did not have sex with an ugly woman,” Newt declared indignantly.

“Whoa, whoa! There’s no need to get snippy,” Elvis responded. “Okay, what do you need? Want me to send in a tip to Nosy Nectar? It’s probably better not to send in a tip about yourself.”

“What? No! I don’t want to brag. It might cause trouble for the woman,” Newt replied, not wanting to complicate Skye’s life.

“Ah, a gentleman who never tells! Good way to go, Denton,” Elvis praised.

“Um, well, that’s sort of the issue. I would like to continue to have sex. I found it to be quite enjoyable.”

“No shit.”

“However, I need to find a woman to continue my sexual education.”

“What about the…oh, she’s from out of town?”

“Uh, I don’t think our lives are compatible,” Newt admitted. “I was hoping to find a special woman who—”

“Whoa! Stop right there, buddy. I might be known for gossip and a good tale, but that doesn’t mean I know how to find a hooker. You might need to visit The Beehive to find one.”

“Huh?! No, I don’t want an escort!” Newt screamed, thankful his mom wasn’t home. “I need advice about potential girlfriend options. Um, advice from somebody neutral about our female classmates.”

“Ah, I got you! You want your gay friend’s advice on girls. You know, that might be one of the most normal things you’ve ever done, Newto,” Elvis said, sounding impressed. “Who you got in mind?”

“Oh, I’ve compiled multiple lists based on their rankings in several categories. I rated our classmates by their intelligence level, their attractiveness, known sexual experience, and, uh, how approachable they are,” Newt rattled off, feeling on safer ground with this subject.

“That’s…something. Maybe forget the comment I just made about normal behavior,” Elvis replied hesitantly.

“Oh, is my categorizing coming across as not normal?”

“It’s a little…strange,” the other teen admitted.

“Strange? Okay, strange is fine. I thought you might say creepy,” Newt admitted.

Elvis didn’t respond automatically. However, Newt didn’t pick up on the social cue about his justified concern. After shaking his head at his bedroom ceiling, Elvis continued.

“Okay, how about we start with girls you think will likely date you? I’ll give some feedback. Sound alright?”

“That sounds excellent!” Newt replied brightly.

---

Allure Avenue

Dexter Kirby sighed as the channel flipped again. Cormac Trimble couldn’t seem to sit still. So far, the law student had **** them to watch episodes from marathons of The Twilight Zone, Knight Rider, and CSI: Miami. The latter had relatively recent eye candy, while the talking car show had some lookers from the 1980s. Even the depressing Twilight Zone episode might have been okay, except Cormac changed the channel every fifteen minutes.

Suddenly, all three individuals perked up when they heard someone saying their goodbyes. Dex started to feel hopeful until Cormac dashed out of the Stratton family room. Realizing he wouldn’t be leaving yet, Dex leaned back into the couch while glancing over at the other person sitting with him.

“Sabrina’s leaving,” Harley Peel supplied, spotting Dex’s curious expression. “I don’t know why he’s in a rush. Sabrina’s isn’t his type. Not to mention, she’s about fifteen years older than him.”

Although Dexter nodded, he couldn't blame Cormac for wanting to catch another glimpse of Sabrina Rinaldi. The late thirtysomething attorney was hot and one of the women Dex looked forward to seeing whenever he visited his mom's workplace. Still, Dex sighed again when Harley asked which TV show he preferred.

“Okay, why’d you tag along if you didn’t want to be here?” Harley questioned.

“Daisy said it was either this or going next door,” Dex replied.

“Count yourself lucky. Cormac's attention span is far better than sitting over at the Beals tonight,” Harley remarked, chuckling. Catching his confused expression, she continued, “Kizzy said that Kaitlin tried to get you and Daisy to come over. And you made the smart call. Who do you think has been messaging me nonstop? Kizz’s mom has been grilling Katie over her umpteenth breakup with Palmer.”

“I’d rather have just stayed home by myself. Instead, Daisy acts like I’m a little kid and can’t,” Dexter grumbled.

“I don’t mind tagging along with my dad. I like his coworkers who are here, and I don’t see Mrs. Trimble often,” Harley admitted. “Ooh, I like KITT in this one.”

Dexter slightly threw up his hands while wondering how much longer his sister would take.

“Okay, I’ll get back in touch after my dad gets back in town,” Lotus Thirlby said, hugging Blair Trimble goodbye. “And Fiona might have an update about her potential private investigator idea.”

Clive looked over from his discussion with Hayden Peel long enough to say goodbye and thank you to Lottie and Sabrina. His eyes flickered briefly as his nephew skidded to a halt outside the living room in the front foyer. Aware of Cormac’s reason for rushing over, Clive went back to double-checking Jacinda Booth's notes. His sister had already drafted the newest law firm secretary into his re-election campaign.

“As much as it kills me to say this, I don’t think we should include Marshall in our plans,” Clive said, referring to his younger brother.

“Agreed,” Blair stated from across the room. “Clarence will only pull the information from him. We don’t need big brother’s meddling. No matter how well he intends it. He’s already complained about Emma requisitioning Miss Booth and Della.”

“My mom gladly volunteered,” Daisy pointed out.

“That is true, but Clarence needs to feel included, so we fake ask for his permission,” Blair explained while Emma Mulberry smirked.

“And we can’t think you enough for observations, Daisy. You have an even sharper eye than your mother,” Emma praised before winking. “Just don’t tell her I said that.”

“Mom will claim I got it from Dad, but I probably learned by helping out around the pharmacy. You see all types in there,” Daisy remarked, downplaying how she honed her observational skills.

“I am grateful for your information. I didn’t want to ask Ramsey as it might put her in an awkward position,” Clive said.”

“Oh, I understand entirely, Mr. Stratton. Rammy is often conflicted by her loyalty to her mom and grandfather at the Daily Flyer and what happens at The Buzzy Bee. I know she’s already upset with her mom because Lacey is her best friend. It’s for the best if I pass along what she saw at the Penalty Pub. She’ll understand, as she wants to help you.”

“And you did an excellent job, dear. Your mother will be proud,” Emma declared, patting Daisy’s arm. “Now, we just need to work on Dexter’s skills.”

“Trust me. I’m working on it,” Daisy stated, walking with her mother’s boss toward the family room. “Actually, you might want to me Norah someday. She might be sharper than I was at her age.”

“Oh, really?” Emma responded. “Perhaps I can turn one of you into my last great law protégé.”

“Not me. I prefer investigating and reporting the news.”

---

Northwest Side of Honey Hollow

Miranda checked over her shoulder for any family members near the front of the house. With Austin banished to his room, Aurora chatted in the kitchen with her two cousins. It's just that Miranda couldn't be sure of her brother's whereabouts. He'd gone downstairs into the basement a few minutes ago. Tucker, Kaia, and Kelsey hadn't planned to spend another night in Honey Hollow. However, the Grassy Valley area suffered some damage, as it was located on the edge of the storms. Their presence added to the high tension level in the Rusk home.

Without knocking, Miranda opened the door to her husband’s office before slipping in and shutting the door behind her. Seated at his desk, Orrin looked up as a scowl formed. Sliding papers into a folder, he put it inside a drawer before locking it. Miranda caught the move, and it caused her blood to boil.

“What is with you and all this secrecy these days?”

“Is that what you want to discuss? Or is there another matter, Miranda?” Orrin challenged.

“You know what I want to discuss! You lied, Orrin. Straight-up lied to me for weeks; no, for months! Everything had to be hush-hush because you planned to expand the dealership to another town. If word got out, you said, it would either kill the plan or add to the cost. But that was never the real plan, was it?”

“My business plans are my business. You don’t get a say about them,” Orrin said with a cold stare. “Do I meddle in your restaurant?”

“You expect free meals for your business meetings. Not to mention those monthly take-care-of-the-dealership-staff days!”

“I subsidize your hobby,” Orrin proclaimed.

“It's not a hobby, nor do you subsidize it.”

“I send business your way all the time. We’ve even made The Orchard a part of our promotions to keep you afloat.”

“How would you even know about our revenue and profits? Annette and I handle our books. Or have you been snooping? We know you love to do so with Rory.”

“I don’t consider keeping an eye on my daughter to be snooping. However, I suspect you’re the one I should've been watching. Yes, I think I need to take a greater level of control over what happens around the home I paid for,” Orrin said, rising from the desk chair. “I believe I’ll start by ungrounding Austin.”

“No! I caught him screwing Kimberly, of all people,” Miranda screeched. “Not to mention he spread lies about what happened at Wasp Lake.”

“So? Austin’s a young man filled with hormones that need to be exercised. He merely needs to avoid an STD or knocking up a girl. And if he wants to experience an older woman—I believe they call them a cougar these days—then why not gain some experience with one of your old slut friends. The real question is if he already bedded Annette, the ultimate slut.”

“Don’t you dare talk about my friends that way!”

“Shhh, dear, shouldn’t you keep your voice down? You don’t want your brother or his daughters to hear all your dirty secrets,” Orrin mocked with a cackle.

“My secrets? How about we talk about you blindsiding me and our family at the ball? When did you get political ambitions?”

“I’ve always had them. I just wasn’t in a position to act upon them until now,” Orrin revealed, moving to the front of his desk to lean back against it. “And my side of the family knew I planned to make my announcement.”

“Monty didn’t know,” Miranda pointed out.

“Montgomery was disowned years ago by TR and me!” Orrin spat. “Bastard stole Landry!”

“Monty didn’t steal your nephew; Landry finally saw the light. Something Rory saw years ago,” Miranda added. “And I bet those voters you expect will also see the light. You’re not going to win, Orrin. Not with your pompous attitude. And you’ll lose business if you’re behind those attacks on Mayor Dunkley.”

“You don’t know anything, Miranda. I have powerful friends. People who plan to overhaul this city. Dunkley, Stratton, and their like will be tossed aside like yesterday’s trash.”

“Oh, my gawd. You’re delusional,” Miranda laughed. “What happened to you?”

“I’m the person I’ve always wanted to be. Unfortunately, you’ve stayed the same. Still stuck in the past with the same friends and beliefs,” Orrin remarked, shaking his head. “I knew you’d reject the plan about using the ball. Sentimental crap about Cassandra Singer. As if Fred isn’t a town embarrassment. Nobody who matters cares about a stupid charity filled with rich people. Upstaging the elitist event will bring in plenty of voters.”

“How dare you? How dare you step on Cassie’s memory for you–”

“How dare I?! How dare you, slut?!” Orrin screamed, flinging an item at his wife’s face.

Miranda almost caught the item before it dropped to the floor. Looking down, the realization hit her as she recognized the delicate pair of red panties she had worn last night. The same ones that Harvey took off in the conference room before they fucked. A small gasp escaped her lips.

“What’s wrong, dear? Didn’t expect Diamond to brag about fucking my wife? So who’s the one wronged in this room and marriage?” Orrin growled.

“Y-You deserved what I did. You’re the one out of control,” Miranda declared, her voice growing strong after initial weakness.

“I wonder how many other men have sampled my wife’s private dish over the years. Perhaps I should rent you out to my donors before you get too used up,” Orrin suggested with an evil smirk.

“You bastard!” Miranda screamed while swinging a backhanded slap at her husband’s face.

Unfortunately, Orrin caught her wrist before the blow could land. Almost face to face, Miranda saw the anger in her husband’s eyes had turned into hate. Squirming as his grip tightened, she could not free her wrist. Pain increased as his fingers dug into her skin.

“Orrin, let me go,” Miranda ordered, her voice beginning to weaken.

“Listen up, bitch,” Orrin snarled. “You will never humiliate ever again. Until the election is over, you will play the perfect, dutiful wife. I won’t allow you to cost me what I deserve. No slip-ups! If you screw me over, I’ll fucking ruin your life! Don’t even think about trying to divorce me before election day. I’ll expose your whore ways and burn your fucking restaurant down. And Aurora will get nothing from me…ever! Let’s see her pay for college with her stupid acting and makeup games.”

“Don’t you dare threaten—”

Orrin twisted Miranda’s arm until it stopped behind her back. The intense pain brought tears to her eyes.

“No, you won’t threaten me. I’m the one in charge,” Orrin stated.

“O-Orrin…” Miranda pleaded.

BANG BANG BANG

“Mom, is everything okay in there? Do you want me to get Uncle Tucker?” Aurora asked, her voice muffled considerably by the heavy door. She didn't know what precisely was happening but knew her parents were engaged in a loud argument.

“Make whatever excuse you need, but if they learn what you did, I’ll ruin you,” Orrin promised, letting go of his wife’s arm.

---

Witzler Hotel

"Cock that cum gun!"

Skye moaned while gripping the pillow.

“Oh, yes! Ravage me with that slithering spear! Do it! Get my tigress cream pouring!”

While Jared lapped away at his lover’s honeypot, Skye groaned again.

How? How in the hell are they so loud? There’s a frigging bathroom between our rooms. And I doubt these penthouse walls are thin. I couldn’t hear Lana and her cousin last night unless I got near their room with the door open.

“More, I need more! No more slithering. I need to get clubbed. Whip that anaconda out and pound me with it. Do it, my beast!”

Kicking off the sheets, Skye rolled out of the queen-sized bed. Reaching for her tiny robe, the wannabe model stomped over to the door.

“I swear, if they didn’t bother to shut the door…” the brunette with blonde highlights muttered.

Walking more than halfway down the hallway, Skye could tell the bedroom door had been closed firmly. Great! Tomorrow’s my last day off for more than a week. I don’t need to be up all night and tired all day tomorrow. I knew taking off so long from work was going to come back and bite me in the ass. Maybe it won’t be as loud in the sitting room.

"Stuff...soooo fucking stuffed," JoJo huffed.

With another eye-roll, Skye retraced her steps before turning toward the sitting room section of the penthouse suite. Nodding, the waitress felt a nap on the sofa might work. It was located as far as possible from the corner bedroom with JoJo and Jared.

Lying down, Skye scrunched up the sofa cushion slightly to use as a pillow.

SLAP

"Yes, oh, yes!" Gabby’s shout followed the loud ass slap. "I’m a bad wifey. Seducing those dirty men. Punish me!"

SLAP

“Yeah, I’m sorry, so sorry! I’m a bad mommy. Corrupting our –Shit!”

SLAP

“Discipline me, Daddy Jeff. Do it, baby!”

Rolling off the couch, Skye walked to check on the master bedroom’s door. It was also closed. Skye stopped in the middle of the suite, muttering to herself over how the Locketts were louder than Lana.

“Gawd, I need to find a new boyfriend,” the brunette declared grumpily. I need some dick. Dick that gets up easier than Fred could. Is it wrong to want a nice cock attached to some money? I’m not talking about gold-digging, but somebody who isn’t using me for my body AND my purse.

Skye mulled over all the new friends she’d made recently. Whitney’s friends were too young for a committed relationship. But Lana could know somebody who was at least fun in bed.

“Oh! Maybe her cousin has a friend at his law school. That could be perfect,” Skye said out loud. Between waitressing and modeling, she worked a lot, so a guy who spent his time studying wouldn’t be clingy.

Pleased with the idea, Skye returned to her bedroom. Silence greeted her. Pleased, she laid down on the bed again, hoping to get a good night’s rest.

"Fuckity freaking fuuucckkkkk!!!" JoJo screeched. "Shitty stinking shheeitt!"

---

Apiary Tower

Fletcher exited the elevator while whistling. The teenager unlocked his condominium's door with an extra spring in his step. After flirting with a beautiful woman, life always felt grand. Stopping off in the mud room to shed his coat and shoes, Fletch strolled down the hallway with curious eyes. He’d spotted an extra jacket he didn’t recognize.

The first couple of rooms he passed didn’t hold anyone. Turning into the condo’s kitchen, he noticed a pair of lovely legs that led up to a curvy ass. Nice! Opening the top half of the refrigerator further, Fletcher rolled his eyes upon seeing the brown-haired beauty.

“Don’t you have a home?” Fletch asked his stepsister.

“You’ve seen it. Where would you rather stay?” Poppy replied with her own question. “Besides, your mom buys better food.”

“She buys food specifically that you like and I don’t,” the teen complained, turning toward the kitchen table. “I know you definitely have a home, and it’s way nicer than this place.”

“I like your mom better than my stepmom,” Paige replied, never looking up from her phone.

“I like to envision Fiona as my stepmother,” Poppy called over from the other side of the kitchen. “She’s the cool mom.”

“That’s not how it works. Your stepdad is my deadbeat dad,” Fletch argued, causing Poppy to shrug her shoulders.

Turning back to his best friend, Fletch paused upon seeing her typing away on her phone. A shiver ran down his spine as a wild possibility hit him like a lightning bolt. No, she couldn’t be…could she?

Thoughts filled the teen’s mind. So did memories.

Paige is obsessed with getting perfect grades and is pretty high-strung. Could she resort to sabotaging others to get valedictorian? I wouldn’t put it past her. Maybe she relieves stress differently. The girl sure doesn’t do it with sex. Is secretly gossiping her stress reliever?

Fletcher's mind flashed with more memories. He pictured Paige with him as Nosy Nectar bombs dropped. Then, he realized that if his best friend had been Miss Nosy for all these years, he'd been an idiot not to notice.

No, no…maybe? Naw, I would’ve noticed something. Paige can’t be behind Nosy Nectar.

“Tasha or Mrs. Younce?” Paige’s questioned, snapping her BFF from his musings.

“Huh?”

“I’m going with Younce. He’s got that look on his face. Watching Younce bounce does that,” Poppy speculated, sitting down with her snack across from Paige.

“No, Fletch knows better than to think he’ll get a married neighbor to cheat on her husband. Tasha’s younger and dates around. She’s more his type,” Paige theorized.

“Younce isn’t happily married, and she totally cheats,” Poppy argued.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. You two are just mad that I have people to flirt with around the building,” Fletcher remarked.

“Who says I’m only here to eat your food? Maybe I’m waiting for my sugar daddy to return home,” Poppy replied.

Despite opening his mouth, Fletcher couldn’t argue with the possibility. Nor could Paige, who returned to typing away on her phone. A different subject eventually escaped his mouth.

“So who else is here?”

“Your mom’s visitor is her odd idea of a private investigator,” Paige revealed.

“A PI? Cool! Wait, what does she need a private dick for? Is my dad sniffing around again?” Fletcher questioned, hoping his fortune-hunting father hadn’t resurfaced again.

“Nope. It’s not about Quentin,” Poppy replied while Paige let out an exasperated breath.

“It’s about the election!”

“Oh, that. Right,” Fletch muttered. He still wasn’t sure what the hell was going on with the election or which office mattered so much.

“Better looks sharp, Fletchie. Fiona picked somebody you’ll love,” Poppy teased, causing her stepbrother to raise his eyebrows.

Tying her long, wavy silver hair in a ponytail, Fiona led her guest back to the living room. Her potential hire had been shown the small amount of information that Paige assembled in the guest room she usually stayed in. Now, temporarily converted into a political war room, Paige’s alterations struck the potential investigator as a bit overblown.

“As I mentioned, Cillian wants to get involved, especially after the Klackhurst connection popped up. Lottie will likely be running errands for him, but she’s no investigator,” Fiona explained, almost needlessly.

“And I don’t see how the ex-district attorney won’t be noticed snooping around,” the other person remarked with a chuckle. “Plus, Lottie might start trouble as usual.”

“Hey, my cousin isn’t as bad as some people,” Fiona defended while jokingly looking at her guest. “Honestly, we don’t know who to trust beyond our small circle. My preferred option refused to come out of retirement. He thinks his successor might be undermanned and overbooked at the moment.”

“Pedro knows his shit. The problem is that most of his hires are temporary and can only handle process-serving. It’s hard to find solid people in this line of work. I’ve heard that all my life.”

“Look, I obviously know you're not licensed, so we’ll have to keep it quiet,” Fiona acknowledged. “I don’t want you to get in trouble for helping us.”

“Hey, that’s part of the fun, Fi!”

“Yes, I know it is for you.”

“It was for you, too. Back in the day, before you became all respectable and shit.”

"Hey, just because my hair turned gray earlier than most Wynwicks doesn't mean I'm not still a thrillseeker. It's difficult, yet also fun to keep my dating life on the down low," Fiona explained with a wink.

“Speaking of the down low, we probably shouldn’t tell my parents what I’m doing for now. Dad might like me taking up the family business, but Mom will be pissed,” Brandy Fallon commented. "Like super pissed."

---

Oakfield Park Neighborhood

Cecelia Bank tiptoed down the basement stairs as silently as possible. Her husband attempted to do the same, but Red had heavy footsteps. Still, the carpeted stairs helped muffle the sound. At the bottom, CeCe peered around the corner.

“Aww,” the grandmother cooed at the cute sight that met her.

First, she’d spotted little Trey clinging to Zaylie while he slept. However, the busty blonde wasn’t awake as her head lay on the shoulder of Trey’s cousin and her ex-boyfriend. Nate appeared to be in the middle of an exciting or terrifying dream as he kicked his leg out, nearly waking Lana.

For once in her life, the buxom ginger looked as sweet as Red thought she was. Lana clung to one of Finn’s arms while Peyton did the same to his other arm. On the floor, CeCe and Red’s granddaughters slept with their heads on cushions they’d placed on top of Finn’s feet.

Round out the sleeping squad, Tenille’s feet were propped up on Peyton’s legs while her head rested in Lacey’s lap. The whole group snoozed away as blue light from the TV screen shined on them.

“I better turn off the tape before it gets wrecked,” Red whispered. It wasn’t likely, but he didn’t want to take any chances with the old VCR and cassette. Not before Barney had the time to make a digital copy of Cassie’s appearances. “You better call your son to tell him the girls are sleeping here tonight.”

“You can call Sandy and talk to him and your daughter-in-law. I’ll call Virginia to let her know her grandkids are sleeping here. She can let Rachel know about her two,” CeCe directed, smirking at her husband. Neither wanted to deal with their daughter-in-law right now.

“Fine. But I better get Sandy on the phone,” Red hissed back. Then, he walked gingerly over to the VCR, reflecting on similar past experiences like this with Cassie, Tinny, and Bridget. Recalling those past sleepovers for the trio brought a warm smile to Red's face.