Hometown Happenings: The Engagement Party (Peyton)

"...and I truly want to thank all of you, from the bottom of my heart, for coming again to our party," the teary-eyed, future bride sobbed into the microphone. Her fiancé gently took the mic away.

"Sorry, everyone, I can't promise that Becky won't cry again at our wedding," Brian Weeks said, earning laughter from the crowd. "And I also can't guarantee more ex-cheerleader gladiator matches at our wedding, either," he added, gesturing toward Lana. "Unless Becky wants to put on a show."

The show-stealing ginger performed a curtsy to the delight of the crowd's younger members and several older men. Mrs. Horton, Becky's mother, rolled her eyes. Initially furious at the fight, she'd downgraded her feeling to mildly displeased after another glass of wine. By the wedding next summer, she would laugh at the story, and in the future, Mrs. Horton would be the one telling the story on the couple's wedding anniversary. As for now, she planned to have a word with Rachel Stratton, a fellow friend, about her daughter's antics.

"I'm sorry again for Lana...and Poppy, Mrs. Horton," Peyton Tarver apologized, sensing the mood.

"Peyton, dear, you shouldn't feel the need to always apologize for Lana's behavior," the older woman replied. "It's not a shock to anyone that she's impulsive. I spent several years listening to the stories when Becky was on the squad with her. That Estelle Wynwick is the one that should apologize. She should know better than to mess around with poor Finn."

"Yeah, I don't like Estelle going near Finn, either. Now, I need to worry about her ulterior motive," Peyton grimaced, glancing across the room at her male best friend. "Estelle Wynwick is too ambitious and image-conscious to risk Lana's wrath for nothing."

"Oh, sweetie, you worry too much. I'm sure Estelle merely saw a handsome man. One that maybe you should reconsider," Mrs. Horton hinted.

"What? Oh, no. Finn and I will never date. It's not worth risking our friendship over."

"Such a shame," Mrs. Horton shook her head. "By the way, what happened to your good-looking boyfriend. Rachel mentioned that you two broke up."

"Trevor? Um, nothing. We just had different interests," the blonde shrugged, not wishing to discuss the real reason. "I need to be focused on school, not partying."

"School is important, but so is finding time to relax, dear. You don't want to wake up in ten, twenty years and realize you missed out on life. Trust me, my husband also went through medical school," Mrs. Horton said, repeating the same comments that Peyton's mother often made. "You certainly don't suffer from a lack of interest from handsome young men."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, all those young men that have flocked around you all night. That Eoin O'Hara seems interested. He's a nice young man, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes," Mrs. Horton said with a nudge and a wink.

"Eoin? No, we were just talking about his sister, Iona. She's close friends with my brother's best friend. Eoin had the craziest idea of setting them up," Peyton chuckled. The blonde couldn't imagine her laidback brother handling the hyperactive Iona.

"Oh, Peyton," the kindly mother groaned, patting the girl's arm. "Now, what about that Josh Radburn?"

"Josh? Uh, he also wanted to talk about his sister. Not for Sean! She's only thirteen," Peyton laughed. "No, his youngest sister is on the junior high volleyball team. Josh wondered if I could talk to her."

"And I suppose Reece Kittle had a sister to talk about too?"

"Sure, Rylee is the same age as Sean. But, I never talked to Reece tonight," Peyton responded in bewilderment.

"Well, he sure seems to be hovering around you every time I look. Maybe he just lacked an excuse to get near and flirt with you."

"Oh! I mean--you see--Reece he's...it's nothing," the blonde stammered, blushing. "They weren't flirting with me. Lana's the one that guys flirt with."

"Mom, leave Peyton alone!" Becky Horton shook her head as she approached with another young brunette.

"I'm just trying to be helpful. I'm sure her mother would be thrilled to throw a similar party next year," the matchmaking mother responded. "And you won't let me help Aubrey."

"I have a boyfriend, Mrs. Horton," Aubrey Dunford reminded her.

"Dear, your little situation...let's just say that I'd be hardpressed to call him your boyfriend."

"Mom!" Becky screeched. "That's it. Go bother Aunt Ruby, or I'll sick grandma on you."

"You don't need to threaten me, honey. I can tell that I'm not wanted." Mrs. Horton faked a sniffle, which led the girls to chuckle.

"Sorry, Peyton. Mom thinks everyone should get engaged now," Becky apologized, giving the blonde her third hug of the night.

"Thank gawd for Lana's incident. It got Mrs. Horton off my back," Aubrey revealed.

"At least someone is happy with Lana," Peyton muttered.

"Excuse me. Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I'm going to go," a shy brunette with eyeglasses said politely. "Congratulations again, Becky. I'm really happy for you."

"Aw, thanks, Wendy. But do you need to leave so soon?"

"I...It's just that there are a lot of people here. It's a lot to handle," Wendy Crane said softly.

"How about we get together for lunch this week? Just a few of us, okay?" Aubrey suggested as Becky hugged the brunette.

"I'd like that."

"I'll be up at Wasp Lake for several days, but we'll get together once I'm back," Peyton promised, adding her own hug.

"Sure! Have fun at the lake," Wendy replied, perking up for a second before she walked away.

"How's she doing?" Becky asked Peyton.

"Better. There still are some rough days, but everyone is keeping an eye on her."

"I wouldn't shed a single tear if Roderick Taft were found in an alley with his cock cut off," Aubrey hissed loudly. Her threat caused several pub patrons to look her way in shock.

"You'd need to get in line to help," Peyton commented.

Wendy Crane was the cautionary, horror story for their extended group of friends. A sweet, kind, and mousy bookworm, she'd had a crush on a star athlete in high school. He'd led her on for tutoring help, only to leave Wendy heartbroken. Roderick Taft, a known womanizer, swooped in, whispering sweet nothings to the easy prey. Considered an arrogant asshole by his classmates, they didn't know the depths of his wicked personality. Thinking that she'd found love, Wendy did whatever she could to keep her new boyfriend. Roddy had entirely brainwashed her into becoming his sexual ****. The situation lasted a year until her friends realized what happened and worked to free Wendy from Roderick's influence. It hadn't been easy as Wendy found herself pulled back into his orbit a couple more times.

"We'll send Lana, Poppy, and Stephanie in first as our shock troopers," Aubrey cracked.

"I'm never going to live down what happened at my engagement party, am I?" Becky groaned. Aubrey and Peyton nodded in sympathy.

---

"Thanks, Eve," Finn said, taking the bag of ice.

"Sure thing. Mending wounded bystanders seems to be my thing of late," Evelyn Naylor responded. She patted his shoulder before letting her hand trail down his back. "And not long ago, I wanted to work here. Guess I was right to stick to a dance club. Scuffles come with the territory."

"Oww!" Barney nearly jumped as the cold reacted with the small bump on the back of his head.

"Shit, sorry. Why don't you try holding it?" Finn suggested, letting the bruised and battered photographer take control of the ice-filled bag. Turning back to look over his shoulder, he resumed talking to the black-haired beauty. "Yeah, that's the way I look at it when it comes to Lana. Being friends with her eventually leads to moments like this one."

"Hmm, you sure it's not more of an ex-girlfriend being overly possessive?" Eve questioned, rubbing his back.

"Overprotective and over possessive is pretty much the story of Lana and me since childhood," Finn chuckled. Noticing Eve's frown, he added, "It's not as bad as it sounds. Peyton's always there to keep Lana in check...somewhat."

"Ah, the boy with two girls as best friends. I bet that's why you're so sweet," Eve speculated. "You take care this week. I know it's going to be a tough one." Leaning down, she softly kissed his cheek.

"Thanks, Evie," Finn replied, ignoring Barney's envious face. "Hey, do you have to work on New Year's Eve?"

"Sugar, I'm a bartender. Of course, I have to work. Catch you later!"

Finn and Barney watched Eve Naylor's tight ass as she walked away. Or Barney tried. As he turned his head too quickly, he felt another sharp pain.

"You okay?" Finn asked in concern.

"I'm okay. It's not my first bump," Barney said, massively understating his history of bumps and bruises. "My pride hurts more. How the heck do you stay so calm as hot girls come onto you?"

"What? Eve? She flirts with everyone," Finn replied dismissively. Long accustomed to being around his attractive best friends, Finn could be oblivious to interest from other women.

"Not with me," Barney stated sadly.

"Maybe if you could be a little less clumsy, hot girls would flirt with you. Hell, you're a great photographer, use that as a way to get to know them," Finn suggested for about the hundredth time.

"You make it sound easy."

"Try talking to them. Hot girls don't just fall onto a guy's lap. Life doesn't work--"

A hot girl plopped down onto Barney's lap.

"Hiya, Barn! How's the head holding up?" Poppy inquired, leaning her head around to check his bump.

"I stand corrected," Finn mumbled.

Finn watched in both amusement and sympathy as Poppy mothered their banged-up friend. Barney stammered and stuttered his way through the conversation, but Poppy never seemed to notice. She'd long gotten used to tongue-tied boys and men. I swear, Barney would be a virgin if he hadn't slipped and fallen inside while panicking on prom night, Finn mused.

"If it isn't Romeo!" Brian Weeks' father roared, slapping Finn's shoulder. Having had more than enough drinks, his voice was loud, and his slap hard.

"How's it going, Mr. Weeks?" Finn inquired, ignoring the throbbing in his shoulder.

"Not as good as you, my boy!" the father of the future groom bellowed. "How you holding up, son? Outside of that babe, you're holding on your lap," Mr. Weeks asked Barney with a bark of a laugh.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'll get back to taking pictures as soon as I feel better," the college-aged photographer replied.

"Nonsense. Enjoy that lovely young lady for as long as you like," Mr. Weeks responded with a swing of his arm. The swing nearly hit another man walking by. "The Hortons have their damn professional photographer around here somewhere. I hired you because you know my son and his friends. I'm sure you got some great shots before the fight."

"Are you enjoying me on your lap, Barn?" Poppy teased, forcing him to focus on the older man.

"Uh, I did, sir. Um, I even took a few of the fight before--"

"Fantastic! I knew you'd get the candid pictures. Can't wait to see them. That Stratton girl is fire. Pure fire! And this guy," he slapped Finn's shoulder again. "This damn lucky guy, he still has her hot for him."

"No! Lana and I are just friends," Finn exclaimed.

"Bullshit! My wife wouldn't even fight for me like that. She's too busy--"

"I'm too busy dragging you away from our son's friends before you embarrass him further," Mrs. Weeks said, grabbing her husband's arm. "Sorry, kids. This one needs to sit down."

"What? I'm perfectly fine," Mr. Weeks complained as his wife led him to their table.

"Sooo, why did Estelle get flirty with you?" Poppy questioned.

"I have no clue," Finn answered with a shrug. "She hasn't tried anything since that class election years ago."

"Hmm, something must be coming up," the brunette pondered, tapping her chin.

"I don't know. The only thing happening is my mom's charity."

"Let me check and see if Fletch knows anything," Poppy responded, pulling her phone out from under her skirt. Barney's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Instead, Poppy's eyes shot open as she spotted a scene across the room. Turning the other way, she snapped her fingers. "Stephie! Get over here and take care of Barney. I need to go. Lana's making her move!"

"What's Lana doing now?" Finn groaned.

---

"Aren't you girls a little young to be drinking?" Peyton challenged with a teasing grin. She slid onto the empty fourth chair.

"It's a family party. They let those minor details slide," a caramel-skinned girl responded.

"But, it's not your family, Priss," Peyton pointed out.

"Nobody's carded us back here," Priscilla Pint noted. A striking girl with a leggy, model-like figure similar to Peyton's, Priscilla had been Lana's successor as the cheerleading squad's captain. While Lana's cheer protégé, she'd found more in common with Peyton outside of cheerleading. They'd become fast friends.

"I hear the front bar is stricter after Lana tried out for the football team," joked a second woman at the table. An athletic girl with light-brown hair, Merritt Moxey had been a star in tennis and golf during her high school days. "We're fine back here. The bartender only needs a smile from Tiara, and he rushes to bring us another round."

"I told you guys to call me Trishelle," Tiara Withrow hissed. The last twenty-year-old at the table, the dark-skinned, bottle blonde was the one who'd gone all-out with her appearance. "What if he checks my ID again?"

"The only thing he's checking out is your tits in that tight dress," Priscilla replied. Merritt nodded in agreement.

"Well, I'd be worried, Ti. I heard they kicked Trishelle out for her role in the fight. Banned her from The Lantern for life," Peyton revealed. "That comes with an arrest threat for trespassing."

"Trespassing?! I can't get arrested! I'm too pretty for jail," the attractive girl shot up from her chair. Looking around desperately, she reached down to grab her jacket. "I gotta go!"

Before Tiara could flee, Merritt grabbed her arm, pulling her back to her seat.

"Gawd, don't be so gullible, Ti," Priscilla said. "Peyton's kidding."

"You are? Whew!" Tiara sighed, sinking back into her chair. "That was mean, Peyton."

"I never thought you would believe it," Peyton apologized while laughing.

"I hate it when Trish comes home from college. She acts like the crown princess around the house while fighting nonstop with Marcus," Tiara complained. "Then, there's Estelle and Lindsey. Bad enough I have to deal with Lindsey's own version of the crown princess act at the dealership."

"Wait until Lindsey graduates this spring and returns for good," Priscilla warned.

"I wish Landry hadn't left to work for Monty. He was the nice Rusk at the dealership," Tiara whined.

"Quit. I bet Monty would hire you," Merritt said.

" I'm sure Orrin Automotive can hire anyone to answer the phones," Priscilla teased.

"I do more than answer the phones!"

"Yeah, she always files paperwork in the cabinet while shaking that tight ass," Merritt added.

"College girls. You guys are the worst," Tiara shot back. "Probably sleeping with professors for good grades."

"Okay, stop teasing Ti, girls," Peyton interrupted. "I'm sorry for starting it. Let's pick on one of them."

"Damn good idea! Let's talk about Priscilla freaking out the other day when she ran into RJ at the store," Tiara revealed.

"What?!" Merritt and Peyton exclaimed.

RJ Ridge and Priscilla had been the it couple in their grade for several years. As the starting quarterback and cheerleader captain, they made the perfect couple for the school's expectations. But their relationship went deeper than those roles; they clicked on every level. Unfortunately, the dreaded long-distance relationship after they left for college proved too much. One year ago, they had agreed to end the suffering and breakup.

"I told you not to tell anyone," Priscilla hissed at Tiara.

"Sorry, I guess my ears are shot from answering all those phone calls."

"Omigawd! What happened?" Merritt questioned. "Did he still look good? Does he still like you? Did you tell him that you still like him?"

"You still like him?" Peyton questioned.

"Aargh! This is why I didn't want you girls to know," Priscilla moaned. "Yes, he's looks great. I don't know, and I didn't tell him."

"Tell him!" Merritt pleaded.

"No! We agreed not to date again until we graduate. RJ's on the other side of the country. It's impractical."

"But what if he meets someone else?" Merritt speculated. "He might never come back here."

"What if Priss finds another guy?" Peyton added.

"I know," the usually confident woman said with a sigh. "It's better that we remain friends for now and take our chances. The stress and pressure of being so far apart was terrible."

"Pssh. Don't worry. I got a spy at his school. They'll sabotage any relationship for RJ," Tiara revealed, flashing a smile at the bartender while shaking her empty glass.

"You what?! No, Ti, no!" Priscilla hissed. "I don't want him sad and alone."

"Enough! We'll talk about this tomorrow in a more private setting. Prying eyes are everywhere," Merritt warned, noticing several known gossips lurking nearby.

"Good idea. Hmm, Peyton, how's Finn doing?" Priscilla inquired.

"Alright, so far. We're heading up to Wasp Lake tomorrow. A few of our moms' friends are getting together for...you know." The other girls nodded. "I'm more worried about his dad starting trouble. Finn gets depressed every year, even if he hides it well. His dad gets out of control."

"I love Wasp Lake. It's so serene," Merritt gushed. "Although there's not much to do in the winter."

"Duh, that's right. I forgot for a second that your family has a place at Frog Lake," Peyton recalled.

"You did come with us several years back," Priscilla reminded her. "Who's place are you staying at?"

"The Diamonds."

"Ooh!" Tiara cooed. "Harvey Diamond is so fuckable. For a dad, I mean."

"Damn, I heard his new cabin is huge," Merritt informed them. "And it sounds like he's planning to build more stuff up there. That's the rumor that my dad heard."

"Do you believe the rumors about his orgy causing the old cabin to burn down?" Tiara quietly questioned, leaning over toward Peyton.

"I have no idea. My family isn't close to the Diamonds. Finn's father is the one close to Mr. Diamond," Peyton explained. "My dad is pulling his 'I have important work' excuse, but my mom went up there this afternoon."

"Isn't Sean going?" Priscilla asked. "Is he doing okay after his breakup?"

"He's good. Well, except for who he drove up with. Mrs. Stratton conned him into going with Austin Rusk. They can't stand each other," Peyton explained. She knew that Merritt and Tiara's brothers were good friends with Austin.

"Never liked that kid," Priscilla said.

"And wait until you hear who drove them," Peyton quickly added, hoping to cut off any defense of Austin from Merritt and Tiara. "Owen Nevin."

"Why?" Priscilla challenged.

"He's Whitney Diamond's latest fling."

"Double why?" Merritt questioned.

"Ah, did anyone tell Whitney?" Priscilla questioned. Whitney had been her little cheersister and protégé.

"About what?" Tiara asked.

"Dammit, Ti, you know what," Merritt snapped.

"Sounds like you'll have your hands full. Lana's going to--uh-oh," Priscilla cut herself off.

All three girls looked at her and glanced around the room.

"I got good news and bad news for you, Pey," Priscilla warned. "The good news is that you don't have to worry about Vance Vandermeer being up at Wasp Lake. The bad news is that he just walked in and spotted our table."

"So? Vance is hot," Tiara remarked.

"Yeah, but he's got that crazy fetish for blondes," Merritt reminded her. "It's kinda creepy. Vance is definitely coming for Peyton."

"Hey! We got two blondes at this table," Tiara responded, pointing to her dyed hair.

"Somebody call me a doctor. I think my heart just stopped," Vance announced, falling onto Peyton's lap.

---

Poppy's prediction about the effect of a diamond ring proved correct in foreseeing the night's activities. Once the clock passed midnight, inhibitions tumbled away. Kissing couples turned into groping couples. Playful teasing turned steamy. Multiple couples disappeared, with some never returning, and others coming back from outside, looking cold and disheveled.

Peyton watched humorously as Priscilla began to flirt and tease Finn. Somewhere deep inside, a flash of anger ended up snuffed out quickly. Priscilla and Finn had no long-term future, and they could provide a helpful winter break fling for each other.

"C'mon, Peyton, join us!" Merritt and Tiara waved for her to join them in dancing with Eoin O'Hara and his friend. Eoin perked up at the idea, flashing a smile.

Shaking her head no, Peyton scanned the crowd. She watched as Vance attempted to talk Indigo Toye into going home with him. Indigo preferred to stay and tell her admirers all about her upcoming reality show. Peyton had to admit that Vance had a certain charm. However, she wasn't interested in becoming another one of his flings. I still can't believe how fast he ran away. All Reece said was that he needed to back off. I should hire him as my bodyguard for New Year's Eve.

A commotion caught her attention. Bailey Thirlby ordered two of her employees to escort Elin Helsing and her cousin, Malin, from the pub. The former Sugarbee and the from out-of-town blonde had been in the middle of giving Regis Laffont a lapdance in a secluded corner.

"Come on, Ms. Thirlby. Let them stay," Reggie begged.

"They're not twenty-one. They need to go," Bailey stated, despite more pleading. "I'm not getting fined and docked points for them."

"I'll pay!"

"No!"

"That's not fair. Other people in here are only twenty too!" Regis complained, earning a hard look from the pub owner.

Peyton barked a laugh as she watched Reggie's dream of a threesome evaporate. Vance had slid over to the blondes as they approached the doorway. They readily accepted his offer of a ride home. Regis didn't notice until it was too late.

"Palmer!"

Peyton turned in time to see Palmer Malloy stand up straight in fear. Frantically, he searched the pub for his furious girlfriend. The blonde nearly doubled over with laughter as she saw Becky giggling while Aubrey slyly approached Palmer. The brunette held her phone out, revealing the angry face of Kaitlin Beal.

"Palmer! You back away from that tramp, right this minute!"

The most intriguing moment came when Tuesday Brass tried to sneak off without being seen. Unfortunately, the French teacher and assistant cheerleading coach got into a car below one of the back parking lot's main windows. Near the window, everyone saw Tuesday slid into Sinclair Pierce's sports car, giving him a passionate kiss. As if they won't be up on Nosy Nectar in seconds.

"Wow! I never saw that coming," Barney said from Peyton's side, causing her to jump in surprise.

"Geez, don't sneak up on me like that."

"Huh? I've been standing here for almost ten minutes," the photographer pointed out. He searched his bag for an extra roll of film. Barney preferred to go old school for events like this party.

"Oh, sorry. How's the head?"

"I'm feeling a little woozy."

"Then, you're not driving yourself home," Peyton stated.

"I can't leave my car. I'll get a ticket," Barney protested. "I'll be fine. I haven't had a drop of liquor."

"That's not what I'm worried about," the blonde responded. Peyton had visions of him dropping a canister of film as he drove and smashing into a building while he attempted to pick it up. "I'll let Bailey know why your car is staying in the lot for the night. She'll understand."

"I'm not helpless, you know," Barney mumbled, feeling like a fool.

"I know you're not, buddy. You're too talented a reporter and a photographer for us to lose," Peyton explained with a killer smile. Accompanied by a soft pat to his cheek, and Barney was willing to follow the blonde anywhere. He did follow her over to Finn and Priscilla.

"Hey, Priss, can you give Barney a ride home? I don't think he should drive after that hit to his head."

"Sure. Our parents only live a couple of blocks apart," Priscilla agreed. With a glance toward Finn, she asked, "Uh, do you need to leave now?"

"I think that's for the best," Peyton insisted, despite Barney's arguing that he needed to stay and take more pictures. "It's almost closing time. Nobody is going to want evidence of who they went home with."

"We should leave anyway," Finn said, earning a frown from Priscilla. "The three of us have to drive up to Uncle Harvey's cabin tomorrow. Is Lana ready?'

"Crap! I haven't see Lana in a while. That's not good," Peyton moaned.

"It's never good," Finn agreed.

"What about my car?" Barney reminded Peyton.

"Crap, that's right. Look, you go find Lana," she said to Finn. "I'll find Bailey and let her know about his car."

With Finn going to search the front room, Peyton headed toward the back. She knew that the pub owner might be by the kitchen or pub's offices. Along the way, she stopped to ask people if they'd seen Lana or Bailey recently.

"No, maybe she left with a guy."

"Lana Stratton? I remember every single time I've seen her."

"Oh boy, is she in trouble?"

"I hope not, Eve," Peyton replied.

"If I see Lana, I'll tell her to find you," Evelyn Naylor said. "And I think Bailey went to her office."

"Thanks!"

Reaching the back hallway, Lana walked past the bathrooms. Hesitating, she opened the door that said it was off-limits to customers. As she wasn't an employee, Peyton felt awkward about going inside. And because the pub stopped serving food after midnight, the kitchen looked empty and half-dark. She could hear several employees talking down by the walk-in coolers while they cleaned. Turning the other way, the blonde walked down a small hallway, stopping in front of the door with a sign that said Manager's Office.

Peyton knocked gingerly. The door must not have been latched all the way shut as her knock pushed it open. Not expecting the sight that greeted her, Peyton screamed.

A guy sat on top of a desk as a topless girl rode him. Neither person appeared to hear Peyton's scream, or they didn't care. Peyton marveled at the speed the girl rode the guy. Eventually, he did glance at the doorway for a split second before the girl demanded that he pay attention to her.

Wait is that...no, it can't be. Holy crap, it is Archer Bowe! What's he doing back in Honey Hollow?

Catching movement out of the corner of her eye, Peyton turned to see her friend and her sort of friend arrive. Peyton's friend pushed past her to peer into the office.

"Motherfucker!" snapped Lana.

"Son of bitch!" hissed Poppy.

Stephanie slowed down her movements, looking over her shoulder at the three girls watching from the doorway. Patting Archer's bare chest, she cheekily asked a question.

"What's my reward?"