Silent Hands

“Nope. Nothing ominous going on tonight. It’s not like these are bad omens for the rest of the year. I’m not into superstitious shit,” Fletcher declared, plopping down on a chair in near exhaustion. “We’re barely two hours into the new year. I can fix it. Damn right, I can.”

The round table contained only one other person. She looked over at him with a mixture of amusement and concern. An inquisitive expression asked a wordless question.

“What’s wrong? I’ll tell you what’s wrong, Ryls! I keep on striking out with women tonight. I’m almost at double digits, and it’s not even my fault! I swear if Whitney was here, I’d think she was behind it.” A sharp breath responded. “Yeah, yeah, I know she’s got other things on her mind, like almost dying, and we did sort of settle into a truce for Mrs. Singer. Oh, shit! Maybe that’s it. What if working with a Diamond has brought the wrath of my ancestors down on me?”

Any concern in Rylee’s eyes vanished as she raised her hands to wave her fingers while offering the barest of moans.

"No, I don't believe in ghosts! Although, if they did exist, I'd probably be the Wynwick cursed by them, being the infamous bastard and all," Fletcher speculated with pride. That earned a giggle from his cousin's best friend. "Still, I can't blame supernatural nonsense for what keeps happening. What happened? Did you just not see what I saw? Eoin completely ruined my shot with his sister!"

A slight head tilt and sniffle showed the golden blonde’s view of Fletcher scoring with the soccer star.

"I had a clear, open shot, Ryls. I swear! And no, I didn't whiff. I would never do that with Number Four on my high school list." Fletcher's mention of one of his lists caused Rylee to tilt her eyes to the ceiling with a minuscule head shake. "Iona was down for it tonight. I'm not lying. She had that chiseled ass grinding into me. I was seconds away from taking her upstairs when Step Up 17: Stomp on Fletcher’s Dream suddenly broke out. Iona just had to race off. Not that I blame Eoin. I’ve long respected his game, and Peyton Tarver is a fine piece of–”

The palm hitting the tabletop nearly rattled Fletch. He threw up his hands in an apology.

“Right, right. We gotta be respectful of the Tarvers tonight,” the dark-haired teen with gray temples agreed. “Sorry, I’m just a bit thrown off. I had Aubrey Dunford literally in the doorway of the penthouse, and she was so down to fu…screw. I know she’s no longer on my top five college list, but she’s still lurking in the top ten.”

Rylee clucked her tongue in dismay. She knew that most of Fletch’s college list consisted of his stepsister’s friends or their roommates.

"No, I actually had her in the doorway to our penthouse. And you'll never guess who cockblocked me. My mom! I walk in, and she's holding a business meeting. Who the hell has a business meeting on New Year's Eve?! Hmm, come to think of it, it was a weird group. Mom's risking a lot of blowback if she's thinking of doing business with the Diamonds and Pierces. Plus. Mr. Stratton and the mayor were in there as well."

Rylee responded with a mouthed pair of words.

“Election campaign? What election campaign?”

A flurry of hand gestures and facial expressions explained the switch.

“Announcements? What—A fight?! When did a fight happen? The hell! I not only missed 1a and 1b from my college list going topless, I also missed a brawl outside!”

Rylee lowered her forehead to the table.

“Well, in my defense, I was focused on salvaging a shot with a girl I’ve fantasized about since the eighth grade. I’ve imagined Aubrey in a lot of different scenarios and positions.”

Rylee shivered at that picture in her mind.

“Hey, have you seen Resto around lately?” A snort replied. “Don’t be so dismissive. I had the lovely Marissa, almost like putty, in my hands earlier. I pulled back as I could tell she was worried about her public image. Come to think of it…she’s Number Four on my teacher’s list. Maybe I should avoid that slot on all my lists tonight. It feels like an unlucky number.”

A clear head shake responded.

"Maybe I should switch to a different list while I'm at it. Fortune might shine on MILF, Young Adults, or Hate Fuck." A loud eek sounded. "Sorry. Yes, let's see…hold up a second. Where's Her Majesty? Why'd she leave you all alone?"

Rylee mouthed a name.

“Charlie? Charlie Cork? What the fuck is he doing here?” Rylee held up a couple of fingers before adding another one. “Just got here? I bet he got kicked out of that boring ass Bumble party. Huh? Well, yeah, I know that I’ve never been at one of them as I’m at the top of the blacklist, but I assume they suck ass.”

Fletcher noticed the shy blonde scrunch her face up.

“Oh, right! You were there when the ice princess made her scene. Okay, I’ll admit that I wish I was there for that. Sienna does have her moments. Rare moments.” Fletcher paused in contemplation. “Huh. I guess she must be pissed at me if she ran off to dance with Charlie.”

A raised hand that made a pinching motion met an air kiss.

“I pinch her ass all the time. And it’s not my fault Aunt Sela and Uncle Calum are distant cousins. I’m practically required to tease Sienna about that with stolen kisses. I’ve been doing that for years.”

A grimace followed.

“Don’t get mad at me, Ryls. We both know that girl needs to lighten up. She needs somebody to knock that broomstick out of her ass. But Charlie Cork is not the guy. Actually, Charlie must either be **** or have a **** wish tonight to even dance with Her Worshipfulness.”

A twinkled nose met his speculation before Rylee swung her hand out.

“No, it’s not the same. I only made out with his cousin. Wait, Claudia even left me hanging—literally hanging–when she pulled my dick out and then walked away. Whoa, I can so see Sienna doing something like that. Not pulling his dick out–-I don’t think she’d lower herself to touch one– but letting Charlie do it before she gets all snobbish and marches off.” Fletcher ignored the squeak and continued to complain about the past experience. “And Claudia caused my volleyball phase to end early. I never had an opportunity to spike Annika. Those damn Corks.”

Rylee raised her head as a new song started to play. Her head and shoulders slowly grooved with the beat.

“Let’s forget about Charlie. He’s nothing but a pest to me. And you know what happens to pests, right? They get swatted.”

Fletcher didn’t quite understand where the giggling fit came from. He assumed that Rylee found the idea of him slapping Charie to be funny. Yet, that wasn’t the reason for the shy teen’s laughter. Rylee laughed because Fletcher had almost repeated the same exact words that his cousin had used previously in the night to Olena.

“It will happen someday,” he vowed before moving on to other business. “I think I’ll make my next move on a Sugarbee when their song plays. I’ve been saving that card in my back pocket.”

Rylee shook her head as she checked off an imaginary list.

“What? They already played the sugar song? When?” Fletcher pulled out his phone. “It’s supposed to be coming up soon. Changed the playlist? The fuck! That DJ claimed he couldn’t change the order. When did they play it? Before midnight!”

Fletcher pounded the table once. Then, his defeated expression morphed as another idea formed in his head. Pulling out his wallet, he checked the wad of cash he had on hand.

Rylee raised her eyebrows.

“I may have to do something a bit dramatic and showy,” Fletcher mused, causing Rylee’s eyes to grow wide. “I’m not quite sure what.”

The petite blonde tapped her wrist.

“Oh, I still have time. I heard that they’re going to leave the ballroom open a little later than planned. Something about an ice storm outside. See? I did know about that!”

Based on the way Rylee’s shoulders slumped in dismay, it was clear that she hadn’t heard about the night getting extended a little longer. Then, Fletcher surprised her by jumping to his feet and holding out his hand.

“Let’s go, chatterbox. Nope, no squeaking your way out of this. You need to get your mandatory dance in. It’s either me or Sienna finds you a partner. You better hope that Kyler didn’t come with Charlie.”

Crossed arms and a stubborn headshake met his offer.

“Oh, knock it off, Ryls. I’m not going to make a scene. You know I’d never do that to you.”

It took a long minute, but the golden blonde relented.

“Unless you want me to. I’m kidding! Still, Sienna’s response should be something.”

---

A pair of gray eyes narrowed in a challenge. Blue orbs met the provocation. The matching stare seemed to take place only inches from one another. Breathing beside each pair of eyes grew heavy as open mouths were shushed before any opposition could rise.

Light fingers danced down to solid skin, massaging the solid patches before stopping to tickle in a game of around the globes. Finally, those tips danced up the rigid scaffolding of the antennas.

Suddenly, the distance between the gray and blue eyes zoomed out to nearly a distance of twenty feet and two different tables. The gray orbs glanced over to the other side of the round table as a tall, lithe figure with naturally tanned skin sat down.

“Whew!” Jasmine breathed, wiping her brow. “I tell ya, Bianica is a dance machine. I don’t know how she can keep going.”

A gentle claw spread out. Dancing tips covered the pole with light hit-and-runs. The sensations caused a groan, which pleased the pole worker.

“So, what’s up with you guys? Tired too?” Jasmine inquired, blowing a strand of hair out of her eyes.

“Nothing much. Just putting our feet up for a few moments,” Yelena replied.

A sole fingertip dipped into the wetness. Tracing the top of the pole, it spread the sticky substance around.

“So it sounds like the hospital is really busy tonight,” Jasmine reported, checking her phone messages.

“H-Hospital?” Jayden Cooke stammered as two pincers pinched a sensitive tip.

“Oh, you didn’t hear? Tandy hurt her foot or something at Milner’s party. I guess a big fight broke out. Somebody said Kip Peavy died, but I guess it wasn’t that bad.”

“Kip got hurt?” Jayden questioned, sitting up a bit straighter in concern over the basketball team’s student manager. The move caused a glare from the blonde dancer seated next to him.

"Stabbed, I think. Oh, not like that! A shard of glass or something. I don't know what's happening, to be honest. Rosie was complaining about Lacey being down there but then changed her tune. I think Marcus told her to knock it off or something. Yeah, he's there with Max. I heard Xavier got hurt. Banged his head."

Minimal pressure continued to tease while Yelena’s gray eyes glanced over at the other table. She watched as a dark-skinned girl with neck-length hair sat down. This one appeared even more clueless than Jasmine.

“Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?” Roxanne inquired, taking a long sip from the ice water she’d brought with her.

“It’s fine with me. You know I like it steamy,” the owner of the blue eyes replied.

After a momentary lapse, a firm hand reestablished contact. A strong grip held the nearly panicked owner in place with a pinky down low and an index finger at the top. The stranglehold over the rod ensured that any thoughts of escape were dashed.

“Did you see Rory? She and Kieran had the sweetest kiss together. I say good for her. Austin’s never let a guy even get close enough to think about kissing her.”

“And where’s your New Year’s kiss? The pressure is on, Roxie. If Rory’s spreading her wings, it’s time for you to spread your legs,” Caterina declared.

“Eww! Don’t stay that stuff in front of…guys!” Roxanne whispered the last word with a glance over at Jesse Yegge.

“Pressure can be beneficial. Don’t you agree, Jesse?” Cat asked.

Up and down. Up and down. An occasional brush over the head. That’s all that Jesse could think about. Still, he managed a head movement that Roxie took as agreement with Cat. That surprised her about the star baseball player.

Across at the other table, Yelena’s gray eyes flashed as another dark-skinned girl approached her table. She felt the pole in her hand raise slightly at the tension this new arrival caused.

“What’s with Bianca? She looks determined to put on a clinic out there?” the newcomer inquired.

"What's the matter, Lilah? You can't keep up?" Yelena challenged.

The light fingertips had transitioned into a full-contact downward movement before letting go, only to resume the connection at the top before descending again.

"Don't be foolish. I know my skills and don't need a competition to feel better about them," Delilah responded.

“Competition brings out the best in all of us. You know I’m not afraid to cross swords,” the busty blonde stated, her gaze briefly falling on Caterina.

“And one of those women is going to cut you someday for playing with what’s not yours,” the dance co-captain warned.

“Oh, Lilah, one needs to take risks to maximize their potential. You should keep that in mind when Bianca shows she’s better at sultry performances,” Yelena needled, her hand increasing the pace on the prick.

Delilah noticed her cousin's weird expression at that moment, causing her to open her mouth.

“Hello! Oh! Are you okay?”

Jesse’s rocked back as Yumi addressed him. Cat re-tightened her grip before he put her fun to an end.

“You look awfully pale and sweaty,” Yumi said in concern, leaning over the table to face the star pitcher. “Doesn’t he, Roxie?”

“It does feel warm in here,” the other innocent cheerleader noted, drinking the last of her water.

“Water. We need water!” Yumi declared, turning to rush over to the bar. She yelled that she’d be right back.

Cat purred as Jeese looked over at her in concern. Yet, she never turned his way. She merely turned her hand to give her efforts a twist.

“N-Nothing!” Jayden denied, following his cousin’s question.

“No, something is going on here,” Delilah proclaimed, leaning forward as her eyes narrowed in concentration. Once realization hit, she rocked back to a standing position. “Lena!”

“What?” Yelena replied, her voice sounding innocent but the sex kitten expression revealing all. “Oh, did you notice something familiar on your cousin’s face? I didn’t know your family swung that way, Lilah. I mean, how else could you recognize JayJay’s pleasure face.”

“Huh?” Jasmine sounded. She still appeared oblivious to her dancemate’s actions.

"No! I-I would n-never," Delilah stammered at the horrific accusation. Yet, the usually unflappable dancer didn't take long to regain her composure. "I know because his face looks like other guys when that's being done."

Jasmine’s attention switched from Delilah putting her hands on her hips and Yelena slowly leaning over toward the basketball captain. Finally, realization hit her as Yelena started speaking.

“Hmm, I don’t think Jay finds the notion so terrifying. His cock twitched at the idea.”

“It did not!” Jayden denied.

“Jay! Eww!” Delilah screeched. The two cousins stared at each other before Deliah turned to flee the uncomfortable moment.

“Lena!” Jasmine cried after watching their co-captain rush off. “Bianca isn’t going to be happy.”

“Shut up and stay, or shut up and go,” Yelena said, adding a second hand to her efforts.

Jesse scooted closer to the table as Yumi returned. The concerned cheerleader carried three glasses of ice water. She placed one in front of Roxanne as a replacement before traversing around the table.

Caterina didn’t let up her firm grip or steady strokes as she knew Yumi would never guess what really had Jesse appearing pale and sweaty. The bottle blonde turned down the offer of the final glass, telling her friend to drink it herself.

“Thanks! Are you sure I can’t get you something?”

Cat shook her head.

"How are you feeling?" Yumi asked, watching up close in concern. She reached up to touch Jesse's forehead. "Oh, no! You're burning up. Stick out your tongue."

“Yums, what are you doing?” Roxanne asked, watching as her cheermate peered into the nervous teen’s throat. “You don’t know what you’re doing.”

“You know, he does look to be perspiring. Almost dripping,” Cat remarked, feeling the pre-cum coating her hand as well as his cock.

Suddenly, Jesse coughed loudly as Cat issued a hard twist to the right on the downstroke. And not giving any quarter, she reversed the direction upon reaching the head.

Even Roxanne finally showed concern for Jesse’s condition.

“You’re right, Roxy. We need a doctor,” Yumi announced. “Where’s Whitney’s doctor?”

“The strange redhead?” Roxanne asked.

“Yegge doesn’t need a doctor,” Cat stated. A smile formed as she watched Jasmine rush off to find Bianca, no doubt.

“Cat, we can’t take any risks! Not after Whitney,” Yumi pointed out, scanning the ballroom.

“Risks? What’s wrong?” Kaitlin asked, joining them.

"Jesse is ill. Maybe it's even food poisoning," Yumu informed. "Look at him."

Kaitlin turned her attention to the object of their worries just as he gasped. That's all it took for the eldest Beal sibling's face to morph from anxiety to irritation. Then, she turned with exasperation to her closest friend.

“Caterina, knock it off now,” Kaitlin growled. When a “who me?” face met hers, the growl turned to a roar. “Whitney gave explicit instructions against this activity.”

“She did?”

“You know she did. Whitney ordered you not to do this before we got off the elevator.”

"What did Whitney order?" Yumi queried, fretting that she had violated a rule unknowingly.

“Um, I’m not sure…Oh…Eww!” Roxanne squealed, jumping from the table as she recalled the conversation.

Unsure what the heck was happening, Yumi darted several feet away from the table.

Up and down. Up and down with a left twist. Up and down. The slickness allowed Cat to quicken the pace.

Cat’s blue eyes met Katie’s baby blues in a standoff.

“Don’t make me tattle on you,” Kaitlin warned. “You’re the co-captain. Act like it!”

“I don’t understand. What did I miss?” Yumi questioned, moving around the table toward Kaitlin. “What did I miss Whitney say?”

“You were earmuffed,” Roxanne explained.

“Oh, okay,” the pure-minded cheerleader said. “Wait, is this a bad Cat thing?”

“Yes, it is,” Roxy confirmed, watching the staredown.

“Did Cat do something to make Jesse sick? Did she poison him?” Yumi nearly screamed, bringing her hand to her face.

“Something like that,” Katie grumbled.

Suddenly, Yumi's face perked up as a new song started to play. She immediately forgot about Caterina's villainy as the cheerleader began snapping her fingers while slowly dancing.

If that didn't raise Jesse's eyebrows, his and Jayden's eyes widened as bubbly, busty Cinderella bounced over excitedly. Both athletic captains found their focus on the pair of big tits that appeared ready to pop out of the elaborate gown.

“Love Shack…baby!” Chastity sang. The ultra-friendly receptionist waved her arms in several directions. “Come on, girls! We gotta do the love shack!”

Yumi nodded eagerly while Roxanne shrugged her shoulders and followed onto the dance floor. Kaitlin shot one last dirty look at Cat before turning to see that Chastity had already roped her little sister and the Babybees into some crazy dance with swinging arms.

Under the pair of tables, two large explosions ended with splats. Both Yelena and Caterina took pleasure in bringing off the two boys. That was until they followed Jayden and Jesse’s eyes to see them staring in awe at Chastity. Both high school vixens dropped their grips before rising up and storming off.

Much later in the early morning hours, several hotel employees dismantling the tables would scream in disgust at the leftovers they found under the tabletops. Swearing about not getting paid enough to do this shit, they’d refused to touch any more furniture.