Family Wedding
Part Three
Written by: Cheryl Roberts

Disclaimer: See Part One

* * * * * *

Chapter 11

Tommy sat in the backseat of his parent's car feeling unusually content with life in general. Kim was snuggled up against him, fast asleep. Tommy draped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her even closer as he gazed at her admiringly. She had worn a sassy little dress with a blouse over it that was tied at the breastbone. The blouse gapped open, and the cut of the bodice underneath gave him a teasing glimpse of the swell of her breasts. Considering the way Kim was curled up next to him, her skirt rode high on her thighs. It was very distracting, especially when he took into account the already elevated state of his hormones.

Kim had wanted to work in a short practice after school. Tommy arranged to meet her and take her by Aisha's to pick up her luggage and let her get changed. However, before they made it to Tommy's house, Kim wanted to swing by her mom's place so that she could check on the alarms and things. While they were there, the two of them had gotten a little sidetracked. Their make-out session hadn't been as intense as the one in his basement last night; it was like the pressure was off; they didn't feel the all-consuming need to go as far as they had. It wasn't imperative because now they knew they both wanted each other and could indulge any time they felt like it. The kissing had been phenomenal; Tommy had even managed to slide his hands up Kim's skirt for a quick feel of her ass under her thin panties, and Kim had even let him play with her tits again. He couldn't wait for the chance to see them unobstructed. All Kim seemed to want to do was play with his hair, which was at once disappointing and exhilarating. She appeared reluctant to touch his eager cock, even through the safety of the jeans, but she got so hot playing with his hair (and her fingers in his hair felt so good) that he didn't mind it too much. He once again glanced down appreciatively at Kim, stroking her silky hair lightly before letting his hand drop around her shoulders. If he sat just right, his fingers brushed the sides of her breasts. He knew he probably shouldn't do it, but he couldn't resist. Carefully he worked things around until his right hand was touching Kim on the outside of her blouse, and his left hand was able to reach her within her blouse without either of his parents being able to tell.

It felt so right, sitting in the backseat with Kim as he was. It was as if Tommy had a new found sense of security. Somehow, since they had indulged in the heavy petting, it was as if their uncertain future no longer mattered. It was like they had shared something permanent --something that even the move to Paris couldn't take away. Tommy felt a lot more confident about facing the months ahead. It also made Tommy stop and think; he couldn't ever remember telling Kimberly that he loved her. Neither of them had. Perhaps they had been too afraid to admit it to each other or to themselves. Tommy knew he hadn't said the words because even though he felt strongly enough about Kim, he felt that saying those words was like making a promise he might not be able to keep. However, after last night, he felt as if he could finally say them.

As Tommy stroked Kim's breast through her dress, gently playing with her nipple, Kim sort of stirred. She sighed an almost longing sigh; a tiny smile touched her lips, but she didn't open her eyes and settled back down to sleep. Tommy wondered if maybe his playing with her was contributing to her dreams. However, not too long after that he became aware of Kim's hand lying limply in his lap. Tommy wished she had placed it just slightly higher so that it might brush his cock. He was wondering how he might rearrange her when Kim shifted again, and this time her hand landed squarely on his semi-erect rod.

Several moments passed with Tommy simply luxuriating in the feel of her hand on his organ; he continued caressing Kim's breasts surreptitiously. He also kept one eye on the front seat, making sure his parents didn't catch him. He would have to be careful about how much he sighed. All of a sudden, Kim's fingers moved again, this time it felt like an intentional stroke. It felt so delicious that Tommy had a difficult time not squirming. He shot a glance at Kim; her expression was as innocent as an angel's, yet her fingers were deliberately rubbing his cock through his jeans. Tommy bit his lip to keep from groaning out loud. Kim continued to stroke him with even firmer pressure. He wished he could reach down his pants to reposition his cock; things were starting to become a little uncomfortable. Kim's fingers continue moving back and forth, maintaining a certain rhythm; it felt as if she was trying to jerk him off through his jeans. Tommy realized that Kim couldn't be asleep.

"Kim, what are you doing?" Tommy hissed, bending to whisper directly in her ear.

Kim tried to keep up the pretense of sleep, but a devilish grin spread across her face. "I'm giving you a taste of your own medicine," she hissed back. "You've been rubbing my tits for the last twenty or thirty minutes; they're just as sensitive as your...."

Tommy grinned hugely as Kim could not seem to say the word. She cracked an eye open and caught his expression. She scowled ever so slightly.

"... cock," she continued defiantly. "Fair is fair."

"Yeah, but you're not going to have to try and hide a hard-on," Tommy shot back.

"That's not my problem."

"Kim, you'd better stop. Really. I'm liable to lose it, and how will I explain that to my folks? As it is, I'm probably going to have to ... take care of things at the first rest stop we make." Tommy felt Kim's body shaking as she laughed silently; however, she did withdraw her hand from his lap. He hated being a spoilsport, and it thrilled him to know that Kim would touch him and tease him like that, but they had to be careful right now.

"Say, is anybody back there hungry?" Tommy's father called out. "There are a couple of places to eat at the next exit."

"Sounds great!" Tommy agreed enthusiastically. The sooner he could jerk off the better.

"Then you'd better start waking Kimberly up," his mother recommended

"No problem," he assured his folks as he glanced down at Kim. Once again her face was perfectly composed in angelic sleep.

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Excluding the stop for dinner, the drive to Cedar Hills took several hours. Once the Oliver's arrived at the hotel, they received some rather disappointing news. Jan had called to upgrade the rooms to doubles; however, there was still nothing available, so they had to keep their single suites. Each room featured queen-sized beds, large bathrooms, living room areas with fireplaces, and balconies.

"Drop the luggage in one of the rooms and we'll divvy it up once we have it all upstairs," Thomas recommended. He and Tommy went down for another load while Jan and Kim opened up both rooms.

Tommy returned with a couple of suitcases, added them to the pile and went in search of Kimberly. He found her in the adjoining room standing on the balcony. She was leaning against the rail and looking out to the west. It was still pretty early, and there were touches of the colors of sunset in the sky.

"Kim?" he called out. When Kim turned to acknowledge him, he observed that her demeanor was rather somber. "Is something wrong?"

"Not really," she sighed, turning back to finish watching the sunset. "Pretty view."

Tommy joined her out on the balcony. "I always loved the smell of this place," he commented, inhaling deeply. The faint scent of cedar was in the air.

"You were telling me you guys had lived here for a while when you were a kid," Kim said, recalling one of their conversations in the car. "You really moved around a lot."

"Dad's job took us all over the place."

"I guess you're used to upheavals in your life."

"Yeah, at least physical upheavals. We'd be in one place for two, maybe three years if we were lucky, then move on. It made it hard making friends in school. Dad swore, however, that Angel Grove was our last stop --at least until I finished school. It must be nice to have lived in one place all your life."

"We didn't always live in Angel Grove; we moved there when I was a baby, but I can't remember ever living anywhere else."

"You've had upheavals in your life, though," Tommy continued. "I'd rather move every other year with my family intact than have to go through a divorce. That had to be really rough."

"It was like all the security went out of my life; nothing was certain anymore," Kim murmured with a sigh. "For the longest time I thought I had done something to break my folks up, and sometimes, even though I know better, I still feel that way. If they'd only have stayed together --then I wouldn't have to go to Paris."

Tommy leaned against the railing, his back to the view. He glanced sideways at Kim. "So that's why you asked me about some of the places we've lived. You're still afraid of having to leave."

"I don't want to go, now more than ever. I don't want to leave you," Kim declared fiercely. "I wish there was some way I could stay here for longer than just the school year."

"I don't want you to go anymore than you do, but just because you have to go away, it doesn't mean that it has to change our relationship," Tommy said. Kim looked up at him with an expression of hope. "You don't have to stay in Paris forever, you know. It'll take a little doing, but we can work things out so that we can stay together."

"Do you really think so?"

"If that's what we want, we can."

 * * * * * *

Thomas slipped back through the adjoining door. He had returned to find the one room empty and Tommy and Kim on the balcony in the other. His heart went out to the two. He remembered very clearly how difficult it had been to say good-bye to Jan when he shipped out. When he returned to the other room, Jan had emerged from the restroom.

"I've already sorted the luggage," she announced. "Yours and Tommy's are over there by the door. I wish we could have gotten doubles, but at least we have queen-sized beds."

"Jan, I am not spending the weekend sharing a bed with my son," Thomas insisted. "He hogs the covers and isn't nearly as much fun to snuggle up against."

"Then sleep on the couch."

"Why should I sleep on the couch when there's a perfectly good bed with plenty of room for two in here."

"Thomas, we've discussed this," Jan began, knowing what he was driving at, "we can't put Tommy and Kimberly together in a room."

"And why not?"

"All right, I accept that my son and his girlfriend are on the verge of being sexually active, but we don't have to provide them with the opportunity."

"What opportunity? Do you honestly think they'd do anything with us sleeping in the room next door? Hell, we were married two years and I still couldn't fool around with you when your folks were in the room next to ours on that trip to Dallas."

"It would be different if Kimberly was our daughter. What would Caroline say if she found out we allowed Kim to share a hotel room with Tommy?"

"How would it be different? If Tommy was with Kim and her parents, would it bother you to know that Caroline let them share a room?"

"No. I would trust that Caroline knew what she was doing with her daughter."

"So, there you have it. Caroline probably trusts that we know what we're doing with our son," Thomas countered.

"It's different with girls."

"Janice Louise, I am not sleeping with Tommy this weekend. If you don't want Kim to share a room with Tommy, let her sleep on the couch in here, but I guarantee you, she'll learn a lot more about the birds and the bees in here than in Tommy's room." Thomas smiled at his wife's astounded expression. "I had a few plans of my own this weekend. Something that involved soft music, candle light, some champagne...."

"Thomas, if you couldn't perform with my father next door, will you be able to knowing that Tommy and Kim can probably overhear us?" Jan asked with a sly smile.

"Tommy doesn't intimidate me the way your father did. Besides, even if we disturb them, they won't be able to do anything to stop us; I'll make sure our side of the adjoining door is locked."

 * * * * * *

Tommy and Kim finished their embrace and returned to the hotel room. Kim wandered over to the fireplace, and Tommy couldn't help but notice how sheer her dress was.

"These are really nice rooms. I can't remember ever staying at a place this nice," she commented.

"Aunt Jean picked the places out, so it doesn't surprise me," Tommy replied. He headed over to the bed and bounced down on it. "I'm glad the beds are so large, though. Man, I am not looking forward to sharing a bed with my dad this weekend. He's a bed hog, and he snores. I don't know how Mom stands it."

"I toss and turn an awful lot; I hope I don't knock your mother out of bed," Kim added. "I've often wondered how people get used to sleeping with each other. I mean, for how many years you have your own bed; you're used to taking up as much space as you want. Wouldn't you get in each other's way?"

"You start out sleeping in the spoon position," Thomas answered as he entered the room, depositing luggage inside the doorway. "You know, curved against each other like you stack spoons in a drawer. Once you get used to the other body being there, your subconscious adjusts so you don't squash each other."

"Thomas William...!" Jan chided from the other room.

"Well, that's how it was explained to me," Thomas shouted back in his defense.

Kim blushed, and Tommy looked a bit uncomfortable at having been overheard.

"Do you kids like the room?" Thomas queried as if he hadn't been interrupted.

"It's just fine, Mr. Oliver," Kim answered. She looked to Tommy who shrugged; he was as perplexed as she was.

"Good. It's yours. Jan and I will leave the two of you to get settled in and make whatever arrangements you see fit."

The two stared after Tommy's father in amazement.

"Did he say what I think he just said?" Kim asked numbly.

"If you think he said we're sharing a room, you heard the same thing I heard," Tommy confirmed.

"Is he serious?"

"I'd better go check with Mom and find out." As Tommy passed the pile of suitcases, he noticed that both his and Kim's were there. Tommy slipped into the next room. His mother was unpacking, and his father was nowhere to be seen. "Mom, where's Dad?"

"He's gone down to park the car."

"Was he serious or just kidding around?"

"About...?"

"Me and Kim sharing the other room."

"Yes, he was serious, unless of course the two of you are not comfortable with that arrangement."

"It's fine; we're just a little curious as to why, that's all."

"As your father pointed out to me, the two of you are no longer children. You're responsible adults, and he trusts whatever decisions you make. Furthermore, your father apparently has amorous intentions for our evenings this weekend and sharing a room with you would put a serious crimp in his arrangements."

Tommy left his mother to her unpacking and returned to Kim looking more uncomfortable than when he stepped out to talk to his mother.

"Well?" Kim prompted.

"Mom says he's on the level. We're roommates unless we find the situation too uncomfortable."

"I don't get it. What else did your mother say? You look kind of embarrassed."

"I sometimes forget how direct Mom can be; her honesty often catches me off guard. In not so many words she said that dad had plans to fool around this weekend and didn't want us in the way."

Kim blushed almost as red as Tommy did.

"So, we're roommates, huh?" She looked around at the bed and the couch.

"Looks that way."

They regarded each other in uncomfortable silence.

"This is ridiculous," Kim snorted at last. "We were good and ready to jump each other in your basement last night, so what's the big deal about sharing a room? Most couples our age would kill for the chance, and we're acting like it's the end of the world."

"You're right. It's not like anything is going to happen. I mean, what are we going to do with my parents in the room next door?"

"Besides, even if we don't do anything --you know-- intimate, this can still be kind of fun," Kim continued, perking up. "It'll be kind of nice saying good night without one of us having to go home."

"Do you think we should try sharing the bed like dad suggested --spoon style." Tommy and Kim traded glances. "Right. We probably better not chance it. Tell you what; I'll take the couch."

"Be realistic, Tommy. You're what, 6'0"? 6'1"? I'm nearly a foot shorter than you; I'll take the couch."

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"What ungodly hour of the morning is it?" Thomas groaned, unburying his head from his pillows. He had been trying to shut out the noise of the TV in the next room.

"Two a.m., I think," Jan answered with a yawn.

"Those two can't still be up. Why do they need the thing so loud?"

"Probably to drown out all the noise we were making," Jan retorted.

"Or mask their own," Thomas pointed out.

"You didn't need to say that."

"I know, but if I hadn't you wouldn't be willing to let me knock on the door and ask them to turn the damn thing down," Thomas said, crawling out of bed and flailing about for his robe.

"We really shouldn't disturb them; we said we trusted them."

"Are we doing an about face, Jan?"

"Just tell them to turn the TV down and let me go back to sleep," she groused.

Thomas stumbled over to the door and knocked. Hearing nothing but the TV, he knocked again, even louder.

"Tommy?" he called out. There was no answer, so he began fiddling with the lock. The kids had left their side undone.

"Thomas, you're not going in there...."

"I can't sleep with that TV on. Tell you what, I'll take a tiny peek; if they're naked in bed I won't go in. I'll go down to the drug store in the lobby and buy some ear plugs."

"That isn't funny, Thomas."

Thomas waved off Jan's protests and opened the door. The lights were still on in the room; a quick look revealed that the bed wasn't being slept in. Thomas opened the door wider.

"Well, I'll be," he murmured, a bemused smile on his face.

"What?"

"Oh, you wouldn't want to know."

"Thomas...!"

"Well, they are sleeping together, just not the way we were expecting."

At that, Jan got out of bed and came over to take a peek. Tommy and Kim were on the sofa --Tommy sitting up and Kim snuggled next to him like they had been in the car. Kim was in her flannel nightgown, but Tommy was still dressed. They had fallen asleep while watching TV.

"Should we cover them up or something?" Jan wondered.

"Naw, they don't need to know that we were ever here," Thomas answered. He retrieved the remote control from inside his room and zapped the TV off.

Chapter 12

After spending the night on the couch, both Tommy and Kim had sore backs in the morning. While Tommy's parents went to the wedding, the two decided to go down and try out the health club in the hotel. Tommy made a bee-line for the weight room, and Kim headed for the whirlpool. Tommy wanted to join her, but he had neglected to bring his swim trunks. However, when he finished his work out, he wandered down to the pool area. For a while he stood back and watch Kim as she lounged in the hot tub. She was wearing a deep burgundy bathing suit with high cut legs and a seriously low cut bodice; he couldn't remember seeing the suit before. As the bubbles swirled around her, Kim looked to be the picture of contentment, and Tommy couldn't help but think of the night earlier in the week when she had used the tub at his house.

"Looks like fun," Tommy commented as he drew nearer. "I wish I had remembered to bring my trunks. By the way, I like your suit; is it new?"

"It was one that Mom left behind; it was too small for her. I really like the cut," Kim answered. She stood up and modeled it for him. The wet fabric clung to her in interesting places. "As far as your suit goes, your trunks are so baggy who can tell them from your regular shorts? No one else is around; why don't you join me?"

Tommy didn't need to be asked twice; he doffed his shoes, socks, and shirt and slipped into the hot tub with Kim. The hot, churning water felt so good that he couldn't help but utter a sigh of contentment. Kim smiled and sidled up next to him.

"I was hoping you'd do that," she murmured appreciatively. "I'm sorry for falling asleep on you last night. I hadn't meant to."

"That's okay. I fell asleep, too; although I must have woken up long enough to shut the TV off," Tommy said.

"Although we hadn't intended on it, we managed to spend the night together," Kim said shyly. "It was kind of nice waking up next to you."

"Yeah, same here."

For a while they simply sat without saying much. Around them, other hotel guests came and went.

"Are you nervous about the reception?" Kim asked.

"A little. It's not Mark and Kyle I'm worried about any longer. It's just that I haven't seen most of my relatives in six years. Someone is bound to ask a lot of hard questions --like why I stopped showing up and stuff."

"If your relatives haven't seen you in six years, they probably won't even know who you are when you walk in," Kim pointed out. "So, who should I watch out for? Everyone has certain relatives that you should avoid or cozy up to. On my dad's side there's Uncle Leon, the family drunk. You never know what he's going to say, or do; most times he's harmless, but if you make him angry, watch out."

"I don't think we have a family drunk," Tommy said with amusement. "I've already told you about Kyle, Mark, and Becca. There's Aunt Jean. She can be a pain. She's the baby of Mom's family and has always struck me as being rather spoiled --really concerned about appearances and being better than her brothers and sisters. She gets on Mom's nerves when she gets on a "holier-than-thou" kick. I overheard my folks talking; I guess they thought I was asleep in the backseat when we were coming home from some party or another. Dad was saying that he thought Aunt Jean was insecure because of what happened with Uncle Kurt."

"Do you know what happened?"

"Apparently, it was a shot gun wedding. The family really didn't like Kurt, but he got Aunt Jean pregnant. According to what I've been able to piece together, Kurt was running around on Aunt Jean a lot; it seems that she only had Mark and Becca to hang on to him, but shortly after Becca was born, he ran out on them. They haven't heard from him since."

"That's terrible. It also explains a lot about your aunt. Maybe she's afraid that the rest of the family will keep rubbing her nose in her mistake with Kurt. It could be why she's so defensive and image conscious. She wants everyone to think that it was no big deal."

"Could be. If that's the case, then she probably really hates Uncle George, her oldest brother. He has a really sharp tongue and basically says whatever he wants without a qualm. He's the only one of the kids who ever dared talk back to Grandpa."

"Your mom was one of seven --so there's George, the eldest and Jean the youngest...."

"Mom's third. There was Uncle Andrew who died in the Korean War...."

"Killed in battle?"

"I don't think so. No one ever talks about how he died, so I figure it was probably something stupid or embarrassing. Dying in battle would be noble and honorable, at least according to my relatives. Aunt Jessica was next, then Uncle Bill and Uncle Bob --they were twins-- and Aunt Jean. George and Jean are the only ones who cause any trouble"

"Anyone else I should know about?"

"Great Aunt Elsa --at least, I think she's still around. I'm sure Mom would have told me if she had died. I liked her a lot; she was very much like Grandpa. She must be around ninety by now. She's probably assumed Aunt Eleanor's role as family matriarch. She was quite a character back when Grandpa died; she's probably even more so now. There was quite a ruckus right after Grandpa died. Apparently, he had quite an estate and all the kids were expecting sizable bequests, but that didn't happen. They all got a little bit, and Aunt Elsa inherited the rest. The lawyers said Grandpa wanted to make sure she was taken care of --she never married or anything like that and didn't have a family-- and he left it to Elsa to make the bequests upon her death."

"So now everyone kisses up to Aunt Elsa," Kim concluded.

"For the most part, yeah, but she isn't a nasty person. She's very down to earth, no nonsense --actually, I think maybe that's where Mom gets it. Aunt Elsa's cool --at least the Aunt Elsa I remember was."

"Your family doesn't sound any worse than my assorted relatives --at least the ones I get to see. Dad's family is pretty much back in Seattle. I know Mom's family was sympathetic when she and Dad got divorced, but I bet they're scandalized that she married a French painter and moved to France."

"Why do relatives have to be so difficult?" Tommy wondered with exaggerated patience.

"Who knows. To make things interesting?"

"I'm not sure how much more 'interesting' I can take."

"Oh, don't be such a party pooper. I'm betting the reception will be a lot of fun."

"Speaking of which, we'd probably better head upstairs. Getting ready will take a while since we both have to get into the bathroom."

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"Tommy, would you plug in my curling iron?" Kim called, knocking on the bathroom door and slipping on her robe.

Tommy had allowed her to use the shower first; to be considerate, she had made it a quick shower; she had planned on drying her hair at the mirror above the bureau, but she had left her curling iron and her make-up in the bathroom. The light was better in there for the detail work. Once her hair was dry, Kim had decided to start dressing. She waited until she heard the water running in the shower before removing her undergarments from her suitcase. She surveyed the lingerie warily. She was dying to wear them, but she wasn't sure if she should.

What's the big deal? Tommy isn't going to be seeing them; you'll be the only one to know that you have on sexy underwear. When she thought of it like that, it was rather deliciously naughty. She slipped on the thong first; she had never worn one before. It felt kind of strange, but when she caught a glimpse of her behind in the mirror she was impressed in spite of herself. Next she fastened on the bra and spent several minutes adjusting herself so she filled the cups out properly. The line of the bra came down low enough to cover the top of her thong so that it looked like she had on a single piece garment. She definitely liked the effect. Her stockings were actual black silk stockings --seam lines and all. She rolled them up her legs carefully, making sure the seams were straight, then fitted on the garter belt. Lastly, she stepped into her sandals.

Oh, I like. Most definitely. Tommy would cream himself if he could see me now, Kim told herself, satisfied with her reflection. She stood for several minutes admiring herself then shook off her daydreaming. She didn't want Tommy coming out and catching her --at least, not just yet. Her hair wasn't done. As she reached for the magazine in her bag that had the hairstyle she wanted to try, Kim realized that she hadn't plugged her curling iron in.

"Tommy, did you hear me?"

Kim heard nothing inside the bathroom: no shower, no hair dryer --nothing-- but Tommy was definitely inside. "Come on, Tommy; answer me! If I don't get that thing plugged in soon, I won't be able to get my hair done. If you're going to be much longer, at least do that for me. Just tell me. Please?"

When he didn't respond, she stomped away from the door, fuming; then she marched right back. "Tommy James Oliver, if you don't answer me, I'll ... I'll ... come on in and plug it in myself!" she threatened. "Geez, even my brother knew how to share the bathroom better than you." Kim leaned against the door and blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Aw, come on, Tommy." She counted to ten silently. "Okay, bud, ready or not, here I come!"

She turned the doorknob; it wasn't locked. She all but threw the door open. Tommy was standing at the sink calmly brushing his hair. A smile tugged at his mouth. Kim opened her mouth to blast him with a stinging retort; instead, she left it hanging open. Tommy's tanned body glistened with moisture, and his damp locks were plastered to his shoulders. The only thing he had on was a thin hotel towel wrapped low about his hips. Kim grabbed onto the door frame, her knees feeling weak and her cheeks feeling hot.

"It's plugged in," Tommy said simply, gesturing to her curling iron.

"Why didn't you answer me?" she stammered.

"I didn't think you'd actually come in."

"Why you...!" Kim picked up a wadded-up towel and flung it at him.

"Hey, cut it out!" he laughed, clutching the towel he wore to keep from losing it. Kim just glared at him. Tommy returned to working on his hair as if nothing had happened, and Kim continued to watch him.

"How are you going to wear your hair?" Kim wondered, finally finding her voice.

"I don't know. I thought of just pulling it back into a ponytail."

"Like you usually do? I don't know; that's too severe," Kim murmured. She contemplated his damp locks critically. "Let me see what I can do. Sit down." Kim grabbed Tommy's brush and hairdryer and set to work.

Tommy closed his eyes in delight as Kim worked her magic on his hair with fingers and brush. He could let her brush his hair all day; however, Tommy tried not to lose himself in her touch too much. After all, he was only dressed in a towel.

"Head down," Kim directed in business like tones. When he obliged, she flipped his hair over his head.

While his head was bowed, Tommy noticed that Kim had on her stockings and shoes; he hadn't seen the black patent leather sandals before. The straps hugged her ankles nicely. As she stepped around him, her robe flashed open a bit, and he observed that her stockings only went up to her thighs, and while he couldn't be certain, he could have sworn they were held up by garters. That thought intrigued him. It made him wonder what the rest of her undergarments looked liked, and he wondered if she'd let him see them.

"Okay, head up," she said.

As Tommy lifted his head, his eyes lit onto the way the top of her robe gapped open. He caught a glimpse of black lace and a satin rosette in the cleavage. Tommy was beginning to think that the towel was not such a good idea. He had dared Kim to enter with his silence; his state of undress was meant to catch her off balance. He had succeeded in that, but now the tables were being turned. There was no way the towel was going to hide his semi-erect anatomy. He prayed Kim wouldn't ask him to stand up.

"There we go," Kim said with satisfaction. "Wow."

Tommy didn't know how she had done it, but his hair looked softer and wispier than it had ever been styled. It was loose about his face yet pulled back in a low ponytail, yet she had used no rubber band. It was almost as if she had knotted his hair.

"Yum," Kim added appreciatively, almost a purr.

The look in Kim's eye and the depth of her sigh stirred Tommy's blood. "Kim, my folks," Tommy reminded her delicately. They had purposely left the door between the rooms open to keep Tommy's folks from worrying too much.

"Tommy, Kim, we're back," Mr. Oliver called out as if on cue. "Anybody home?"

"We're in the bathroom!" Kim hollered back.

Tommy rolled his eyes and buried his face in his hands. His parents' timing stunk, and the last thing he wanted was for one of them to come in.

"I'm fixing Tommy's hair," Kim said as she popped her head out of the doorway. "Did you want something?"

"Just letting you know we're back."

"Okay," Kim said brightly and ducked back inside.

"Thomas William, leave the kids alone," Mrs. Oliver chided.

"How many Thomas Williams does that make? Only one today that we know of; didn't he earn one yesterday?" Kim observed.

"I think Mom starts a new total each day," Tommy said. "At least I hope she doesn't make them cumulative. I really don't want Dad sharing the room with us."

"Oh, any particular reason?" Kim wondered as she resumed fussing with Tommy's hair.

"Not really. Dad just cramps my style."

"There, I can't think of anything else to do to your hair," Kim said with almost a sigh of regret. She casually twirled the few loose strands around one of her fingers. She was sorry to be finished styling his hair.

"I have to admit, my hair looks pretty good. Thanks."

Kim did not acknowledge his gratitude; she was dreamily playing with his ponytail. Her hands smoothed the knot down his back, and they continued smoothing their way down his back. Kim stepped around and cupped Tommy's chin in her hands; she pressed her lips to his with exquisite gentleness. Tommy's arms reached around to pull her more closely to him, and his hand immediately began exploring the curve of her behind.

"Mm," Kim purred, pressing Tommy's face to her bosom, pushing him dangerously close to soiling his towel. As much as Tommy enjoyed the embrace, he knew they had better ease off.

"Kim," he gasped breathlessly.

"I know," she murmured, releasing him. "Are you almost finished in here, or would you mind sharing the mirror so I can work on my hair?"

"Actually, I don't dare stand up until you're out of the room," Tommy admitted sheepishly.

"Oh." Kim blushed and struggled to keep her eyes front and center. "I guess I could get started on my hair out there." As she exited the tiny, very warm bathroom, Kim paused and gave Tommy's body a thorough once over. "Yum," she purred again then closed the door.

"Oh, man," Tommy groaned, feeling a little weak-kneed. He had to hold onto the cold countertop to help himself up. His hands shook as he reached for his shaving kit. Well, he had asked for it --and nearly got it. If Kim had stayed one second longer ... Tommy had been seriously in danger of losing his restraint. He was beginning to think that he was going to have to jump in and take a cold shower in order to settle down, but if he did that, his hair would need to be done all over again. A powerful surge of hormones shot through his already stimulated body, and he decided that he had better put on more than just a towel. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to bring his robe, and his clothes were still in his suitcase. Taking a deep breath to fortify himself, Tommy opened the door and peered out.

He couldn't see Kim immediately; the way the suite was laid out, the mirrored dresser was on the same side as the bathroom. The door between their room and Tommy's folks had been pulled shut. Tommy stepped out and caught a glimpse of Kim at the dresser. She was playing with her hair, pulling it up this way and that, gathering it into ponytails and braids, but nothing seemed to satisfy her. Tommy leaned against the wall to watch for a bit, his clothes all but forgotten. He liked being able to watch Kim when she was unaware of his presence. It was usually educational. It was difficult to see her face, but he could tell that she was frowning. She retrieved a magazine from the top of the dresser and started flipping through the pages. To Tommy, it appeared to be a lingerie catalog. Kim thumbed through the pages until she found what she was apparently looking for. Tommy wished he could see better. Judging from her actions, she was trying to copy a hairstyle from one of the models.

Soon, however, Kim stopped fussing with her hair; she studied the picture intently. Tommy almost gasped as she slipped her robe off her shoulders. Tommy was startled to see the black garment she was wearing; he remembered it --or one nearly like it-- from the window of the lingerie shop in the mall. Kim studied her reflection critically. She turned sideways slightly, checking her profile; thankfully for Tommy, her eyes never left the mirror. He watched as she smoothed her hands down her sides and drew them back up her abdomen in a sort of embrace. Her hands traveled up over her bosom to her neck and face until they lifted her hair off her shoulders and playfully piled it on top of her head.

"Mm," Kim rumbled deep in her throat in almost exactly the same tone she had used in the bathroom. Closing her eyes, she smiled sensuously. Her hands left her hair to trail down her body again. Slowly she drew her hands across her breasts, cupping them, plumping them, and finally taking a playful squeeze. Tommy nearly lost it, and he would have if Kim hadn't seemed to recollect herself. Her eyes snapped open, she pulled her hands away, and shook her head as if to clear it. Before resuming her hairstyling, she took a moment to examine her stockings. There was a small stool by the dresser, and she propped up her right leg and began fixing her hosiery. Her robe must have been in her way as she tugged at the belt and let the garment drop to the floor.

Tommy inhaled and didn't let the breath go. Her stockings encased her legs to her thighs, as he had noticed in the bathroom; there was something, however, about the seam that ran up the back of her legs that Tommy found exciting. He had been right about the garters, too. She was dressed almost exactly like that picture they had seen. As if the view couldn't get any better, Kim bent over to adjust her sandal strap, flashing Tommy an incredible view of her ass, which was set off to perfection by the thin strip of black running up her crack. Tommy couldn't take it any longer as another fiery spasm rippled through his body. Completely forgetting about his clothes, he dove through the bathroom door, practically slamming it behind him in his haste to take care of certain pressing matters. It didn't take long; Tommy collapsed against the door in relief and ecstasy and slowly slid down until his bare bottom hit the cold tile. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and tired to catch his breath. Even with his eyes shut, he could still see the creamy white swell of her cheeks.

Out in the room, Kim heard the bang of the door, straightened up and whirled around, clutching at her robe.

"Tommy?" she called out uncertainly. She slipped the robe back on and approached the bathroom. She thought she heard a groan within. "Are you all right?"

"Uh huh," came the weak reply. His voice sort of cracked.

Kim couldn't be sure, but she thought she heard him mutter, "oh, wow," too. She had never heard Tommy make noises like that before. "Are you sure? I can call your folks if something's wrong."

"The only thing you can do to help me, Beautiful, is hand me the underwear and pants sitting on top of my suitcase."

"All right." Kim retrieved the requested garments. "Here you go." The bathroom door opened a crack, and to Kim's amazement, Tommy reached up from the floor for his clothes.

"Thanks."

"Sure." Still puzzled, Kim retreated to continue working on her hair. Tommy emerged from the bathroom a short while later. His face was slightly flushed, and he wore an odd sort of smile.

"The bathroom is all yours," Tommy announced, offering Kim a gallant bow.

"Thanks." Eyeing Tommy warily, she traded places with him.

As Tommy slipped on his t-shirt and dress shirt, he noticed that Kim had left her magazine on the dresser. As he had surmised, it was a lingerie catalog. The magazine was open to a picture of a model in an outfit similar to Kim's; her hair was loosely gathered in a Gibson Girl-style bun with wispy tendrils tickling her neck. Tommy had no difficulty substituting Kimberly for the model in the picture. Idly, he flipped through the rest of the pages.

"See something you like?" Kim asked softly.

Tommy hadn't heard her come out. He blushed somewhat guiltily; however, Kimberly seemed equally sheepish.

"I don't know. Maybe. Anything in particular that you like?"

"A couple of things."

"If you ever get any of this stuff, will I get to see you in it?" Tommy boldly asked with a knowing smile.

"I don't know. Maybe," Kim replied with an enigmatic smile of her own. It made Tommy wonder if Kim knew he had been watching her. They stood there staring at each other, their thoughts their own.

"This is a discussion we'd better finish another time," Tommy suggested reluctantly, checking his watch. "It's nearly 4:30; it's almost time for the hour-before-departure check in."

"In that case, I'll need my magazine back."

"Oh?"

"For the hairstyle. What did you think?"

Tommy handed it over, but he couldn't lose his lopsided grin, and Kim still didn't know what to make of it.

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"How are things going along in here?" Jan queried as she tapped on the door. She heard Tommy grunt, so she pushed the door open. She found him standing in front of the mirror fiddling with his tie.

"I hate ties," Tommy grumbled, undoing his latest attempt.

"Here, let me. After twenty-some years of marriage, I still have to tie your father's," Jan remarked, deftly maneuvering the colorful silk. "There. Put on your jacket, and let me see what you look like."

With a touch of self-consciousness, Tommy obliged his mother. He hated suits. He felt confined in the tailored clothes. He tugged at his stiff shirt collar and fidgeted.

"Would you look at you," Jan murmured. "It sort of reminds me of the first time I saw your father in a suit. He looked so dashing...." She sighed at the memory. "For what it's worth, you and Kimberly were right about the hair." She stood on tiptoe and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"Thanks, Mom."

Just then, Kim emerged from the bathroom. Her head was bent as she tried to fasten the clasp at the back of her neck.

"Tommy ... uh ... could you hook this blasted thing? It ... uh ... won't cooperate with me," she requested, struggling with the stubborn clasp.

"Sure."

Jan smiled as she observed the two. In a way, it made her remember how things had been when she and Thomas were first married. They had been so much in love and so grateful simply to be together. Scared, awkward --she didn't think they learned to relax around each other until their first anniversary or so. She saw a lot of that in Tommy and Kimberly now, but she could also see a bond that she and Thomas never had while they were in school. There was more between Tommy and Kimberly than a mere high school romance, and it was more than Kim having to go to Paris. Jan couldn't begin to fathom what it might be.

"You want me to zip it, too?" Tommy asked.

"You might as well."

"All set."

"Thanks. So, what do you think?" Kim spun around, modeling the dress for Tommy.

"You look spectacular," he said appreciatively, drinking her all in from the sparkle in her eye to the sparkle on her hem. It was the first time he had seen her in it. He knew he liked the dress and would like Kim in it the moment he saw it on the mannequin; however, Kim filled the gown out better than he imagined. The collared halter framed her bust nicely, causing her breasts to swell over the top of the bodice and creating exciting cleavage. The body of the gown flowed over Kim's frame perfectly, setting off her hips and ass, and the flare of the skirt teased Tommy with glimpses of her black clad legs, which looked longer in her heels.

"Really? And you look ... oh, wow...!"

"I clean up okay?"

"Better than okay. You are absolutely gorgeous. I'm going to be the luckiest girl at the wedding reception," Kim gushed.

"I only hope the two of you don't outshine the bride and groom," Jan remarked, but the two didn't seem to hear her. They only had eyes for each other. Silently, Jan took her leave.

"Oh, I almost forgot! I have something for you," Tommy said. "Close your eyes." Kim obeyed and Tommy retrieved the little velvet box from his suitcase. He removed the delicate bracelet and fastened it around Kim's wrist. "You can open them, now."

"Tommy, you didn't...." Kim gasped as tiny blue and diamond-like stones winked up at her in the light.

"You're right, I didn't," Tommy confessed. "The real thing was way out of my budget, but the salesclerk at the Petite Boutique made some suggestions and told me where they bought their accessories for the displays. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all. It's beautiful." Kim's eyes were rather moist. "You've never given me jewelry before."

Tommy shrugged self-consciously at that. "There are earrings, too."

Kim removed her gold studs and put in the glistening sapphire-like teardrops. Then she flung her arms around Tommy. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything, except...."

"What?"

"Well, how about --maybe-- I love you?" He suggested hopefully, before he lost his nerve.

"Tommy?" Kim gasped, wide-eyed with amazement.

"I do, you know. I was just a little nervous about telling you."

"Oh, Tommy!" Kim flung her arms around his neck and kissed him fiercely. Tommy hugged her as if he wouldn't let her go. She paused the kiss long enough to whisper, "I love you too." Then they resumed the embrace.

"If you two are done admiring one another, it's time to go!" Tommy's father hollered out.

Tommy set Kim down, and she quickly collected her shawl and purse. Offering Kim his arm, Tommy escorted her to join his parents.

Chapter 13

"Would you look at this place!" Tommy gasped as they arrived at the hotel where the reception was being held. His aunt had reserved the main salon for the festivities.

"This looks like something you'd see in a hotel in New York City or Los Angeles," Kim murmured, surveying the vast expanse of chandeliers, ornate decor and other fancy fixtures. "This place is grand enough to throw a party for royalty!"

"Jean was never one to settle for second best," Thomas murmured.

"I don't see the receiving line," Jan observed. "Kyle and Stephanie don't seem to be around anywhere."

"So, what's the Michaels family protocol for this situation?" Thomas asked, only half joking.

"Knowing Jean, she'll be a stickler for proprieties. Everyone else seems to be congregating at the tables and not doing much mingling. I bet everyone is supposed to take their seats and wait until the bride and groom show up in order to start the festivities. I'll look for Jean and find out for certain. Why don't you guys go locate our table."

"Tell you what, why don't we split up and start on opposite sides of the room; there's no telling where Jean stuck us," Thomas recommended and went his own way, leaving Kim and Tommy standing by themselves.

"So now what?" Tommy asked.

Kim noticed that Tommy was holding her hand a little too tightly. "Nervous?"

"A little."

"It'll be all right; you'll see. Come on; let's walk around and check out the tables, and we'll see what happens."

Arm in arm, the two wandered about the room. As they passed by other guests at the tables, Kim would nod and smile. One would have thought it was a function held by her family. She carefully noted the murmurs and muted whispers in their wake; people were trying to figure out who they were.

"I think we're causing something of a stir," Kim murmured. "Your relatives can't figure out who we are; I told you no one would recognize you."

"Well, I haven't seen anyone that I recognize yet," Tommy responded tersely.

"You need to relax. The bar's open; why don't I get us both something to drink," Kim offered.

"I think I could use a stiff drink right about now."

"I didn't think you drank."

"I don't, but if I was inclined to, this would be the perfect occasion."

"Just chill out and wait right here, okay?" Kim instructed. Shaking her head, she wandered off to the bar. Tommy was being way too uptight about the whole thing. He wasn't going to have any fun if he didn't stop being a worrywart.

"What can I get you, miss?" the bartender queried.

"Two orange juices," Kim answered.

"Actually, Bob, I think what the little lady wants are two screwdrivers," someone behind Kimberly said.

She turned to see who it was. He was a young man slightly shorter than Tommy, of stockier build, with black wavy hair and blue eyes. He wore a very classy tuxedo and smiled at her charmingly. Kim had no trouble recognizing Mark.

"The little lady knows what she wants," she retorted icily. "I happen to like plain orange juice; besides, I'm not old enough for screwdrivers."

"I'm Mark Morgan," he introduced himself, completely ignoring Kim's brush off.

"I know, and I'm not interested." The bartender handed her two glasses. Kim thanked him and wandered off.

---------------------------------------

"I take it she's not a cousin," Bob, the bartender, noted to Mark.

"Definitely not --at least not any cousin that I ever knew of."

"She's also the first girl I've seen in a long while who's given you the cold shoulder."

"Only for the moment," Mark replied, undeterred. His eyes followed the young woman in the shimmering blue dress as she wove her way through the maze of elaborate tables. He liked the way her ass swung as she walked. "Before the night is through, she'll be coming home with me."

"I don't know. I think she came in with the tall fella with the hair," Bob said.

"It doesn't matter who she came in with, as long as she leaves with me."

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"Dad's found the table," Tommy said as Kim returned with their drinks.

"Good. I just met your cousin Mark."

"Oh?"

"You might be careful when you take the first sip; he tried to tell the bartender that I wanted screwdrivers. The nerve of that guy!" Kim fumed.

Tommy tasted his drink cautiously. "It's straight orange juice."

"Maybe letting the bartender know I was under age made him decide against spiking the drinks. I think he might be a friend of Mark's or something."

"The table's over that way," Tommy said, indicating a location towards the center of the room.

"One of the ones they'll have to move when the music starts," Kim noted. "Hey, before we go sit down, let's go check out the cake. I want a better look; I don't think I've ever seen such a fancy wedding cake before."

As the two walked towards the head table, even Tommy was cognizant of the queries and stares this time. "This is embarrassing," he muttered.

"I think it's cute. Let's hold off rejoining your folks. I want to see if any of your relatives figure out who you are on their own."

"I just don't understand what the big deal is. I haven't changed all that much."

"Remember what you told me about your aunt saying you were turning into a hoodlum? Well, maybe the family is expecting to see someone in ratty jeans and a leather vest and boots with chains around them. Windblown hair, a couple days worth of razor stubble, maybe a few tattoos...."

"All right, I get the picture, but you'd think that Mom would have set them straight."

"Maybe no one wanted to believe her. After all, you'd expect your mom to defend you, and what mother would want the family to think that her son was a street rat?"

"Hey, I think that's Becca," Tommy exclaimed suddenly.

"Where?"

"There by the center of the head table --the one with the dark auburn curls, blue eyes, and dynamite figure."

Kim couldn't argue with Tommy's assessment of his cousin's attributes; Rebecca Morgan looked stunning in the strapless, black velvet sheath that was accented with rhinestones.

"It seems kind of weird to say that my cousin has a dynamite figure," Tommy said uncomfortably.

"It's the truth. Heck, I ogled my cousins all the time at family functions; I just prefaced any comments I made with 'if only I wasn't related to him.' For the longest time I hated the fact that the cutest guys I knew were family. Who's that with her?" Kim referred to the young woman in the green taffeta tank dress. She was quite a contrast to Becca. She practically had no figure to speak of. She also had blue eyes; her skin was very, very fair, but her hair was so black that it couldn't have been natural. As they drew closer, Kim could see that her eyebrows were a reddish-blonde.

"Laurie, one of Uncle Bill's kids, I think. I remember her as having really light hair, being very skinny and freckled."

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As Tommy was pointing out his cousins to Kimberly, Becca and Laurie were checking the pair of them out.

"Would you look at that," Becca gasped. "Who's the hunk with the hair? He is absolutely the most awesome looking guy here. Almost enough to make you want to go straight again, eh Laurie?"

"Sh! You know no one else in the family knows about me," Laurie hissed, "and it would take more than a gorgeous body to get me interested in guys again. Actually, I kind of like the girl he's with. Who are they?"

"I don't know."

"I bet we're related to at least one of them."

"Why is it I'm related to all the cute guys here?" Becca moaned in mock consternation.

"Quiet, they'll hear you," Laurie hissed. "Honestly, Rae; you'd think you've never seen a cute guy before. Who knows, maybe we're related to the girl; she looks more at ease than the hunk you're drooling over does."

"I couldn't get so lucky."

"Didn't your mom say that Tommy Oliver was showing up for this shindig? Maybe that's him," Laurie hypothesized.

"Couldn't be. He's too clean cut. Mom says that Tommy turned into some kind of hoodlum --you know, long hair, earrings, going around beating people up with his karate.... I wonder if he has a tattoo?"

---------------------------------------

"Come on," Kim declared, tugging on Tommy's sleeve.

"What?"

"I want you to introduce me to Becca."

"Sure, I guess so."

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"Hey, Rae, here comes the hunk with the hair," Laurie teased her cousin. Becca scowled at her then quickly composed herself.

"I'm going to die of embarrassment if I don't figure out who he is," Becca hissed. Then she looked up at Tommy and smiled, offering him her hands in greeting. "Hello."

"Hi, Becca; it's good to see you again," Tommy said, taking her hands and kissing her on the cheek. It was a familiar ritual.

"Becca? The only person who calls me that any longer is Aunt Elsa; of course, you can't tell her any differently," Becca sniffed.

"What do you go by now?" Tommy asked.

"Rae, but you can call me whatever you'd like," Becca gushed, and Tommy looked a little flustered.

"And you're Laurie, right?" he continued, turning to his other cousin. Tommy took her hands and kissed her as he had Becca.

"That's right," she confirmed. Tommy's actions told her that he was family, but she still could not place the face.

"It's been way too long. Oh, Becca, Laurie, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Kimberly," he introduced.

Kim stepped forward and offered Becca a handshake. She had been watching the byplay and hadn't missed that neither young woman had a clue as to Tommy's identity. She also had the sense that Becca wouldn't take kindly to being made to look foolish by not recognizing her cousin, so she decided to act as if she thought both girls knew who Tommy was all the time. "I'm glad to meet you; Tommy's told me so much about you."

"Tommy? Little Tommy Oliver?" Becca gasped, completely dumbfounded. She looked Tommy up and down more carefully. "No way."

Tommy favored her with a smile that always made Kim's knees a little wobbly, and she observed that, kin or not, it had the same effect on Becca.

"The same. How have you been?"

"When'd you get so gorgeous?" Becca blurted out, causing Laurie to roll her eyes and look away. "I mean, the eyes are kind of familiar, but the Tommy I knew was this gawky, rather plain, quiet kid."

"I grew up, just like you. The Becca I remember was a skinny little thing with stringy hair and crooked teeth."

"Touché," Laurie sniggered. Becca shot her a glance that seemed to say, "shut up."

"It's been almost six years," Tommy reminded Becca, who was still staring at him with something close to amazement.

"Damn," was all Becca could mutter.

"I love your dress," Kim interjected, feeling that the topic of Tommy's cuteness had worn thin --although she loved hearing someone else admire him, especially because he was all hers. "It's simple yet elegant; very sophisticated."

"Rae and Stephanie picked them out," Laurie supplied helpfully. "They both seem to have sophisticated tastes."

"I must admit, I've never been to a wedding reception as formal as this one."

"Mom spared no expense. I hope she feels that generous when it's my turn to get married," Becca quipped.

"By the way, where are the bride and groom?" Tommy wondered. "I was expecting a big receiving line and all."

"They'll be here," Laurie said, looking rather uncomfortable. "There was a delay at the house."

"Yeah, I think Steph had to barf or something," Becca sniggered. Laurie elbowed her.

"Nerves?" Kim asked sympathetically.

"No, she gets morning sickness in the late afternoon instead of the morning."

"Becca!" Laurie gasped. "You weren't supposed to say anything!"

"Oh, come off it, Laurie. I'm sure the rest of the family has figured it out by now that Kyle got Steph pregnant and that's why they're getting married now instead of four months from now. I mean, everybody knows that Mom called in every favor anybody ever owed her to get the church and this ballroom this early. Hell, she even had to have all the invitations reprinted. Mom wants to be able to claim that the kid was a honeymoon baby. Her darling little Kyle was fooling around with his girlfriend and got a bun in the oven ... Heaven forbid!"

Tommy and Kim exchanged uncomfortable glances, taken aback not only by the gossip but by Becca's sharpness as well.

"It looks like Kyle and Stephanie have finally arrived," Laurie announced, breaking the awkward silence. Her companions turned to find the happy couple rushing into the ballroom. Kim noticed a woman who was probably Tommy's Aunt Jean hurrying over to meet them. She did not look happy.

"Well, I'm going to have to report for greeting line duty," Becca sighed.

"We should catch up with my folks," Tommy recommended.

"Are you going to go through the receiving line?"

"Mom wouldn't let me miss it," Tommy said ruefully.

"Mothers," Becca agreed. "I'll catch the two of you in a little bit then." As Kim started to walk off, Becca caught her arm. "You and me are going to have to get together later, and you can tell me all about that yummy cousin of mine."

"Sure," Kim replied.

"Do you dance?"

"I love dancing."

"I think you and I are going to get along quite well," Becca declared. She finished off her drink then popped a mint; it wouldn't do for the aunties to smell the liquor on her breath.

"So, who's the cutie in the blue?"

Becca glanced over her shoulder at Mark. He had been watching as his sister had talked with the unknown duo.

"Her name is Kimberly," Becca answered.

"A relation?"

"Nope, just dating one."

"Kimberly. Nice. Very, very nice," Mark murmured as he wandered off to take his place in line.

"Well, well, well," Becca remarked, watching her brother thoughtfully. Then she ribbed Laurie. "You may be competing with my brother for Tommy's girlfriend."

"Don't even think about it. You're slimy brother and his scummy friends are the reason I swore off men in the first place," Laurie shot back. "I'm surprised you didn't do as much after what they did to you."

"Yeah, well, not all guys are rotten like Mark."

"Besides, Kim is all Tommy's. Didn't you see they way they were looking at each other?"

"So? That won't stop, Mark; why should it stop you?"

"I'm not Mark, and I wouldn't do that to Tommy. As I remember he was the only decent kid out of the bunch of us, and your stupid brothers drove him away."

"Aw, I'm only teasing. You're right about the look, though. You know, this could be interesting. There's no way Tommy will let Mark get away with hitting on his girl. Maybe Mark will finally get the taking down he needs."

"Come on; you'd better get over to the receiving line. Your mom is not in one of her better moods," Laurie reminded her.

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Tommy and Kim made their way through the receiving line with his parents. Although it was a bit boring --they started out by greeting the bridal party, most of whom were friends of Kyle and Stephanie that Tommy didn't know-- it had its amusing moments. Most of the relatives behind Tommy and Kim in line were trying to figure out who was who, and to Tommy's relief he discovered he wasn't the only one being subjected to the ‘who is that?’ questions. The family was towards the end of the line. Aunt Jean was first, and Tommy had to admit to feeling more than a little pleased at her reaction. She looked completely stunned and was rather flustered at being thrown off guard. Tommy traded bemused glances with Becca as he drew up to her.

"Do I get another kiss, cutie?" She teased, offering her cheek. She got a kick out of being ‘in the know,’ so to speak. As Tommy approached Mark and Kyle, he felt a tightening in his stomach. Mark greeted him with polite indifference. He only had eyes for Kimberly. Kyle looked genuinely puzzled. Apparently they hadn't been able to figure out that Tommy and Kim were with Jan and Thomas.

"Congratulations, Kyle; I hope you and Stephanie will be very happy," Tommy said graciously. He felt for his cousin in spite of everything. Kyle did look a bit uncomfortable; he had to be aware of the rumors floating around --fueled without caution by his own sister. Tommy was all too cognizant of what it felt like to know that the family was whispering and laughing behind his back.

"I'm sorry, you look familiar, but I just can't remember who you are," Kyle said, finally admitting defeat. He had tried so hard for his mother's sake to remember who everyone was.

"That's okay; you haven't seen me in six years," Tommy began.

"Don't tell me you dweebs don't recognize Aunt Jan's Tommy," Becca interjected with evil delight. The looks of surprise that crossed both her brothers' faces were priceless.

"I'm really glad you were able to come," Kyle comment when he could find his voice. To Tommy it sounded as if he was genuinely pleased to see him.

"And who is this lovely creature?" Mark purred oily, taking Kim's hand and kissing it.

"This is my girlfriend Kimberly," Tommy answered tightly. He recognized the covetous glint in Mark's eye.

"It is a pleasure to be introduced to you at last," Mark said, dawdling over her hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Morgan," Kim said icily, drawing her hand away. Her tone did not go unnoticed by Becca, Kyle and Tommy; however, Mark seemed oblivious to it.

"Back off, Mark; you're holding up the line," Becca hissed.

"We must get together later," Mark suggested. "I could tell you such stories from when Tommy and we were kids --they're quite a riot."

"I've heard the stories already," Kim snapped; she was on edge like during a battle when she knew the monster was there somewhere waiting to strike but she couldn't see it. "I didn't find them very amusing."

"Come on, Kim; I'll introduce you to some of my other aunts and uncles," Tommy said, concerned about her defensive tone. When they were out of earshot he asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, Tommy; I didn't mean to be rude," Kim apologized. She glanced back over her shoulder and noticed that Mark was still staring at her. She shivered. "I didn't like Mark when I saw his picture. I didn't like him after you told me what he did to you, and I definitely don't like him after meeting him in person. I have the feeling that I'm going to be spending the entire evening trying to keep him from hitting on me."

"Don't worry; I won't let Mark bother you," Tommy assured her.

"I know. I just don't want to cause a scene or anything like that."

The two made the rounds, going from table to table. Kim met so many of Tommy's relatives that she couldn't keep them all straight.

"Tommy, can we take a break and go sit down?" Kim asked plaintively as they finished up with another table of greetings. "My feet are killing me, and I'm dying of thirst from making all this small talk."

"Sure. Why don't you go sit down, and I'll go get you a Coke or something."

"Thanks."

About the time Tommy made his way through the throng of people to the bar, the receiving line broke up. It meant that they would be starting dinner soon.

"Tommy, do you have a minute?" It was Kyle.

"What's up?"

Kyle led Tommy away from the crowded bar.

"I'm really glad you showed up; I've been wanting to talk to you." Kyle took a deep breath, as if he wasn't sure he could continue. "I'm sure you've heard the rumors going around about me and Stephanie...."

"Kyle, you don't have to confirm or deny those things. Just ignore them," Tommy advised. Why would his cousin be coming to him about that?

"They're true, you know," Kyle rushed on. "Every couple has their problems. Stephanie turned to an ex-boyfriend for comfort just as I turned to an ex-girlfriend, but Stephanie and I have been lovers for a long time before we got engaged. We're pretty sure the baby's mine, but...."

"Kyle, why are you telling me this?" Tommy asked. This was way beyond simply getting one's girlfriend pregnant.

"I know the relatives are talking. I've heard the whispers and the snickers and the disapproving clucks and all that, and it made me think of you."

"Me?"

"It made me realize how you must have felt when everyone was laughing at you at Aunt Eleanor's party."

"Yeah, it's not a lot of fun having your whole family laughing at you," Tommy remarked, trying to figure out what his cousin was driving at. Why bring up Aunt Eleanor's birthday now?

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry for what Mark and I did to you that day."

Tommy was too astonished to speak for a moment; an apology was the last thing he expected.

"Things weren't supposed to get out of hand," Kyle continued. "It was just supposed to be a harmless prank, but once Mark got going --with the puppet strings and all-- I just followed along, like I always did. You'd think being the older brother I'd have known better or told him no, but somehow, he always managed to con me into being his partner in crime. I never meant for things to drive you away from the family. I know an apology now can't undo all that was done, but I hope you'll accept it just the same."

"No problem," Tommy said, accepting Kyle's offered hand. "I had pretty much decided that it was time to let things go, that it was a waste to be angry and hurt over something that happened eleven years ago."

"If you could do that, you're a much better person than I."

"Not really, Kim had to talk some sense into me," Tommy admitted.

"Actually, Steph's the one who figured out what was bugging me, too."

---------------------------------------

While Tommy was talking with Kyle, Kim was waiting at the table for him. She was by herself as Tommy's folks were off mingling, and the other guests hadn't been seated yet. As soon as the receiving line broke up, Becca made a beeline for Kim, and she had Laurie in tow.

"Tommy sure has stirred things up around here," Becca said, getting right to it. "Boy, are the relatives surprised --especially Mom."

"Actually, I think she's rather annoyed," Laurie ventured. "She was so sure Tommy was some kind of gang member or something."

"Yeah, Mom hates to be wrong --and have everyone know it," Becca agreed.

"I don't want to be rude or insulting, but if you're mother hadn't started talking Tommy down before she had all the facts, she wouldn't be wrong," Kim said tartly. "I know Jan must have tried to tell her that she was way off base."

"Mom wouldn't listen to anything Aunt Jan told her," Becca said dismissively. "Hell, if Jan told her one thing, Mom would tell someone else the exact opposite."

"So that's how the hoodlum rumors got started," Laurie murmured.

"Why would your mother do something like that?" Kim wondered.

"She's always been in competition with Aunt Jan over something, I guess," Becca sighed.

"So she'd cut down Tommy to spite Jan?" Laurie asked.

"And make Kyle and Mark look good."

"That's so stupid!" Laurie snorted.

"You'll get no argument from me on that," Kim agreed.

"Me either, but enough about my mother. Tell me more about my yummy cousin," Becca urged with a giggle.

"Like what?" Kim asked.

"How long have you been dating?" Laurie queried.

"Since he moved to Angel Grove."

"How'd you meet him."

"At a martial arts exhibition."

"You're into karate, too?"

"Not really. I'm a gymnast. Tommy was competing against one of my good friends."

"I wasn't talking about that lame stuff," Becca interjected. "I mean the juicy stuff --like is he good in bed?"

"Rae!" Laurie gasped. She was blushing almost as hotly as Kim was; really, her cousin could be so crude at times.

"I don't know," Kim answered honestly.

"You mean you guys haven't slept together?" Becca was incredulous.

"Does Tommy strike you as the sort of guy who'd jump into bed at the drop of a hat?" Kim challenged.

"He strikes me as being more of a gentleman than Kyle or Mark," Laurie replied, getting in a dig.

"Kyle didn't sleep around much; Mark's the one who can't keep his cock in his pants," Becca shot back. "Well, if you haven't done it with him yet, is he at least a good kisser?"

"Most definitely."

"Have you even considered sleeping with him?"

"Rae, you're being really rude," Laurie interjected. "Why should you care whether or not they've slept together?"

"Can I help it if I have sex on the brain?"

"You've had too much to drink already," Laurie grumbled. "Some people prefer not to discuss their sex lives with people they've just met."

"It's all right, Laurie. Becca just caught me off guard, and to answer her question, we've only just started thinking about it. We thought we had all the time in the world to wait until the time was right, but with me having to move to Paris...."

"You get to live in Paris? Out of sight!" Becca squealed. "I'd kill for the chance to go to Paris --even if only for a vacation, but to live there ... you're one lucky woman."

"I wish I felt that way about it," Kim said glumly.

"How could you not?"

"It means leaving Tommy --not to mention all my other friends."

Jan and Thomas returned to the table at that point, as well as several other relations. Becca and Laurie got up to return to their own assigned places as the waiters were preparing to bring out the dinner.

"Girl, we are going to have to figure out a way to get you and Tommy together," Becca whispered under the cover of a parting hug. "You can't go to Paris without knowing what sex it like."

"Don't worry about it, Becca; I'm sure Tommy and I will do just fine on our own."

"What was that all about?" Tommy wondered as he rejoined Kim at the table. He had reservations about the grin Becca had just flashed him.

"Oh, Becca was pumping me for information on you," Kim answered. She didn't feel like telling Tommy the specifics. "I noticed you and Kyle talking over by the bar; what was that all about?"

"Would you believe he apologized for what happened at Aunt Eleanor's birthday party?"

"See, I told you that your cousins had grown up."

"Well, maybe Kyle has, but I don't think Mark has."

Chapter 14

Dinner was an overwhelming affair. There were plates for this and glasses for that and too much silverware to figure out what to do with. The meal was served in courses with elaborate presentation. Although, Kim and Tommy had to agree that they had tasted better cooking at Ernie's. The portions were small, and while it was still too much for Kimberly, one of Tommy's uncles seated at their table complained that he didn't have enough. By the time the final plate was whisked away, everyone was relieved to have the meal over. As if on cue, people began to wander about, resuming conversations they had started before the meal. To add to the confusion, the staff began moving the tables to clear off the dance floor.

"Good evening, everyone. I trust everyone had a pleasant meal."

Kim shivered as she felt Mark's hand on the back of her chair. He was performing his duties as host to perfection. His smile was gracious and warm, but that warmth never reached his eyes. Around the table, everyone else assured him that everything was fine.

"I mustn't linger too long," Mark continued. "I must see to everyone's comfort; however, I did want to stop long enough to ask Kimberly to save a dance for me."

Kim cringed and looked at Tommy as if pleading for help. He looked as pained as she did, but he shook his head as if to say there was no getting out of it.

"I suppose one dance couldn't hurt," she agreed reluctantly.

"I look forward to it," Mark said, then took his leave.

"Don't you like to dance, Kimberly?" one of the aunts queried, noticing her hesitation.

"I love to dance, ma'am."

"Then you should enjoy dancing with Mark; he is a superb dancer," the woman next to her added. Kim couldn't remember if she was family or friend.

"So I've heard," she murmured.

"Then what's wrong, dear?"

"It's just that he makes my skin crawl," Kim answered, and Tommy's relatives were too shocked to respond. Jan nearly spit out her drink, and Thomas and Tommy had difficult times trying to hide their smiles.

---------------------------------------

Tommy remained at the table until the first dance was finished, but when the wedding party took the floor, he couldn't wait any longer and excused himself to find the restroom. The way back was treacherous with the maze of tables and the dim lighting. As he wound his way through, he could hear snippets of conversations about family gatherings of the past. He was happy to note that Aunt Eleanor's party wasn't the only topic of discussion, and he kept having to remind himself that he wasn't that little kid who got humiliated any longer. They weren't laughing at him so much as they were laughing at the memory.

With the tables rearranged, the floor was pretty congested, so Tommy wasn't surprised when he tripped, but he was amazed to discover that it had been done deliberately.

"Aunt Elsa?" he queried as he picked himself up from stumbling over her cane.

"Had to get your attention somehow, boy; too damned noisy in here," Elsa groused. Tommy could only smile. He could almost hear his grandfather in her tone. For someone in her nineties, she was looking awful spry, and her eyes were as clear and sharp as always.

"It's good to see you again," Tommy said, kissing her cheek.

"I should know you, boy...."

"I'm Tommy Oliver," Tommy supplied helpfully.

"If you'd have given me a little time I would have got it," Elsa snapped. She slipped her glasses on to get a better look. "Damnation, but you turned out good."

Tommy blushed at that.

"Ah, if I was forty years younger...."

"You'd be old enough to be his mother and would still be related to him."

"Oh, go suck a lemon, George," Elsa blasted her nephew. She shared a conspiratorial smile with Tommy. "That's the nice thing about being old; you can say whatever you like and get away with it.

"Been watching you most of the night," Elsa continued before Tommy could make his excuses and slip away. "Mostly trying to figure out who in the sam hill you were; should have known you were Jan's boy. Always the gentleman, you were, and still are near as I can tell."

"Thanks, Aunt Elsa."

"That's the problem; there aren't enough gentlemen around. Even in my day ... oh, there are plenty of good lookin' fellas, but a pretty face only gets you so far. Never fall for a pretty face; I made that mistake once. Oh, he was a handsome one all right; such gorgeous blue eyes and a smile that would turn your knees to butter. He could turn a phrase to make a girl's heart flutter. I was thinking we were going to get married, but it turns out he was a slick-talkin' two-timin' rat. Was running around with another woman, but I found him out. Dropped him like a hot potato, I did; that soured me on men for good."

In the background, the music changed, and Tommy shot a quick glance back at his table. Mark had gone to collect Kimberly for the promised dance. Tommy really wanted to get back over there.

"That Mark is a slick one," Elsa remarked, noting Tommy's glance. "Reminds me of my ex-beau. You have to keep an eye on him. That your little girl he's dancing with?"

"Yes, that's Kimberly," Tommy said with pride.

"Pretty girl. Spirited, too. I think Walt would have liked her."

"Do you really think so?" The thought that his grandfather would have thought well of Kim buoyed Tommy’s spirits.

"I like her, even though I haven't met her. I've heard the talk. Lotta damn near had a coronary when Kim said that Mark made her skin crawl."

"That got around awful quickly," Tommy remarked.

"Shocking statements usually do, Tommy-boy. Anyone who can see through Mark and is brave enough to say so ranks pretty high in my book. And Walt an' I usually saw eye to eye on things, but then we were close, even for twins."

"I didn't know you and Grandpa were twins."

"Couldn't tell it once the wrinkles and the gray settled in," Elsa laughed. "Walt always liked you, Tommy-boy; I think he'd like the way you turned out."

"Thanks, Aunt Elsa; it really means a lot to me to hear you say that."

"I'm not given to idle flattery; I'm usually the one being flattered until I want to vomit."

The two were interrupted by a sudden buzz that rippled through the guests around them; Tommy's eyes were instantly drawn to the dance floor. His gaze hardened as he watched Kim slap Mark's hands away. His reaction did not go unnoticed by Elsa.

"Don't you let that slimeball mess with your little girl," Elsa advised. She was as aware as Tommy of the mutterings of the family who were wondering why Kim didn't like Mark ("such a nice, polite boy") and what Tommy would do about it ("he wouldn't fight back when Mark turned him into a puppet"). "He lays another hand on her, you deck him. Lay him out but good."

"Don't worry, Aunt Elsa," Tommy said coldly. "Mark might be able to get away humiliating me, but I won't let him touch Kim. However, I will have the decency to take it outside."

"What are you talking about, Tommy-boy? What's this about a humiliating ... oh, you mean Ellie's party. Oh my lands ... I bet you still don't know...."

"Know what, Aunt Elsa?"

"Sit down, Tommy-boy."

His aunt's demeanor was so serious all of a sudden that Tommy felt compelled to obey.

"You were with Walt when he died, weren't you."

Tommy's throat felt a little tight talking about his grandfather's death. "Yes, he asked me to sit with him."

"Did he say much at the end?"

"We talked about my hair and stuff and he babbled about a lot of other things; it didn't make much sense to me. I'm not even sure if I can remember any of it."

"Think, Tommy. It's important. Did Walt try to apologize to you?"

Her comment struck Tommy like a thunderbolt, and bits and pieces started coming back to him. "He did. It was so weird. He kept saying he was sorry, that he hadn't known and that he felt really badly about it all. I had no idea what he was talking about; I think he wanted to say more, but I don't think he had the energy. It seemed very important to him that I forgive him for some reason."

"And did you?"

"Of course. I told him that everything was all right and he didn't need to worry about it any longer. Then he asked ... he asked...." Tommy had to pause a moment to collect himself. "He asked if I still loved him. I told him it was a silly question because he was my best friend. He seemed to settle down after that and passed away shortly thereafter."

"And you never knew what that was about," Elsa concluded, shaking her head. "You forgave him simply because you loved him. That was very generous of you."

"I had been a little mad at him," Tommy confessed. Kim had been the only other person he had admitted that to. "It hurt when he laughed at me, but he was still Grandpa; I couldn't stay mad at him, especially when I found out he was sick."

"Walt and I had a long talk not too long before he died; he told me that he wasn't afraid to die. He had a long, full life and no regrets but one: laughing at you at Ellie's party. He always hoped he'd get the chance to apologize, but he was afraid that you were avoiding him because of what happened. That's why he asked for you."

"Did Grandpa know that what they were doing wasn't part of the act?" Tommy asked anxiously. Kim had given him a little hope by suggesting that he hadn't, and he was a little afraid to find out the truth.

"No, he didn't, Tommy-boy. None of us did, and we should have," Elsa answered with a heavy sigh. "Walt didn't find out the truth until much later. He and Ellie were having a talk shortly before she died --reminiscing and that sort of stuff-- and of course the party came up. Walt was going on about what a riot your, Mark, and Kyle's act was, and Ellie said, ‘Not really. I don't think it was an act.’ She told Walt how she heard someone crying in the back bedrooms and lamenting 'why didn't anyone stop them? Why did they all have to laugh?' Later, when it was time for cake, you couldn't be found. She sent Katie back to see if anyone was still in the room, and Katie reported that you were fast asleep on the bed and it looked as though you had been crying."

"I hadn't realized anyone had heard me."

"Ellie had, and when she told Walt, he got to thinking. Some of the stuff those boys did was pretty cruel, and at times it looked like you were trying to fight back, but since you never really did, he figured it was part of the act. He couldn't believe you'd let your cousins do that without a fight."

"How could I? It was two against one; I suppose I could have tried, but by the time I figured out how, they had me trussed up," Tommy explained.

"Walt finally realized that, and it hurt him to know that he had let you down. You weren't the laughingstock, Tommy-boy. You were just a victim; it was the rest of us who were the fools. Mark and Kyle hoodwinked us into believing that it was all a game; we saw the cruelty but we did nothing or were too cowed to say anything about it --cowed by a 10-year-old no less. That really got Walt hot under the collar. That boy made fools of us all. And Kyle was no better than he should be, letting himself be led around by his baby brother...."

"Kyle and I had a talk earlier, Aunt Elsa. He apologized for what he put me through."

"He did? When did he find a spine?" Elsa snorted. "So, did you forgive Kyle?"

"Yes, I did. Shouldn't I have?"

"I wouldn't have."

"If he was man enough to admit he was wrong, I could be man enough to forgive him."

"I don't think it was manhood that got him to say he was sorry; I bet it was fatherhood," Elsa grumbled. "He's getting a taste of his own medicine from the family and doesn't like it. Oh well, at least he's getting out from under Mark's thumb. As for Mark, he's totally hopeless. Wasted meat, just like his father. Personally, I think they should fix him so he can't make anymore like him."

"Isn't that a little harsh?" Tommy queried.

"I don't see how you can say that after all he's done to you," Elsa remarked with a shake of her head.

"It does no good to keep hating Mark; it won't change what happened. I've wasted enough time letting what happened eat at me. Holding a grudge takes a lot of effort and doesn't do anyone any good, and Mark isn't worth it."

"Walt most definitely would have been proud of you, Tommy-boy" Elsa confirmed.

Just then, the music changed --another slow song. Tommy looked out to the dance floor and saw that Mark was still dancing with Kim, and she was trying to find a way to get away from him without raising a fuss.

"Aunt Elsa, would you like to dance?" Tommy asked, hitting upon an idea.

Elsa's eyebrows shot up. "Me, dance? Ha! I haven't danced in ages. Are you sure? You'll be lucky if I don't squash your toes."

"Actually, you'll be lucky if I don't squash yours. I dance only marginally better than I did when I was seven," Tommy confessed.

"Then why in the world would you want to subject both of us to...?" Then the real reason dawned on Elsa. She smiled hugely. "Ah ha. Coming to your lady's rescue without causing a scene. If you cut in and Mark doesn't give way, it makes him look bad. Sneaky and subtle, I like it."

Elsa left her cane at the table, and Tommy helped her out to the dance floor. The two of them together raised much commentary --as much for the fact that seeing Elsa dance was so unusual as it was that they were so clumsy.

"Your little girl will have a bit of a break soon," Elsa informed Tommy. "They'll play a few more slow songs, and then they'll start in on the Big Band music --to satisfy all us old fogies and let us get our dancing in before we're up past our bedtimes. Mark will be too busy to pester Kim for a while; he may be scum, but he's still the best dancer in the family. He won't be wanting for partners.

"But you watch out for him, you hear? He's taken a fancy to your little girl, and he doesn't like to be told no. Of course, if he makes too much of a nuisance of himself, he'll wind up making a bigger fool out of himself than he made of you. You can explain away and justify him torturing his seven year old cousin as a youthful prank, but unless you're completely stupid, there's no way you can explain away sexual harassment --which is what it'll become since your little girl has already told him no."

"I have no intention of letting it get that far," Tommy assured his aunt.

"Mark is nothing, if not persistent. Now, stop turning me in circles and let's get a little closer to where your little girl is. You are going to introduce me to her sometime tonight, aren't you, Tommy-boy?"

"Of course I am," Tommy said, and did his best to maneuver the pair of them closer to where Mark was dancing with Kimberly without trampling too many of the other dancers. As they drew closer, they were able to catch snippets of Mark and Kimberly's conversation.

"Ouch," Marked winced. "You move with such grace, I expected you to be a superb dancer, yet that's the third time you've stepped on my toes."

"Well, I expected you to behave like a gentleman," Kim snapped back. "Besides, how can I concentrate on dancing when you keep distracting me."

"And how am I distracting you?" Mark asked, his smile brightening.

"If you wouldn't put your hands where they don't belong, I wouldn't be so distracted as to purposely step on your feet," Kim quipped, mashing his left foot severely with her heel, forcing Mark to bite back a painful exclamation.

"Swing by your folks' table long enough for me to shout at your father," Elsa directed. Tommy did as she bid, and when she was in earshot, Elsa hollered (to the amusement of everyone at the table), "Thomas William, get off your butt and dance with me and spare your son."

"You're the best, Aunt Elsa," Tommy said appreciatively, and just about that time, he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"May I?" his father offered.

"'Bout time," Elsa snorted.

"Thanks, Dad," Tommy added as he bowed out.

"It's only fair to warn you that I don't dance any better than my son," Thomas said.

"That's okay; you're only a convenient excuse to free Tommy up to dance with his little girl," Elsa responded, to which Thomas raised an inquiring eyebrow.

Tommy quickly slipped by another couple in order to approach Mark from behind.

"May I cut in?" Tommy requested with a polite tap on the shoulder. He had the feeling that Mark was going to ignore him, but Kim saw him, and her expression brightened hopefully.

"Please do," Kim invited. For a moment, it appeared that Mark wasn't going to let her go, but grudgingly he did so--almost as if he belatedly realized that it would make him seem boorish not to step aside. Tommy caught Kimberly around the waist and quickly moved her away while Mark was busy fuming.

"Don't just stand there, boy," Elsa snapped as she and Thomas stumbled closer to Mark. "Get yourself another partner. Have either you or Kyle asked your mother to dance yet?"

"Not yet, Aunt Elsa, but I will," Mark agreed reluctantly. He wandered off but not before flashing Tommy a dark scowl.

For his part, Tommy only had eyes for Kimberly and paid his cousin little attention once he was out of sight.

"Thanks for the save," Kim sighed, hugging Tommy gratefully. "I don't know who gave me more pain: you with your stepping on my feet or Mark and his wandering hands. I bet I have bruises on my bottom from all the times he pinched me."

"If you'd like, when we're back at the hotel, I'll rub your bottom and make if feel better," Tommy offered mischievously. Kim shot him a look filled with surprise and amusement. However, Tommy's mood quickly sobered. "All joking aside, did Mark really hurt you?"

"Annoyed me is more like it. I think he only managed to land one or two pinches; although that wasn't from lack of trying."

"I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner, but Aunt Elsa needed to talk to me."

"I saw you two together. What was up?"

Tommy's response was to scoop Kim in his arms, swing her around, and kiss her.

"What was that for?" she gasped breathlessly when he set her down again.

"For being right. Aunt Elsa told me Grandpa didn't know that it wasn't an act; he learned the truth later, after Aunt Eleanor told him a few things and they put two and two together. Remember when I told you Grandpa was telling me stuff there at the end and I couldn't recall what it was? He was apologizing to me for laughing and for not realizing that I needed help."

"That's great, Tommy."

"Aunt Elsa really wants to meet you; she told me that she thinks that Grandpa would have approved of you."

"Something tells me that I'm going to like your Aunt Elsa."

---------------------------------------

At the conclusion of the song they were dancing to, Tommy and Kim retired to the table with his parents and Aunt Elsa. Tommy noted that his mother appeared to be a bit overwhelmed, as did Lotta and the other relatives at the table; he would have to ask her what that was all about later. While they were all talking, the DJ wrapped up the ballads and began playing the Big Band music.

"This is more my speed," Elsa sighed as Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" came up. "Too bad I wasn't forty years younger; I'd show you young folks a thing or two on the dance floor."

"I don't really know anything about Big Band music," Kim confessed.

"You don't know what you're missing," Elsa said.

"Yo, Kim, why are you sitting this one out?" Becca called out as she and Laurie drifted over. "This is just the warm up for better stuff later on."

"I think I need a little more of a breather," Kim demurred.

"Aw, I think you just want a break from people stepping on your toes," Becca giggled with an impish grin at Tommy. "Come on; Laurie and I will teach you."

"Tommy?" Kim asked, extending the invitation.

"I think maybe I should sit this one out," Tommy declined. "You and the girls have fun." Kim scampered off, and Tommy watched as the three of them tried to work out the steps. Becca grabbed Laurie for her partner and started swinging her around, demonstrating a few steps. "Becca's good," he murmured to his aunt. "I'm glad I stayed here; I'd have only made a mess of things."

"Come on, Kim; give it a try," Becca urged. Kim was about to demur again when she saw Mark's approach from over Becca's shoulder.

"Perhaps I should show Kim the steps," Mark offered gallantly.

"Thank you, but I already have a partner," and so saying, Kim grabbed Laurie and dragged her off to another spot on the dance floor. Laurie was too astonished to protest. Kim grabbed Laurie's hands, placed one on her waist and took the other one up. "How'd that step go again?"

"Come on, Mark; let's show 'em how it's done," Becca suggested upon seeing the expression on her brother's face. She had a pretty good idea as to why Kim latched onto Laurie for a partner. "You know how much Aunt Elsa and the other aunts like to watch the two of us dance. 'Best dancers in the family.'"

"Oh, all right," Mark groused, torn between wanting to be partnered with Kim again and stoking his ego with family accolades. He, too, had heard rumblings among the family present. However, he was not about to let anyone or anything --much less his family's opinions-- come between him and his pursuit of Kimberly. It was time to remind them about his talents and show Kimberly just how elegant he could be. He held out his hand to Becca graciously, and with great panache, escorted her to the center of the floor.

"Show off," Laurie harumphed as the two swept past. The crowd parted to allow the two room to dance; the guests knew that they were in for a treat.

"I hope you didn't mind me snatching you up for the dance," Kim told Laurie.

"Not at all," Laurie answered. Actually, she was pleased that Kim asked her to dance.

"I dance with my female cousins at weddings all the time; I wasn't sure if you'd think it was odd or something."

"Happens all the time here, too; especially after everyone's well juiced," Laurie assured her. "I take it you don't particularly care for Mark."

"Let's just say we didn't hit it off well."

"I don't blame you. I mean, who does he think he is? Just because he can dance like Fred Astaire doesn't make him a gentleman."

"Tommy may dance more like Fred Flintstone, but at least he is a gentleman," Kim added.

Laurie smiled at her comment. "Enough about my cousin. Let's see if I can show you how to do that cross over."

By the end of the song, Kim and Laurie were laughing so hard they could hardly dance.

"Now I know how poor Tommy felt when I was trying to teach him how to dance," Kim gasped, chuckling, as she got tangled in Laurie's arms again. Impulsively, Laurie dipped her, and Kim let out a shriek of laughter. They were having so much fun that they didn't notice that the song was over and Mark was headed in their direction.

"May I cut in?" Mark interjected, tapping Kim on the shoulder. She spun around, startled.

"Oh, pooh, Mark; you've already danced with Kim twice during the ballads; it's my turn," Becca hiccuped, stepping in to sweep Kim away. "You can dance with Laurie."

"I don't dance with dykes," Mark snorted, glaring at Laurie witheringly. For her part, Laurie blushed deep red, too angry to speak.

"Then dance with Maggie; she was next on your dance card any way," Becca called back nonchalantly.

"How incredibly rude!" Kim huffed, angry at Mark on Laurie's behalf. "That was a horrible thing for him to say to his cousin."

"Even if it was true?" Becca wondered.

"That's neither here nor there," Kim shot back, not reacting to Becca's statement. She wasn't quite sure if Becca was being sincere or simply trying to shock her. Anyway, Laurie's sexual preference was none of her business, and it had nothing to do with whether Laurie was a nice person or not. Kim found herself liking Laurie much better than any of Tommy's Aunt Jean's brood. "He didn't need to be so mean to her."

"Being mean is the least of Mark's dirty deeds," Becca rambled on as she directed Kim around the dance floor.

Kim found herself following Becca's lead easily. She really was an accomplished dancer, and she and Mark made an impressive couple on the floor.

"Are you on birth control?" Becca asked suddenly, taking Kimberly completely by surprise.

"Excuse me?" Kim gulped.

"If you are, does your mom know about it?"

"Of course she does," Kim said indignantly, too astonished to even tell Becca that it was none of her business.

"You're lucky."

Not really, Kim mused. The only reason she was on birth control was to regulate her menstrual cycle; she'd been fine until she became a Power Ranger. The doctors couldn't find anything wrong, and Zordon never mentioned any side effects, but she was willing to bet that having the power coin was what caused the change in her system. Not that she could explain that to Becca even if she was so inclined.

"I was dating Jeremy, a guy on the Varsity basketball team," Becca continued. She had such a distant expression on her face that Kim wondered if she even realized that she was talking to her. "We were pretty tight, and Jer wanted to do it with me. I told him I wasn't on the pill or anything; he asked if I could get on it."

"Didn't he offer to wear a condom?" Kim asked.

"Are you kidding?" Becca snorted. Then she resumed her story. "I was only fifteen at the time, and I knew there was no way my mom was going to let me get on birth control, and the doctors at Planned Parenthood won't give you the pill without parental permission. I didn't know what to do. I really wanted to sleep with Jer; I thought I'd lose him if I didn't. So I went to Mark for help."

"Why?"

"I knew he could forge Mom's signature. I knew he'd exact a pretty hefty payment, but I was desperate. He agreed and said he'd name his terms later. Later turned out to be about two months down the road. Jer and I hadn't slept together yet; we were waiting to make certain the pill was working. Mark told me he owed a guy for 'services rendered,' which he didn't elaborate on. The guy was wanting to pop the cherry of a good looking girl, and Mark offered him me."

"You didn't really do it?" Kim gasped, appalled.

"I had no choice. If I refused, Mark would have told Mom I was on the pill. Anyway, the guy turned out to be a computer geek; he'd never have gotten to sleep with any girl let alone one like me. As it turns out, he wasn't too bad in the sack; I found out from him how much I liked sex. The bad thing was, the guy bragged about it, and Jer found out. He dumped me in nothing flat. I guess he was only after my cherry, too. I tried to explain, but no one would believe that my brother prostituted me, so I got the rep of being an easy lay."

"That's ... that's...." Kim sputtered, unable to find an adjective strong enough. "You should have let him tell your mother, and then you could have told her how he tried to blackmail you."

"Mom wouldn't have believed me. You don't get it. Mark can do no wrong in her eyes; I haven't figured out why or how, but he has her wrapped around his little finger."

Becca's tone was so bitter and so despondent that it gave Kim the chills.

"Come, Kimberly, let an expert show you how it's done."

The next thing Kimberly knew, she had been wrenched from Becca and Mark was twirling her around the floor.

"If you don't stop spinning me, I'm going to throw up on you," she gasped. Although, she was seriously tempted to do so without having her stomach churned up. She found herself suddenly pressed close to Mark's body.

"Why won't you give me a chance, Beautiful?" he murmured into her ear.

"Why won't you leave me alone?" Kim insisted, shuddering at his use of Tommy’s pet name for her. Coming from Mark, it sounded dirty. She struggled to free herself from his grip. "I'm not interested in giving you a chance. I am here with Tommy."

"Tommy, bah! He's nothing. Let me show you what a real man can do for you."

"A real man would respect my wishes to be left alone," Kim continued, "now, let me go."

"Just dance with me; I'm sure that once you get to know me, you'll regret having wasted so much time running from me."

"You haven't heard a word I've said, have you?" Kim fumed. Mark continued to smile down at her dreamily, and Kim could do nothing but let him sweep her around the dance floor. However, as soon as the music stopped, Kim disentangled herself. When she spoke again, she did so loudly enough for everyone in the immediate vicinity to hear. "Don't bother asking me to dance any more, Mark. I'm not in the least bit interested in you, and I don't want to have anything to do with you. Is that clear? Now, leave me alone." With that, she stalked off.

Mark stared after Kim, at first glaring angrily at her. Then his equanimity returned. "She's just playing hard to get," he murmured, smiling pleasantly to the others around him. "It's just a matter of time; she'll come to her senses."

A few people agreed with his assessment, but even more seemed disturbed by his disregard for Kim's dismissal.

Chapter 15

When Kim returned to the table, she tried to pretend that nothing was wrong, but Tommy had not missed her and Mark's last exchange. He was determined to protect Kim from his cousin, so when Becca and Laurie came to collect Kim when the DJ started the rock and roll with "Celebration," Tommy got up and went out on the floor with them.

"Tommy, if you'd really rather not dance, I'll understand," Kim told him.

"I know, but I want to be out here with you," Tommy assured her.

"Thank you," Kim said, kissing him with appreciation, and Tommy beamed at her.

To his credit, Tommy tried his best, but his dancing was still pretty awful. Kim, Laurie and Becca all tried to help him out, and the four of them were enjoying themselves --as long as Mark stayed away. The four stayed in a group off to one side, but Mark would occasionally drift over and butt in. They were determined to have fun in spite of Mark making a nuisance of himself. The first time, he sidled up behind Kim and pulled her back until his hips met her bottom. She brushed him off by nailing his toes with her heel. On another attempt, he plucked her hand from Tommy's as Tommy was twirling Kim around. That time, Kim bumped him away with a sharp swing of the hips. Becca and Laurie also helped shoo Mark away.

"Jan, why don't you tell that boy of yours to sit down," George sniggered as he wandered past the table. "He's making a fool of himself out there."

"Doesn't he know he can't compete with Mark on the dance floor," Lotta interjected. "He should just sit down and let poor Kimberly enjoy dancing with a more suitable partner."

"Tommy's not out there to compete with Mark for Kimberly; he's out there to keep Mark from pawing Kimberly," Jan snapped at her cousin.

"Oh really, Jan; I think you're overreacting," Lotta said. "Mark wouldn't do a thing like that. He's such a nice boy...."

"Are you blind or just stupid?" Jan exploded, at the end of all her patience with her family. Lotta had the audacity to look surprised at Jan's outburst.

"Mark has been pestering Kimberly all night long," Elsa spoke up. "We've all seen it. Hell, we all heard Kim tell him off. It'd serve Mark right if Tommy punched his lights out."

"Or if Kim did," Thomas added.

"This has gone on long enough. Mark isn't being cute. He isn't being charming. He is harassing Kimberly, and it's high time someone made him stop," Jan said as she stood up.

"What are you going to do?" Thomas wondered.

"I'm going to tell Jean to control her son, and if she can't or won't discipline him, I will!"

"Oh really, Jan; Mark isn't a child you can throw over your knee and spank," George remarked.

"I've thrown bigger and stronger patients over my knees than Mark," Jan shot in parting.

Thomas watched his wife purposefully storm through the throng in search of her sister. "Aunt Elsa, tell me something. Why is there so much bad blood between Jan and Jean; is it really just a matter of sibling rivalry?"

"You mean to tell me Jan is still letting Jean get under her skin? I thought she'd outgrown that," Elsa remarked.

"I've only noticed the flare ups when it comes to Tommy."

"Just a mother protecting her young, then; Jan's just reacting to Jean's attempts to make her sons look better by making Tommy look bad," Elsa concluded. She sighed. "There was a bit of rivalry between the two when they were young. Jan had always been Walt's favorite; she was more like him than any of the boys. She never had any problems with the boys or Jessica, but something about Jean made her feel threatened. Jean was the baby, such a pretty child, and Walt doted on her practically to the exclusion of the others. It didn't help matters that Elizabeth died while the kids were so young; I wonder if maybe Jan blamed Jean for taking her mother away or something like that. Anyhow, for a long time Jan resented that Jean seemed to have intruded on the special bond with her father. Walt realized this and had a talk with Jan to reassure her that she was still special to him.

"Jean was 'daddy's little girl,' but Jan was his 'bright girl.' He was so proud of her academic accomplishments. Jean used to resent hearing about Jan's grades and why couldn't she do as well. The fact that he was so proud of Jan's grades was the reason that Jan got so bent out of shape when Walt told her he couldn't send her to college. It wasn't fair that the boys got to go when none of them really wanted to."

"She had a point," Thomas pointed out.

"I don't dispute that. Walt was furious when Jan went to join the Army, both to get her schooling and to chase after you...."

"Ha! I always suspected...."

"Don't flatter yourself too much, Thomas; I still think she could have done better," Elsa snapped. "Anyway, Jean couldn't have been happier. She thought that their falling out would make her 'daddy's little girl' again. What she didn't understand was that even though Walt was furious with Jan, he was also impressed. Jan knew what she wanted and went for it; it was the sort of thing he would have done had he been in her shoes. Instead of driving them apart, I think in the long run it brought Walt and Jan closer together. I don't think Jean ever got over it."

"I'm glad I only had one brother and that we got along really well," Thomas sighed. "Sibling rivalry is a pain in the butt."

"It has its place, but it's high time Jean let it go and grow up. She's impressing no one by trying to force feed her 'wonderful' children on us."

The two paused their conversation long enough to glance over to where Jan was conversing with her sister. For her part, Jean appeared mystified at her sister's anger.

"She just doesn't see it, does she," Thomas murmured. "She has no idea that her son isn't the paragon of virtue she believes him."

"Sad, isn't it," Elsa clucked.

"Speaking of sad, why doesn't the DJ play something slow; at least Tommy can dance to that," Thomas murmured wincing as he returned his attention to the dance floor.

"Actually, I think he's starting to get the hang of it. He seems to be enjoying himself a little more now," Elsa remarked, "but you're right. The poor boy does need a break." Elsa fished a pen out of her purse and grabbed a napkin to scribble on. "Any suggestions for the DJ?"

"You got me there. Maybe the DJ should call for a set just for the ladies and keep both Mark and Tommy off the dance floor."

"I noticed that Kim has a feel for the music --when she's allowed to concentrate on it instead of dodging partners. Good idea, Thomas. Let's let Kimberly have a little fun." Elsa quickly scribbled out her note and latched on to a passing relative to have him deliver it to the DJ. Then, she favored Thomas with a smile. "Maybe Jan didn't do so badly in marrying you after all."

* * * * * *

"All right, all you young studs, take a seat. This set is for ladies only!" the DJ called out.

"Yes!" Becca cheered. She pushed Tommy toward the tables. "Get out of here, Lefty and let the ladies show you how it's done."

Tommy glanced back at Kimberly, who rescued him from Becca's less than tender mercies. She walked with him to the table.

"It's all right, Tommy; Mark won't be out on the floor, and you could use a break," Kim said. She squeezed his arm and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I know what you were trying to do for me, and I really appreciate it. I just hope your family doesn't razz you too much."

"I can deal with it. Enjoy yourself; I know I will. I love watching you dance," Tommy murmured, causing Kim's cheeks to color faintly. Before Kim could say anything, Becca grabbed Kim's arm and tugged her out onto the dancefloor as "Ladies Night" struck up.

"Thank God," Tommy groaned as he collapsed into the seat next to his father.

"No, thank Aunt Elsa," Thomas replied. "She put in the request to the DJ."

"Where is she?"

"Gone to bedevil the Tidy Bowl Man, I imagine."

"Oh. Where's Mom?"

"Giving your Aunt Jean a piece of her mind about Mark's behavior," Thomas said with a wry smile. "She threatened to turn Mark over her knee."

"Mom didn't need to get mixed up in all this; Kim and I are handling Mark."

"She's your mother, and this is her family. She's involved whether you like it or not."

"By the way, earlier when I came back to the table everyone looked rather stunned. I've never seen Lotta at a loss for words like that; what happened?"

"Nothing earthshattering. Elsa simply asked if we thought you would mind helping her out with some chores around her house."

"Sure, no problem."

"You don't get it. As long as I can remember, the only person from the family Elsa has allowed anywhere near her house was your grandfather. Since he died, she hasn't asked anyone in the family to help her out, and she discourages visits.

"Maybe she's afraid people are only willing to do things for her or go to see her because of Grandpa’s inheritance. She said something earlier along those lines."

"I can think of more than a few people here who'd kiss up to her simply for the money," Thomas concurred. "At any rate, she asked for you and Kimberly. I don't know what you did, but you sure impressed Aunt Elsa."

Tommy didn't know either, but at the moment he wasn't too concerned about Aunt Elsa. His attention turned to a twirling blue-clad figure on the dance floor. For the first time during the evening, Kim appeared to be having fun. Her eyes were shimmering, her smile was bright, and she was dancing. Tommy sighed heavily and leaned forward to prop his arm up on the table and drop his chin into his hands. His eyes followed Kim's every movement --the toss of her head, the shimmy of her shoulders, and the sway of her hips. There was a hint of sexiness in the way she danced. She wasn't zoning, but she was feeling the music. Every so often she would glance his way and flash him a brilliant smile, and it seemed for all the world that she was dancing for him alone. He sighed heavily as Kim hitched up her skirt to do the Bump with Laurie. Man, but her legs were gorgeous. Tommy realized that he had spent the entire evening worrying more about Mark than enjoying Kim's company. Watching her dance reminded him just how incredible she looked. A warm glow spread throughout his body; what he wouldn't give to be down in his basement with her right now. She'd dance for him, then involve him in the dance, and from there, who knows.

As for Kimberly, she was intoxicated with the sound and the feel of the music and her body's response to it. She was grateful to be out on the floor as if she was by herself; it was like a heaviness had been lifted from her shoulders. All thoughts of the evenings’ troubles slipped away as she lost herself in the beat. Part of her knew that she couldn't lose herself too completely; she couldn't let herself zone or get too suggestive with her movements, but otherwise she was free to dance as she pleased. And it pleased her to dance for Tommy. She caught his admiring gaze as he watched her from the table. His worried look was gone; his face was all but shining, and it thrilled her to know that it was because of her dancing.

"Girl, you sure have some awesome moves," Becca murmured, disrupting Kim's near trance. The music changed, causing Kim to fully resurface.

"They're nothing, really. Just what the music is telling me to do," she answered as she caught her breath.

"Are you sure it's the music inspiring you or is it the fact that Tommy is over there practically drooling over you," Becca teased.

"Hm, you might say Tommy had more than a little something to do with it," Kim confirmed.

"Then go, girl, go." Becca clapped and wolf whistled as Kim spun off to Van Halen's "Beautiful Girls."

"Are you sure you should encourage her?" Laurie whispered. "Tommy isn't the only one watching her intently."

Becca followed Laurie's gaze to where Mark hovered near the DJ's table. His eyes followed Kimberly as she sashayed across the floor in a flirty strut. He was very interested as he coolly sipped his drink.

"Someone punch that s.o.b. in the nose," Becca grumbled. She looked back over at Kim. "Don't say anything about Mark to her. It'll spoil her and Tommy's fun. Just look at them, Laurie."

Laurie looked and caught a flash of the almost predatory grin that stole across Kim's face as she strutted off towards Tommy. "God, she looks like she could eat him alive, and I bet if she had the opportunity, she would. Hell, if I wasn't related to him I know I would."

"Becca...." Laurie began warningly.

"She wants him, Laurie; can't you see that? And he wants her just as badly. There has to be a way to give the two of them a chance to get together."

"Didn't Kim ask you not to interfere?"

Becca blithely ignored her cousin and spun off to join Kim.

* * * * * *

Becca wasn't the only person in the ballroom to note the passion in Kimberly's dancing. Mark leaned over and tugged on the DJ's sleeve.

"Just look at her, will you. God, she's hot. Look at the way she's moving; that sweet little body of hers is just begging for someone to fuck it," Mark all but drooled.

"She's already told you no, Mark," his friend cautioned him. Mark waved him off.

"How many more songs in this set?"

"Two. Madonna's 'Express Yourself' is up next; I haven't decided on the fourth song."

"How about something that just reeks of sex? What about Prince's 'Cream'? I want to see just how far she'll go."

* * * * * *

"I can't believe you just said that," Jan gasped at her sister in exasperation. "What do you mean that if Kimberly wasn't interested in Mark she shouldn't invite his attention?"

"Well, look at the way she's dancing."

Jan had to admit that Jean had a point; some of Kimberly's movements bordered on the suggestive. However, Rebecca was matching Kimberly with some wild movements of her own, and a couple of the other girls were certainly going at it rather strongly. Jan didn't see anything wrong with what they were doing; as the song said, they were just ‘expressing themselves.’ "I don't know; she isn't any worse than Rebecca."

"Are you suggesting Becca is a whore?" Jean bristled.

"No. Are you suggesting Kimberly is?"

"What do you call a young woman who spends the evening teasing a young man with her body then refusing him?"

"Is that what you think Kimberly has been doing to Mark?" Jan gasped. Then she laughed harshly. "You pathetic, deluded woman! Dancing out there now is the first thing Kimberly has done all evening that I would remotely call teasing. How do you explain Mark having his hands all over her bottom during the slow dances? Or grinding his hips into her during one of the other songs. Kimberly isn't even paying any attention to Mark; if she's trying to seduce anyone, it's Tommy. Open your eyes and see what your son is doing!"

"Mark has done nothing wrong," Jean insisted, but her voice was beginning to waver.

"Kimberly flat out told him no, and he isn't listening. I told you once; I'll tell you again. If Mark doesn't leave Kimberly alone and Tommy decides to do something about it, it won't be Tommy's fault." Jan could see that Jean was trying to tune her out, so she tried another tactic. "All right, then. I'll assume for the moment that Mark is the gentleman you think him to be. If Kimberly was Mark's girl and Tommy was making a pest out of himself, you'd expect Mark --as a gentleman-- to defend his girlfriend, wouldn't you?"

"Of course, but...."

"Then let my son defend his."

Jean opened her mouth to argue, but there was nothing she could say to refute Jan's logic.

* * * * * *

As 'Express Yourself' faded away, Kim and Laurie were paired up mirroring each other's moves. Becca had sort of wandered off to flirt with someone who wasn't related to her ("At last, an available man!" had been her battle cry.)

"I hope they finish this set soon," Kim remarked, trying to catch her breath. She was beginning to work up a sweat, and she knew if she danced so enthusiastically for too much longer, she was going to get a cramp in her side.

"You can always sit down and take a breather," Laurie suggested.

"I'll wait until they open the dance floor up to everybody again," Kim demurred, and both knew the reason without going into detail. While they were applauding at the song's end, Kim turned to flash Tommy a smile. It set her heart aflutter to see his eyes shining as they were. Then the next song started, and Kim gave a horrified gasp when she recognized the moan that started the song. Tommy must have caught the terror that briefly touched her eyes because he looked concerned. "Cream" was a major zoning song if ever one was written, and it was already working its wicked spell on her. Still, Kim had to keep control. Her hands wanted to caress her body; she fought the urge by starting a head roll, bringing her hands to her head. As Prince screeched out of the moans and into the synthesizer opening, Kim flung her hands up and out, tossed her head back, arching her back in the process, and stepped off, saucily pulling her leg up before stepping out.

In spite of Kim's best efforts, she wasn't able to keep all the Zone out of her dancing. She could feel the devilish smile that touched her lips when she got too caught up in the music, and her hips just would not be denied as they thrust to the driving beat. A time or two she glance up at Tommy and saw his eyes grow wide and saw him swallow with some difficulty. Oh, how she wanted him out there on the floor with her as she swiveled into a deep plié; she wanted to feel his body against her as she sensuously slithered down to the floor and back up again. Becca had returned, and she and Laurie were trying to mimic some of Kim's moves; that was going to help keep her from getting to lost in the music and blunt the edge of some of her sexier moves.

Tommy was startled to see the look of fear that flashed in Kim's eyes as the fourth song began; he didn't recognize it at first. It wasn't one they had played in the basement, but as soon as he heard the moans, he understood. It was a zoning song. Tommy was at once excited and concerned. More than anything, he wanted to see Kim zone again, but not in front of his entire family. She was trying to control it, though. He could tell by the way some of her moves seemed to be cut off abruptly. Even so, it was easy to see that she was getting hot --in more ways than one. He found his throat suddenly dry as he caught a glimpse of what he'd call a filthy cute smile. He had been thinking of taking off his suit coat, but not any longer. He hoped it would be enough to cover the bulge in his pants. As Becca and Laurie moved around Kim, drawing her attention away from Tommy, it still didn't blunt the edge of his arousal. There was something very exciting in watching the three of them dance together --which Tommy found a bit perplexing, but couldn't help himself nonetheless. If Kim kept things up much longer, Tommy was going to have to leave the room; only, he didn't dare leave the table in the state he was in.

As the coda began fading away, Kim drifted nearer to the table. Tommy applauded enthusiastically, which seemed to snap Kim out of her semi-trance.

"Oh man, I need a break," she panted, leaning against the table's edge.

"Come on and sit down," Tommy offered.

"All right, all you guys; how about joining the ladies on the floor," the DJ called out. Kim watched to make sure one person in particular found his way to the floor and was gratified to see that a partner had snatched him up.

"Actually, I think I want to head outside for a little bit. I need a cool breeze and some fresh air," she answered Tommy. The reception hall was filled with a fairly thick haze of smoke from Tommy's less-than-health-conscious relatives and family friends. "Would you mind getting me something to drink and meeting me out on the terrace?"

"No problem." Kim left him with a smile, and Tommy tried to compose himself enough to stand up. "Would anyone else like something from the bar?"

"You just worry about Kimberly, Tommy-boy," Elsa said, waving him off.

Tommy worked his way through a press of people at the bar. En route, he received what could be called congratulatory back slaps from the more inebriated of his relatives. He had a good idea what they were all about, and it nearly made him blush. The bartender was pouring out two straight orange juices when Tommy felt a tug at his sleeve. It was Laurie.

"Tommy, come quick. I just saw Mark leaving the dance floor, and I think he was headed for the terrace...."

Laurie didn't need to say any more. The drinks were forgotten as Tommy tried to hurry through the crowd to reach the terrace doors. Laurie's words and Tommy's actions piqued the interest of those who had been monitoring the by-play between the trio all evening.

On to Part Four.....

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