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"When you work all day, and you work all night, there's just one thing that money can't buy..." grinded out of the sound system of the pool hall.

Members looked up from their tables and rushed over as the lithe figure stepped out of the cake, her whole body glistening in a white sheen, molded to her curves. Paul recognized her as one of the dancers from a previous Revenge tour, several years back. Flicking her long head of hair at the nearest man, she crouched down and shook her hips, before spinning around and offering her flanks to him. He reached out his hand, only to touch icing and laugh. Bare skin was revealed in a stroke the dimensions of a man's finger. Whoops and hoots chorused from the men as she danced her way down the bar top.

"I'm damn glad my dad isn't here, or my mom," Paul chuckled to Gene. As the icing covered dancer made her way down the bar, she tossed goodies from a basket she carried in her other hand. Paul noted gladly that she was wearing something under the icing other then her birthday suit, even if she was topless under a bra of chocolate frosting layered in vanilla. She would spin just in range of eligible lickers, giving them only a taste before moving on to the next.

When she arrived at Paul, she leaned full into his personal space, face right before his. Paul moved an inch out of reach of her, so instead of kissing him on the lips, she merely met air. Raising a finger he shook it at her, and wiped a layer of icing off her arm. He licked it off and shook his head.

"No thanks honey, don't even mess with an expert,' he laughed, backing away and wagging his finger at her.

"Aww you're no fun Paulie," Gene joked.

"No messing around. You didn't think I'd fall for something this obvious did you?" Paul turned to him with a slow smile.

"Well, I had to give the other guys something nice to look at and touch, almost, didn't I?" Gene grinned.

"You handled that well, my man," Michael laughed, one of Trynia's brothers, the middle one. He was the ardent KISS fan. Chas chuckled to Michael's other side, as the icing covered stripper moved to within an inch of him. Leaning up, she took him by the shirt front and came to within an inch of his lips. He gave her a quick peck and wiped a bit of frosting from her bosom before she continued.

"I could get used to this awful quick," Michael laughed.

"Even though you're a married man and spoken for?" Erica's fiancée asked, raising an eyebrow and staying out of the range of the dancer.

"Loosen up, it's not like we're cheating or anything," Michael interrupted.

"After all, our wives are probably having a wild bachelorette party of their own," Trynia's other brother, named Jonathan, the eldest one added, his hand wrapped around a beer. "If I know my Amy, she's probably going to need to make more of a confession then I will... just joking..."

"Amy's a flirt?" Paul asked.

"Let's just say she likes her Playgirl mags," Chas laughed.

"And who gets them after she does?" Michael joked as Chas grinned. Their brother rolled his eyes and winced.

"So where's Mr. Merin?" Paul asked.

"He had a surgery last minute. He's going to try to make it tomorrow. But I get the impression it wasn't the best idea to bring him here, if you know what I mean," Michael answered Paul.

"I just hope this whole wedding goes off without a hitch," Paul sighed.

"Don't worry. You're okay in my book, and despite the eye rolling, the number one brother likes you too," Michael whispered to Paul, leaning over his beer over the noise. It was amazing to Paul how three brothers from the same family could have such distinct personalities. Granted he had a sibling of his own, but three more people that are different he couldn't have imagined. The eldest was very straight laced and classically macho, without overdoing it, while the second Michael, was the KISS fan and father of two, enjoying his partying. Chas was the third, artistic and sensitive, and yet he could party and BS with the best of the men.

"Carolyn better be behaving herself," Sean laughed, holding the champagne bottle towards Paul's glass. "She loved those Friday nights at the club as much as Amy..."

"You saw AMY at Persuasions?" Trynia's eldest brother choked.

"Of course. She is curious, isn't she?" Sean asked.

"Amy? My Amy?" the oldest brother shook his head. "She sure kept that from me..."

"Are you surprised?" Michael teased him.

"Hmm, I guess you're not gonna be so shy about telling her about that club in Vegas we saw... with the topless twins..." Michael grinned.

"If she found out she'd kill me," he groaned.

"Are you kidding, she took all ones for the dancer they called the Electrician... he'd strip down to his tool belt." Chas joked.

"Don't tell me my pretty little wife took you there," Sean teased.

"Hey," Chas shrugged casually. "In case Mr. Pal doesn't know, Persuasions is one of the premiere exotic dancing locations in Philly. And Tuesday was Ladies night. And Carolyn had been known to see Amy there. When Amy begged her not to tell the other girls in their sorority, Carolyn made her shut up by promising to date my brother Mike."

"That's punishment?" Paul asked.

"I had a crush on her," Mike laughed. "But then she saw my older brother here..."

"And the rest is history," chimed in Trynia's number one brother.

Paul thoughtfully sipped his champagne, feeling the haze settle around him in a warm glow that thankfully masked his sudden awkwardness and twinges of guilt. Who knew what festivities Trynia was witnessing?

"And now for your entertainment, here are a few of the nicest months out of the year!" Gene's voice blared over the loudspeaker. Everyone's ears perked up as a new song ground out of the sound system.

"Whoa, would you LOOK at THEM?" Mike gasped. Brad, one of Trynia's single cousins, and also part of the wedding party whooped and clapped his hands as three women swung their hips and rolled their shoulders in unison. A redhead, a blond, and a brunette all strutted out in high heels, thigh high boots and varying lengths of skirt.

"Miss Vanilla January, Miss Chocolate August, and Miss Strawberry September!" Gene whooped. "Let's HEAR it for the ladies!"

"Melt me baby!" Brad screamed through his hands as Miss Chocolate, presumably the brunette, strode close and shed her skirt to reveal thigh high garter stockings. Strawberry moved over to Gene, swaying her hips as she shed her micro mini and snapped her panty elastic. Mike almost passed out in delight at Vanilla's quick advance into his personal space. She danced just above his lap for a moment before spinning off into the arms of Gene, displacing Strawberry. Strawberry pouted, and threw her gloves one by one to Chas.

Chocolate moved teasingly from Brad to just before Paul. She ran a hand down his chest, and then backed away with a pursed kiss. Spinning to Erica's fiancée, she grabbed his necktie and began to slip it off. He gulped and cleared his throat in discomfort.

Strawberry whooped and squatted over Paul's knees, rocking to the beat. However, Paul gripped her hips, stopping her just before she could lap dance him to madness. He shook a finger at her, and grabbed his champagne, thrusting it into her hand. Dipping his finger into it, he thrusting it between her lips before slipping out from under her artfully.

"Paulie, are you nuts?" Gene laughed, as Vanilla lap danced over him.

"I have a headache!" he said, leaning over Gene and walking away.

"Hold this for me," Gene said, passing Vanilla to Eric, who sat next to him. "Paul, get back here... what's going on?"

Paul left the pool of light and laughter behind him, striding quickly toward the bathrooms. In hot pursuit Gene rushed after him, grabbing Paul's arm and demanding,

"A headache? Right in the middle of the damn party? You telling me you're going to walk out on Miss December over there?"

"Yes Gene, I am," Paul said firmly. "I really need to get some air. Besides I've got a phone call..."

Gene stopped for a moment, "Damn, Stanley.... I thought you'd have fun...."

Noticing the guest of honor rushing away, Chocolate and Vanilla exchanged glances. Winking at each other, they pursued Gene and Paul towards the bathrooms. It wouldn't do for their clients to go away unhappy, considering they were loaded rock legends.

"GENNNNEEEE!" Chocolate shouted, catching up to them. Vanilla bounded close behind, reaching Paul in a huff of expired breath.

"Hey ladies," Gene grinned, as Chocolate threaded her hand through his arm. Curling his other arm around her waist he gripped her butt and gave it a squeeze.

"Leaving so soon?" she whispered.

"I was just bringing the guest of honor back," Gene laughed.

"Mr. Stanley, I can make your fantasy come true!" Vanilla whispered into Paul's ear, slipping her arm around his waist and leaning her hip into him.

"I'm sure you can," Paul muttered, rolling his eyes.

"You've got a tough customer there," Gene joked, as Chocolate whispered into his ear, and he rubbed a hand over her shapely ass.

"C'mon Mr. Stanley, why don't I loosen you up a bit? I mean it is your last night as a bachelor?" Vanilla giggled, rubbing his chest through his shirt. "You've got a buzz going on, and I wanna INCREASE your pleasure... with a little rocking and rolling..."

"The lady's got a point," Gene laughed, drawing his tongue over Chocolate's neck. She grinned and rubbed her hip against his.

"Excuse me miss, but I got something ELSE that's vibrating now," Paul said coolly, taking Vanilla's hand off his chest.

"Ooh, do tell?" Vanilla laughed.

"I gotta make a call. Gene will amuse you for now," Paul said, pushing Vanilla over to Gene. "Let HIM double your pleasure..."

"Paul... wait a minute," Gene said. Vanilla pouted and shook her head.

"Am I doing something wrong?" she whined to Gene.

"Not from where I'm standing," Gene laughed. "Now why don't' you go after him and make sure he gets BACK here... but take your time..."

"Sure thing, Gene..." she winked. Leaning to Chocolate, the women shared a kiss before Gene. He licked his lips in excitement, titillated by the brief female/female caress.

***

Vanilla wandered after Paul, waiting for him in case he had entered the restroom. However, she soon located him standing by one of the pay phones. In one hand he held his cell phone, weighing it thoughtfully as if to consider making a call.

"Should I or shouldn't I?" he wondered aloud. Moving up behind him, she traced her finger down his back.

Startled, Paul almost dropped his phone, whirling around on her. He glared at her as she giggled, "Now, Mr. Stanley, don't TELL me you've become TOTALLY domesticated."

He sighed and took in her appearance; all smooth curves and lines filling out a leather mini skirt, thigh high black boots, and long straight blond hair that spilled over her bustier top and long black gloves. Not his type at ALL.

"Excuse me... but I just want a moment's privacy miss..." he said firmly, yet politely.

"Oh, if it's privacy you want, I can just shut this door right here and we'll be ALL alone." she cooed.

"That's not what I'm talking about." He coughed, and moved past her into the smoking lounge. Unfortunately, she dodged in before he could close the door.

"Talking? Who said ANYTHING about talking?" she giggled as she touched him in the ribs. Taking her hand he moved it away again, and stepped back. She gave him a fake baby pout.

"Excuse me, but this is NOT the place or time..." he said, folding his arms across his chest sternly.

"Nowwwwww, you're going to make my cry" she pouted.

"Look... I don't want to be rude, but this isn't what I came back here for miss... so if you don 't mind, I'd like you to leave now," he instructed.

"OK, so call. I can wait," she said, moving closer. He stopped her with one hand on her chest, pushing her back to arm's length.

"I mean in private..." Paul clarified further.

"I won't tell a soul," Vanilla persisted, kissing his restraining hand. "No Internet shit. No nothing. Just you...and me...."

Paul sighed and shook his head. He tried to exit, but she dodged in front of him and closed the door behind her. "Let me out now," he said sternly, eyes blackening with anger.

"Do you have ANY idea how many men I've screwed at their bachelorette party? It's not like it's never been done before, and little wifey, hell, she doesn't even have to know," she winked, licking her lips.

Paul groaned, and glanced anxiously around for some means to extricate himself without being too rude. After all, Gene had paid her to amuse him. He saw the diversion clipped to her garter belt. "Are those handcuffs?" he asked, looking down at her outfit and fingering them. She grinned widely, thinking he was interested.

"I MIGHT have a use for those..." he winked.

"Uh-huhhhhhhhh...just in case you want to play a little game of cops and robbers," she winked, unfastening them and handing them over. He twirled them around one finger, and walked around her in a half circle.

"Indeed. And you're about to be interrogated...""Because I can be VERRRRRRRy naughty," she purred."Yes. I'll be the bad cop, and you sit down HERE..." he laughed, grabbing a wooden chair and placing it before him. Vanilla purred again, striding over to within a few inches of his face, rubbing her crotch against his hip. Seizing her, he picked her up, and planted her bottom on the chair.

"Oho, I'm there, mister sexy," she teased. He pushed her arms behind her back, and snapped the cuffs around the back of the chair.

"Ooh" she squealed. "That TICKLES."

"Now... I'll just take this blindfold..." Paul grinned, taking the scarf from around her neck, and tying it around her eyes.

"Mmmmmmmmm, but then I can't see your famous love gun..." she laughed.

"You'll not need to see that where you're going," he answered. Monetarily he brought his face close to hers, and breathed in her ear. She swooned at the soft kiss deposited there.

"Oh, into exhibitionism, huh? We're taking this out in public huh?" she cackled.

"Hmm, I have ONE question for you. Are you into a SMUGGLING operation?"

"Who me?" she asked innocently. "God, the other girls TOLD me you were kinkier than Gene, but I had NO clue..."

Paul shoved something between her breasts, making her gasp as his fingers tickled over her bare skin on top. Moving backward toward the door he asked, "Can you tell me how much money do you think that is?"

She smiled widely, "I have NO idea, but I'll bet it's enough to make you a VERY happy man."

"I'll be back soon. I need to get something... else," he said.

"Hurry, sweetie. It's sort of.... Uhhhhh...creepy in here."

"Don't worry, you'll be having company soon enough," he says, and closed the door. "I need to get a raincoat before I come out to play..."

She squirmed a bit, "And there might be fucking spiders or something..."

Sighing with relief, Paul walked into the bar again. Muttering to himself, he passed one of the Merino relatives, Brad.

"Hey, do me a favor?" he asked.

"Hey, yeah, sure," Brad grinned.

"Go check in the broom closet. I have something for you in there..."

He winked. "I've gotta go get some air..."

"Something in the broom closet for me" he repeated slowly.

"Yes," he whispers. "Your lucky day. Stud. It's dessert."

He smiled a bit, "I'm going there now, if it's what I think it is."

Paul fingered something in his breast shirt pocket, and realized what the wrapped foil package was. He chuckled when he realized it was a condom. Shoving it into Brad's hand he said, "Oh, and take this... you might need it..."

"Holy CRAP!" Brad gasped, fingering the condom. "One of those STRIPPERS? For ME?"

"One more thing. Don't tell her it's you. Tell her it's me..." he winked. "And you'll get a BANG... believe me."

Brad chuckled, "Let me practice...'YEAHHHHHHHHHH' that sound like you?"

"Yes..." Paul laughed, and pushed him toward the broom closet. Brad danced and strutted his way there as Paul strutted triumphantly out into the night air before the club

****

It was much cooler outside, the city rife with evening traffic. A quickening breeze blew Paul's hair from his scalp, and he closed his eyes to savor the moment of solitude. While he hated to slip out unnoticed, the guilt would not be silenced. He had a sudden overwhelming urge to return home. Why was it suddenly so hard to enjoy himself doing something he was entitled to enjoy? After all, wasn't it expected of him? He reached into his pocket, making his way over toward the valet parking area.

A familiar set of footsteps echoed along with a voice calling to him, "STANLEY! You out here?"

Grumbling Paul cursed to himself as he turned to see Gene rushing out of the club. Thankfully, he was stripper-less as he huffed, "Stanley.... Where the hell are you going? Those guys are getting ready to fucking KNIGHT you or something. Free sex for the masses!"

"Well I couldn't stand not sharing the wealth," he said slowly. "And well... I just needed some air."

"Yeah, I know, look, she's not exactly your type, but well, short notice and all...." Gene apologized. "And she DOES have big tits."

"Definitely NOT my type..." Paul shook his head, as he realized Gene wasn't getting his point.

"Look, I mean, I KNEW you weren't going to screw her or anything, but you could at least PLAY a little."

"Gene have you seen my damn car keys?" he asked, stumbling a bit as he rose, and held his head.

"As a matter of fact, I HAVE. I took the damn things from you when you got here...for THIS very reason," Gene said, extracting Paul's keys and dangling them before his face as he pointed to him stumbling.

"Great. Thanks for not letting me drink and drive, Geno," Paul thanked him. "But if you don't mind, I'm getting a headache..."

"Look, buddy, I'm sorry you had a crappy time. It's just that before you married Linda, well, remember that stripper Tracy? And what you two did THAT night at your party?"

"Gene, that's the point exactly..." Paul answered.

He grinned at Paul and shook his head, "I know, I KNOW, that was pre-Trynia right?"

"I'm just... tired of playing," Paul sighed. "I mean I've had all this time to get it right, and I just am not having fun with this anymore..."

Gene reached out to grab his shoulder, "I hear you. I can't say I GET it, but I do hear you."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Gene." he mumbled. "But it's just not FUN anymore. I've done all sorts of things these girls know by heart. It's old hat to me now."

"Hell, no, I'm not disappointed.... OK, well maybe a little. I thought you might as least play with her a bit. Get her all bothered so that she comes to see Uncle Geno," he winked.

"Well I did work her up for Tryn' s bachelor cousin. And gave him a raincoat so he could play in the rain... cuffed to a chair... playing cops and robbers."

"So you're not TOTALLY innocent tonight, then. Your halo is at least SLIGHTLY crooked." he smiled.

"Yeah I guess. Look Gene, would you mind terribly giving me a ride home really quick?" Paul asked. "I just have a feeling that I need to be there now... You can come back and have fun... without me."

"Sure, no problem. Jump in, officer," he winked, walking him toward the valet parking where Paul's Porsche awaited.

"Thank you..." he said, slapping Gene on the back. Gene beeped the car alarm off, and opened the door for Paul before getting in himself.

"Can we stop by your place... maybe we can crash the wild bachelorette party?" Paul asked, clicking his seatbelt into place.

"You've got you a REAL criminal to catch, right? And I'll bet her initials are T.M." he cackled, turning the key in the ignition. "Oh, hell, we are THERE. Terri would like nothing better than for me to saunter my sexy ass into her little girly party."

"Yes..." he laughed. "My point exactly... You can just call the barkeep and tell him we're going, and to let the rest of the men get home in safety..."

As they pulled out of the club, Gene called the club owner to apprise him of the situation. Once the call was completed, Gene fell into a contemplative silence. Paul nudged his friend and asked, "Hey Gene, what's up? Are you bummed that I didn't enjoy the Neapolitan triplets?"

"Well yeah, but not completely. What I mean when we get to my place, it could get interesting," he smiled weakly. "It seems everything I do lately ends up pissing Terri off."

"What?" Paul asked him in sudden surprise. "Gene, what's going on?"

"Oh, it's probably nothing," he said hastily, trying not to worry Paul. "It just seems like that famous evening at your house, she's just been acting odd."

"I'm sorry man," Paul sighed, remembering the events of barely a month ago. "Gimme an example, if you wouldn't mind, bro?"

"I mean, crap, the other night Jacob was doing something cute and I made a JOKE about how MAYBE we should have another one right about now, and she about bit my head off," Gene grumbled. "Don't you think I have ENOUGH to do, Gene, taking care of your baby, holding a job, meeting your needs, blah, blah, blah...."

"Oh man, that bites," Paul shook his head, which was buzzing again with the warmth of the alcohol.

"I was supposed to be a damn joke. Crap."

"Well that does sound a bit... touchy..." Paul agreed. "Has she seen a doctor... perhaps its post partum depression?"

"Nah, she won't see anyone. She's too hell bent on doing everything and being damn good at all of it. Terri's strange, sometimes, Paul. She spends so much time trying to be strong that she won't just open up and talk to you."

"It sounds like she's trying to be a supermom," Paul muttered.

Gene sighed, "She is, and she's been on this kick lately where she's convinced she needs to lose weight. That was ANOTHER reason she doesn't want another baby."

"Oh good grief," Paul groaned.

"Not to mention that she threw the TV guide at me because I laughed during her temper tantrum about how her bridesmaid dress looks 'terrible' on her."

"Gene you dummy," Paul sighed, punching Gene on the side of the arm.

"I mean, ALL I said was that the dress accentuated her fine cleavage, and that as far as I was concerned, a wedding was only worth it's salt if guests could stare at some bridesmaid tits."

"That's typically you Gene. Always so subtle."

"Again.... Hell, Paul, it was a JOKE. Six months ago, she would laughed, or at least hit me."

"Man that's serious," Paul said.

"Instead she threw the damn dress and burst into tears. I can't win" he sighed.

"Gene... maybe you guys need to really TALK about what's going on." he suggested. "Cut the crap and get down to business? That is what you're good at Gene, business."

"I tried. I really did. I took the dress back into the bathroom and told her she looked beautiful in it. I was sincere...DAMN sincere, and she just looked at me and told me to go away. She accused me of just wanting sex."

"Aww sheesh..." Paul shook his head, frowning. "But you do want sex, don't you?"

"Well...sure.... But..." Gene started out serious, then cracked up in a grin. "OK, well, you got me there."

Both men shared a grin, their respective problems shortly forgotten. How well they knew each other's faults and fears, easily making light of them to improve their moods, Paul reflected? Just like brothers. And like brothers, they shared their deepest problems in life and love.

"We're almost there," Paul said quietly, as Gene raised his remote to open the gate. He pulled around the long drive to the spread of multiple cars clustered on his massive driveway. He parked beside his own Mercedes, stopping the car.

"Wish me luck" Gene murmured, as he patted Paul on the shoulder.

"Hey, I'm right beside ya, bro," Paul agreed, unclipping his belt. Gene exited the car and opened the door for Paul. Grasping Paul's hand, he tugged him out of the car and steadied his friend against his side for a moment.

"As always" Gene smiled.

"Hey, where's her car?" Paul asked. He leaned on Gene a bit to walk toward the source of lights and loud raucous music.

"I don't know...they probably ran out of...oh, what do they have at these kind of parties...toothpicks?"

"Or something else," Paul joked, as they approached the front door.

"You thinking what I'm thinking? All those ladies up there, having a NASTY party." Gene grinned evilly. "Getting all worked up for their men."

"And me too," Paul laughed. They reached the door and hear loud music suddenly turning off. Before Gene could open the door, it swung wide, revealing three muscular Chippendales dancers, each collecting their belongings as they waved and grinned to the ladies still inside. Paul's eyes widened discernibly, a sudden bolt of jealousy and adrenaline rooting him to the spot. Gene shook his head and chuckled when he saw the wide eyed shock filling Paul's classically chiseled features.

"Excuse me sir... we were just... leaving..." one of the male dancers suddenly backed way from Paul.

"Uh...." Paul regarded them incredulously.

"Thanks!" came Trynia's voice. "Keep the change!"

"Uh... oh..." the second, an attractive Asian man nudged his companions.

"Do you know who that is?" the last whispered, backing away.

"Having fun, gentlemen?" Gene asked them.

"Yes... Mr. Simmons," the first said. "And we'll just be going now..."

"You do that," Paul said levelly. Amy came to the door, holding a pair of undies. She twirled them around her finger as she caught up to the stunned Chippendales.

"Ralph, you forgot these!" she called out, obviously drunk.

"Do I know you?" Paul asked her, shaking his head and combing one hand through his dark hair.

"Damn, you guys are EARLY" she said, startled a bit a the sight of Gene and Paul on the front veranda. Carolyn grabbed Amy and pulled her back seeing Paul and Gene there.

Taking his undies back, Ralph, the blond dancer, grabbed both his friends' arms and tugged them over to the driveway. Leaving Gene grinning widely at Paul.

"Oh don't be mad gentlemen," Amy hiccuped. "It was jussht a little ol party..."

"Amy, shh!" Carolyn urged. "Sorry Mr. Stanley... we didn't realize you'd be coming by..."

"It's all right, this isn't a sting," Gene grinned. "And you lovely ladies look very well stung..."

"Uh... thank you," Carolyn blushed. Gene gripped her cheek and pinched it playfully.

"Guys, would you keep it down?" Trynia groaned, peering around them. At sight of Gene and Paul she froze. "Uh...sweetheart...it's great to see you back...so soon.... I mean...." Trynia stammered. Gene and Paul walked in, as Carolyn and Amy shut up and froze.

"See you guys tomorrow!" Carolyn said. "Goodnight Paul..."

"Goodnight Carolyn," Paul said with a nod and a small smile. They whispered goodbye to Trynia and hurried out to their cars. Several other female relatives shyly rushed off, accompanied by friends from grad school. All the while Trynia stood with her hands behind her back, awkwardly tracing her toe over the floor. Gene winked at Paul and wandered off in search of Terri.

"I see you've had fun," Paul said, taking the streamer tucked behind Trynia's ear.

"Yes, well, we really DID, and...Your mom.... She just left...she's so sweet...." she babbled, mortified.

"Uh... my MOM was here with STRIPPERS?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well...no....I mean...you see...she.... Uhhhh...she took Jacob over to the guest house," Trynia stammered. "Because he's... well... tired...so he's napping...."

"And then..." Paul asked, raising an eyebrow. "Honey what is that behind your back?"

"Ohhh.... THAT...ohhh.... It's just a stupid thing someone gave me. A joke. That's all. I don't even know why I'm still carrying it" she blushed.

"Lemmie see," he asked, trying to reach behind her. Sharmane and Melanie were giggling uncontrollably as they fetched their purses.

"No, Paul, oh God, not now." she whimpered.

"Busted," Sharmane giggled.

"Uncle Paul... it's no big deal... it was Terri's idea!" Erica protested, stepping alongside Trynia.

"I'll talk to you later, young lady," Paul said to her matter of factly. "Where's your grandma?"

"Out in the guesthouse..." she stammered.

"Why don't' you join her. I need to say a few things to my fiancée," Paul said.

"It's just something stupid.... A joke," she managed to say weakly.

"Honey, please let me see," he urged, holding out his hand with the palm up.

"Oh, God...shit..." she groaned, glaring at Sharmane.

"Honey, its really late, and I want to go home," he said quietly.

She turned to the guests and whispered, "Yes, we really ought to be going."

"There's just one thing I want to say to you," he said, eyes darkening with apparent anger. The other guests withdrew, not sure if Paul was mad at this point. He reached out, grabbed her by the arms, and pulled her over to him.

Hot tears formed in her eyes, and she pleaded, "Please, Paul, don't be mad. I didn't do anything. Not a thing. I didn't even touch anyone and this STUPID gag gift is making you mad and..."

Paul took her face between his hands and peered right into her eyes. He slipped her glasses up his face. Pulling her face up to his, he kissed her hard. Through the kiss, she gasped, almost fainting in his arms. She pulled her arms from behind her back, slipping them around to caress his back. He reached behind her and felt something tucked into the waistband of her skirt, hard and firm, as if made of a solid rubber over plastic. IT had the dimensions of a flashlight handle, but was a very familiar shape.

"Hmm, what is this?" he asks. "A bit large for a flashlight. Especially with a leather strap attached to it?"

"Oh lord, I guess I'm busted," she sighed. She placed the object into his hands, stepping back. Paul's eyebrow again raised at the sight of the purple phallus, adorned with a pink star along its side, and two leather straps at its base, clearly designed to strap onto the hips in question of the bearer as a possible prosthetic that nature did not provide a woman with.

"So... is this for when you wanna think of me?" he joked, weighing it in his hands. He fingered the tag attached to the strap, which read, "For those lonely nights when your star is in the recording studio."

Trynia flushed completely crimson, hands over her face as she groaned, "God, its Sharmane. She made this. She thought it was really funny...."

"And it has straps?" Paul raised an eyebrow, thinking of the specials on Showtime where he'd seen girl only parties, where designated outlets and plugs complied without benefit of a male member.

"Uh... well..." she blushed. "It's so it doesn't get lost.... What is that in your jeans pocket?"

Paul blushed when she reached out and pointed to a fold of silk tucked into his pocket. He hadn't noticed it before, and pulled out a pair of purple silk thongs.

"What the hell..." he asked, and saw the attached note, "For those lonely nights without your Lady Starchild... put this over your lovegun and REAP the benefits!"

"Women's underwear?" she asked, her turn to feel strange.

"Looks like from the note that Gene gave me this..." he groaned. Taking it, he draped it over her wrist. Trynia glanced at it, and then smiled. Paul sighed with relief.

"WHAT am I going to do with a star studded vibrator? I mean, I'm not EXACTLY the type..." she murmured as he handed it back, and she handed him back the underwear.

"WE can figure it out," he winked. "These things can be fun... if used correctly."

"And it's not like you even leave me alone long enough to GET horny..." she whispered as she poked him. He laughed.

They glanced back at Gene, who was winking and flirting with the female relatives preparing to leave. He joked, "All right ladies... where is Terri?"

She reached up, put her arms around his neck, and reaches up on her toes to give him a soft kiss. Paul pulled her up and bent his knees to kiss her back.

"NONE of those men were even a fraction of the man you are." she whispered.

"Thank you sweet heart," he whispered back to her, kissing her ear.

"Sooooooo, your turn for true confessions. Did you boys have a good time? I'm sure Gene had the FINEST in debauchery to roll out for your party."

"Mmm yes. One of your cousins got lucky..." he grinned, arms around his hips. "That unmarried guy... his name... rats I can't remember it... He's' going to be one of the ushers..."

She laughed, "Brad? Are you kidding me?"

"Yep."

"You couldn't have picked a better man, love. He's been depressed since he broke up with Susan. I personally think a little bit of fun just might be in order," Trynia purred, leading Paul over to a comfortable sofa near the fireplace in the den.

"Well he's gonna get lucky..." Paul winked.

One by one, the guests trickled out, en route to their reserved hotel rooms at the Doubletree Hotel, courtesy of Gene and Doc McGee industries bankroll. Gene wandered from room to room, unsuccessful in finding Terri. Most of the queried guests bade their respective good-byes, unaware of Terri's true whereabouts, other then the fact she had taken her car out for a temporary drive. Gene persisted in his previous theory that Terri had gone out for more toothpicks until mot of the guests expressed their concern and confusion for her prolonged absence.

"I just have one thing to say.... This party only appears to be missing one thing. A beautiful horny woman, who wants my body on a repeated basis," Gene muttered to himself.

Quickly he wandered back into the den, hunting for the hired help. Cupping his mouth between his hands he shouted, "Steve? Marianne?"

"Yes Mr. Simmons?" Marianne, his maid asked, rushing up. She was busy collecting the empty plastic cups and plates around the whole lower level.

"Have you seen Terri?"

"She told me she was going out for a drive..."

"Out for a drive?" Gene asked. "Why?"

"I don't know. She said something about needing to get some air..."

"Did she say WHEN she'd be back?"

"No she didn't..."

"Shit... this isn't like her," Gene muttered. "Are you SURE she didn't give you a message or anything?"

"Miss Merin might know, if you don't mind me saying so," Marianne said. "I saw them talking with raised voices before Terri left. She was crying..."

"What the hell... where is Trynia now?" Gene demanded, a sick feeling rising in his stomach.

"In the living room with Paul..." Marianne said, frightened at the darkening of Gene's light brown gaze. Scowling, he rushed past her into the living room.

Paul stretched out on the sofa; legs propped on the ottoman. Cuddled up alongside him, Trynia lay with her legs stretched out to the side along the long part of the sectional. Paul's long arm draped protectively over her shoulders, his other hand fingering the purple passion piece Trynia had been presented. He pursed his lips and chuckled, "Sharmane has a sense of humor on her, doesn't she? Jeez..."

"I know... she embarrassed the HELL out of me," Trynia groaned.

"I'm surprised Terri didn't..." Paul laughed, then stopped himself.

"Paul... Tryn... have either of you seen Terri?" Gene asked, rushing into the living room.

"Uh I haven't seen her," Paul shrugs. "Tryn? Where's the hostess of this stagette party?"

"Actually, she just stepped out.... For a bit," Trynia said with a hint of guilt.

"What honey?" he asked her.

"I heard it said she went for a drive. Care to tell me where she went, and when she was coming back?" Gene asked, hands on his hips. A bit uncomfortable, Trynia glanced helplessly at Paul, unsure of what to say before Gene. Her dark eyes held a secret she dared not reveal.

"Honey, if she went somewhere, Gene needs to know," Paul said, taking her hand firmly.

"Where would she go?" Gene asks. "To get more toothpicks?"

"She...she said that she's upset..." Trynia started.

"I mean the party just ended," Gene said firmly. "Where would she go?"

"She just mentioned that maybe things were getting a little overwhelming for her here and she wanted some time alone. I guess maybe the party got a little chaotic," Trynia sighed, after a long breath.

"WHAT?" Gene asks.

"Yeah, I know, but I think it's something other than that."

"Where's Jacob?" Gene asked suddenly.

"He's.... He's.... With Eve and Erica. They had him in the guestroom for awhile. I think he might be asleep."

"But where would she go?" Gene demanded.

Paul narrowed his eyes a bit. "Love, this doesn't make sense. Did you two have some kind of fight?"

"This was her idea, this party..." Gene rubbed his hair frantically. "And you mean to tell me she's GONE?"

"Look! I know! Just please.... You both are talking at me at the same time...." Trynia protested, blocking her ears with both hands on either side of her head.

"Tryn, we have to know. What the hell? You two FOUGHT? Where did she go?" Paul demanded.

"Did you fight?" Gene asked. "What's going ON here?"

"No! Damn it, Paul, we didn't fight...." she started again, as she met Gene's angry gaze. Inhaling deeply she collected her strength for her next revelation. Gene too took a breath, standing up from the sofa suddenly, his back to them.

"I went outside to the pool for a minute right before the strippers.... Uh.... dancers came..." Trynia started.

"Wait a minute here... what EXACTLY did she say to you?" Paul asked.

"And she was standing there by the pool, her back to me. I went up to her and started teasing her about how she was going to miss the men." she looked at Paul, feeling slightly guilty.

"WHAT?" Gene asked. Paul held up his hand to stop his friend.

"That's when I noticed she was crying" Tryn said, in a small voice.

"Crying?" Gene asked, suddenly.

"She was just standing there, tears running down her face, so of course immediately I thought maybe someone had been rude to her. There was...an incident.... Where MAYBE someone said something that MIGHT have been misconstrued...."

"Who said WHAT?" Gene asked, frantically pulling at his hair.

"Look, Gene, it doesn't matter, but BASICALLY, I think she's having a crisis over your.... Your relationship."

"What the HELL?" he demanded. "I can't believe..."

He suddenly turned his back, shoving his hands into his pockets. Paul leapt up from the sofa, grabbing his shoulder as he said, "Hey, Gene, EASY, buddy! Give the lady a chance to catch her breath. She's going to tell you everything!"

"I'm sorry, it's just... I mean you just told me that Terri said we were having a damn CRISIS..." he breathed, flustered.

"Gene, she's frustrated over how you ARE, I guess is the easiest way to say it. I think she'd having really doubts about what that ring on her finger means, and I really think she wants you to prove to her that...that you really do love her," Trynia explained, sitting helplessly on the sofa.

"But I've proved to her time and again..." he blurts out. "What on earth... Terri!"

"You prove to her in YOUR way, but do you really prove anything?" she whispered to Paul.

In a panic, Gene raced upstairs. He rushed out of the room, wildly racing to find the hired help.

Soberly, Trynia walked to the bottom of the stairs. She called up, "Gene, she left. She said she needed time away."

However no answer came. Paul joined her, scratching his head and mumbling to himself. She lowered her gaze and whispered, "She needed time away from you, Gene..."

"Crap, Trynia, how could you have let her GO?" Paul demanded.

"I didn't have a choice!" she cried. She turned to him with wild eyes, "Paul, you have to believe me, I had no idea what to do. She looked like a caged animal."

"So she went...where? What did she say? Surely she said SOMETHING to mom...I mean, hell, she wouldn't just leave Jacob without..."

"Paul, I don't KNOW! Honest to God, I don't. She just told me that she needs some time alone and she handed me Jacob."

***

Gene entered the bedroom and noticed that the walk-in closet was open. He rushed around, noticing clothes were gone, and frantically searched through the dresser drawers. Gene rushes into the bathroom and notices her cosmetics are gone. He hunted for ANYTHING that would reveal a SHRED of an idea what was going on.

"What the F*ck is this?" he wondered, noticing several prescription bottles amidst vitamin bottles. He glanced at the label, which read xenadrine. Holding the bottle, he tipped the pills out into his hand. "What the fuck is this shit?" he asked, examining them. Grabbing the various containers of diet pills, both prescription and over the counter, he rushed downstairs.

"TRYNIA!" he shouted. "I need a CHEMIST!"

"Gene... what are you hollering about... she' not there!" Trynia called up to him.

"Oh, she's not here, but look what the Hell I just found." Gene demanded, waving the medicine bottles under her nose. "What is this crap? What the hell is she taking?"

"What is that?" Tryn asked. "It looks like prescription medicine... but what's this in the bottle here?

"It looks like some sort of herbal vitamin formula." Paul muttered. "Weight loss by the look..."

"But why would she take this?" Gene asked, confused.

"It has xenadrine... it's like pseudo ephedrine... and this has Ma Huang in it..." Trynia read the labels. "And this prescription medicine is another form of ephedrine... and this here... this is St. John's Wort..."

"Holy crap..." Paul muttered.

"This just isn't LIKE Terri, to take something without telling me. Hell, she has a friggin' new BABY! Why would she do this?"

"This is for weight loss, Gene," Paul said, glancing over Trynia's shoulder. No stranger to weight loss himself, he had heard the dangers and myths of various weight loss remedies that could go dangerously wrong.

"This is a prescription diet pill... this St. Jon's wart is a natural mood stabilizer... and this other thing Ma Huang is for energy for working out..." Trynia muttered. "But she shouldn't be taking them all together like this... And in such high dosages..."

"GOD!" Gene growled. "This just all made fucking sense"

"Gene... look at this disclaimer..." Paul pointed to a warning on the label of the vitamin supplement, Ma Huang.

"She's been so damn freaked out lately about weight," Gene muttered. He took the bottle and read it. "Discontinue use if you experience the following symptoms...' She was having all THIS? Why wouldn't she TELL me?"

"And I was just reading about Ma Huang. It's not regulated by the FDA, and it can be addictive..." Trynia explained. "An d it causes irritability in some people..."

"Jesus, if she's taking these all together... that explains a lot," Paul said soberly.

"So, we do WHAT? Sit back and wait for her to combust? WHERE the hell did she go?" Gene snapped.

"Gene..." she said slowly, raising her hands. "I think she went to a friend's house."