Blow [ATTN: May, Nolan, Sari, any troublemakers]

[Sloane Taylor]

www.polyvore.com/sloane_brunch/set?id=15567525

After the run in with her senior and having such mixed feelings about the outcome of her flirtation with Melodee Riker, Sloane ran a couple of hours more in the park before going back home to change for brunch.

She couldn't shake off the feeling she had when she had actually hesitated before proceeding with her flirting with her senior. It was just way too weird for words. As she showered, she scrubbed her body and head hard just to get rid of anything she thought was bugging her that day. Did it have anything to do with the fact that May and Nolan were going to be at the same place at the same time? Even though May and Sloane never set anything for today, opting to hook up the day after, it was a potential disaster having two of the people you were hooking up with in the same place, possibly running in the same social circle even.

After deciding that it shouldn't be, Sloane stepped out of the shower feeling pretty fresh and well-scrubbed. Getting dressed into the halter strap ocean blue dress her mother had so graciously picked out for her just for the event, Sloane went to her aunt's house to ask if she had anything to go with the dress.

"My God, Sloane. I know you're my brother's daughter but...shouldn't you uh...be in pink ruffles with pouffy sleeves and princess wands still?" Uncle Remy whistled when he saw her in just the dress.

"My God Uncle Remy, I'm seventeen years old...I shouldn't even be explaining myself to you," Sloane smirked as Aunt Jenna searched for a clutch and a pair of wedges to go with the dress. "Ah thanks, Aunt Jenna." It was clear how uncomfortable Sloane was at asking for people's help but her aunt and uncle were far too used to it to say anything. "Have fun, do what I wouldn't do." Aunt Jenna grinned before ruffling Sloane's already messy hair. Sloane nodded and tipped an imaginary hat towards her uncle before leaving the house without giving her uncle another second to lecture further about her dress choice. It was a pretty tame choice for Sloane so she didn't quite understand his hassle about it.

Spritzing a bit of perfume on her neck and applying a light touch of makeup, Sloane added the finishing touch to her look by putting on a two strap headband, running her fingers through her hair a few times to keep it straight. Looking in the mirror, Sloane gave her reflection an affirmative nod. She didn't look too bad. In fact by any standard, she looked pretty smoking.

When her phone started to vibrate, Sloane reached out for it and found that it was a text from Nolan. She replied by telling him that she was ready and waiting for him. Slipping her phone, an empty checkbook and some cash along with her credit card into the satin clutch Aunt Jenna had loaned her, Sloane went downstairs to the living room to watch some TV just to pass time until Nolan arrived.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

The scent of waffles drifted into Nolan's bedroom. The door was cracked open, which Marty had found odd when she arrived at the house earlier that morning. Nolan, however, was grateful for this as it allowed the delicious smell to enter his room and oust him from his bed.

To say he slept last night would not be entirely accurate. After a quite physical evening in which Nolan learned that sex could be even better than the first time, he laid in his bed with Sloane in his arms. It was an odd feeling, one he liked, but he also wasn't used to having another body next to him in bed. His rest that night was fitful until Sloane left. Marty arrived shortly after, for which Nolan was thankful she hadn't decided to come home from school any earlier, and her banging around the house again served to keep Nolan from a decent amount of sleep. Finally, after smelling the sumptuous breakfast delights, he decided to rouse himself and prepare for his brunch date with Sloane.

Marty mentioned the door, which Nolan was strangely mum about. She then inquired about his daily activities, then proceeded to tease him about the date. It was obvious he was starting to get pretty serious about this girl, and Marty was glad for him. He then went back upstairs to shower and prepare himself for Sloane.

He requisitioned Marty to help him pick something out to wear, and she opted for khakis and a dark blue button down shirt. It wasn't really Nolan's style, but it looked okay and he trusted her. After putting some gel in his hair, he was ready to get out of the house. Marty gave him a few more teasing words as he left, but at this point Nolan was much too excited to care.

The morning was a little grey, as if it would open up to bright skies at any moment. Nolan looked up, hoping for things to clear up a little, but his hopes went unanswered. He pulled out his cell phone to shoot Sloane a quick text and got in his car. The drive wasn't long, though this was partly because Nolan sped most the way. He could barely contain himself and his desire to see Sloane again, even though she had just left his house a few hours before. As he pulled up to her house, he checked himself one last time in the mirror, then exited the vehicle and walked towards the door.

A voice in his mind chastised him for not bringing flowers, but it was much too late for that. He had no gifts to give her other than himself, so he told himself he would give her just that later when they were alone. Though Nolan had never had sex before two nights ago, he got the feeling he was pretty good at it. At least, he and Sloane together were good at it. Since that night, it was always on the forefront of his mind, especially around Sloane, and it seemed she thought the same way.

He stepped up to the house, rang the doorbell, and waited with excitement. He felt like a kid on Christmas morning, and he hoped he could unwrap his present soon.

[Sloane Taylor]

Sloane had gotten pretty into what she was watching that she didn't realise the doorbell had rang and who should answer the door but her eldest brother. He was the most protective of the trio but that wasn't saying much since they weren't protective of their little sister in the first place.

Davey Taylor scrutinised the casually dressed younger guy at his doorstep and immediately came to the conclusion that this must be the boy Sloane had been seeing the past few weeks. Davey had seen a slight change in his sister's personality. She had seemed more reserved and slightly toned down from the previous brash seventeen year old he was so used to. Not that he was complaining. Having a little sister with the personality of the chain smoking tv agent from Friends was not something he liked to deal with.

The younger guy didn't seem like the type Sloane would normally go after. He looked almost too wholesome and innocent. Barring the fact that he had the distinctive look that told Davey that he was anything but innocent. What was Sloane playing at?

"You must be here for Sloane. I'll go get her." Davey finally nodded before going to the TV room and announcing to Sloane that her date had arrived. Sloane switched off the TV and turned to face Davey who had an undecipherable look on his face. "What? I got something on my face?" She asked, seemingly back to the old Sloane Davey grew up with. Davey shook his head. "Be careful."

Sloane frowned at her brother's cryptic message before looking at him like he had become delusional. "I'm not the one driving." She joked, punching her brother's arm before going to the door to see a very well-dressed Nolan at her doorstep. "Well, well...don't you clean up nicely." She dusted off his shoulders before stepping close for a chaste kiss on the cheeks. "Shall we?"

The drive was a pleasantly comfortable one, peppered with questions about her run and his breakfast. Nothing about what had transpired beneath Nolan's sheets. They arrived at the hotel a bit earlier than she would have liked but this was her best friend's event. It didn't hurt for her to be early. It gave her time to work out the whole place. After the valet service took care of Nolan's car, they walked into the lobby with their hands linked as they looked for the ballroom.

After exchanging pleasantries with Bree and formally introducing her to Nolan, Sloane's eyes danced over the whole ballroom. Bree had truly outdone herself. Sloane paid due compliments and brought Nolan to his seat. "You did bring your checkbook along? This is a charity function after all." Sloane grinned at Nolan.

[Sarissa Zouvelekis]

(OOC: Sari's outfit www.dresseslife.com/shopping-jovani-15306-dress-513.html )

Sarissa had decided to join the festivities. She told Duke how to get here in case he wanted to arrive. She had promised a few people she would show, and Tyler of course, who had given her the invitation with a look. It was one of those suggestive looks. Sarissa could not help but bet intrigued what the look meant. Anyway that was besides the point. Thats not why Sarissa was here.

She was here because she actually did care about the victim and their families. She knew a few those people and families. Sarissa was normally looking for the first person to flirt with. Her default was guys always. Although Sari was known to be a womans lady as well. There was no problem with flirting...at least. Besides sexual experimentation kept the fun and games going. Although Sari liked to play games with men...women were much more fun just to be straight forward with.

Have you ever flirted with a women who had no idea you were flirting? It was interesting to see how they reacted to certain movements. Sari had yet to meet any woman to match her flirting style. Then again Sari had stuck to guys. She spotted Tyler and winked. Then looked around. It was a nice brunch.

Bree out did herself in Sari's mind. She would never have the patience or the stamina to put together a brunch like this. Sari said her introductions and complimented people. She made sure to bring money. This really was for a good cause and Sari supported it wholeheartedly. She walked around and ate a little. Until her eyes fell on the new couple who walked in. They spoke with Bree and then left her.

The guy was Nolan. There was no mistaking him. He was a sophomore who landed a junior according to the rumors at school and Nolan was cute. Sari had yet to see his date from the front, but as she turned around Sari could not help but stare at the gorgeous woman. The blue dress....well Sari immediately had a flirting target. Even if she was on the arm of someone else. It would be nothing but innocent flirting on her end. Sari walked over and smiled.

"Hi you guys." What was sad was the girl went to her school, but Sari could not even think of her name at the moment. "Its a fabulous brunch don't you think. My name is Sari. Nice to meet you both. I must say that dress looks really good on you." Sari said with a sly smile as her eyes roamed Sloane's body enough so it was not obvious, but enough to say she really liked the view.

[Nolan Ahlstrom]

The sight of Sloane nearly hit Nolan as hard as any aggressive linebacker could. The girl was gorgeous, drop dead gorgeous. Her blue dress was simple, which Nolan liked, but fit her very nicely. He was suddenly very glad his sister dressed him, though he would not admit such to his date. He escorted her to the car, trying his best not to stare.

The tension in the car on the ride there wasn't as bad as Nolan expected, but there was a part of him that wanted to pull over and continue their business from the night before. It was odd to him, how Sloane could seem so calm and reserved now, so chaste, when the night before she had barely gotten through his front door before pouncing on him with her kisses. But in the car, there was little touching, and no talk of what transpired the night previous. Nolan could only be patient and wait.

The pair entered the ballroom hand in hand, and Nolan couldn't have felt more proud. He was confident that the girl next to him was the most beautiful in the room. They approached the hostess, who Nolan finally got to meet. He had missed out on the opportunity at the girl's birthday party as he and Sloane became otherwise engaged that night. After saying their hellos, he and Sloane moved over to their seats.

He laughed at Sloane's comment as he took a seat. “I don't have a checkbook, but my dad left me a check early this week.” He wasn't sure how his dad's contribution would compare to some of the other kids, but it seemed generous enough. He glanced around the room to see who else may be around, and met eyes with a girl in a green strapless dress. She looked familiar for some reason, and she was very pretty. He couldn't quite place where he had seen her before, but he knew it wasn't just at school. She started to approach, and Nolan quickly looked away.

Did she think he was trying to get her attention? He was here with Sloane, and he was most definitely not looking at her in that way. Perhaps certain thoughts were on his mind, but he didn't want her to come over here! He looked up at Sloane, who stood oblivious, and tried his best to ignore the other girl's approach.

Her inevitable greeting popped into the air, and Nolan turned to return the hello. He did not want to seem rude, and his only option was to act innocent and uninterested. He stood and put an arm around Sloane's waist. “Nice to meet you, Sari. I'm Nolan,” he spoke, but as he said his name he realized the girl wasn't looking at him so much as she was his date. A mixture of pride and possessiveness welled up within Nolan, entirely replacing his fears from moments before. “And this is my date, Sloane,” he forced a smile, though it only lasted for a few moments. His face was still not used to smiling often. “This is a nice gathering, huh?”

[Maysan Paghishetsi]

May remained in the seat she'd claimed, scanning each guest as they came through the double doors but dismissing all as not being Sloane. She hoped that the other girl would arrive before Bree officially began her event, because it would be easier to catch her attention, convince her that they needed to sit together. They didn't have to announce they were together; it wouldn't be too unusual for two girls who shared a friend to sit together.

She was beginning to think that Sloane was never coming (and that Hannah was going to be in the bathroom for the entire brunch; maybe she ought to go check on her?) when the lovely red-head finally made an appearance, and all thoughts of her poor younger teammate were banished immediately -- but not, however, with the feelings of joy she'd expected. Why was Sloane arriving on the arms of a boy? True, the other girl had never made any mention of exclusivity, but she'd been trained by the larger culture to expect monogamy even in courtship, unless otherwise stated.

She kept her seat, watching with a growing sense of unease as the girl she'd been crushing on lead this boy -- the one she'd been with at Bree's last party, the one she'd said meant nothing -- around to meet Bree, then found a seat with him. She found herself tapping one foot furiously, arms folded across her chest. Sloane hadn't even looked around to see if she was there, and of course she had to know that she would be! After all, May and Bree were close friends -- not as close as Bree and Sloane, but still close enough that May wouldn't have dreamed of skipping Bree's luncheon. Also, she was pretty sure she'd mentioned that she was attending, in case Sloane hadn't assumed she would.

The dark-haired girl -- a grade above her, one of those TV stars wasn't she? -- sashaying up to the couple and turning her sights on Sloane was what finally galvanized the cheerleader to action. She wasn't entirely sure what she was going to do, or say, which was mildly uncomfortable because she preferred to have a plan of action first, but frankly she felt that she needed to make her presence known. Or at least let Sloane know that she was not happy about this two-timing.

She left her seat -- quite forgetting that Hannah had abandoned her purse there and might prefer someone to watch it -- and stalked over to the trio. "Hello, Sloane." She greeted the other girl in frosty tones. "I'm assuming that our plans for tonight are off since you've found more favourable company." Her gaze flickered to Nolan briefly before returning to the girl she whose company she had, up 'til now, been so eagerly awaiting.

[Sarissa Zouvelekis]

Sari smiled at the younger man. Nolan was it. Wasn't he a sophomore. A very hot sophomore. What was it with beautiful women keeping compnay with such handsome men. Seriously, Sari would not mind being on the arm of either person. They were both very good looking. Sari just smiled, "Again nice to meet you both. I must ask you where you got that dress Sloane. I would to have that hanging in my closet." Her words meant something al right, but only Sari would know the meaning. Sloane might too depending how experienced she was. The girl did look familiar.

Sari turned to Nolan, "Aren't you on the football team?" She asked him, "you're from Silver right." She guessed. "I keep forgetting the schools merged and I think everyone is from Gould. Isn't that horrible." Sari said with a slight laugh, still trying to figure out where she knew the girl from.

Sari moved slightly to the left as anothr girl came over. Sari looked between the two girls. They both looked familiar. It took Sari a moment, "Hey I am Sari. Nice to meet you too." Sari was a friendly girl and she lovd making friends, but she was not sure what was going on with this new comer.

Sari stayed silent a few minutes until it hit her, "Hey didn't I see you both together the other day at that one place. You both looked cute in each others arms." Sari said innocently. Sure Nolan announded Sloane as his date, but she did not think anything more to it. Sari had no idea.

[Bree Marcus]

Bree had been quite content to watch the party while holding Mew's arm but a situation was beginning and she felt intervention was necessary. She wanted Rainbow Bridge Foundation to be what people remembered about the brunch, not the cat fight that was about the start. If she had been standing with Tyler she could have just pinched Tyler and he would have gone to ask one of the ladies to dance now that the gentle exercise had been introduced. She didn't think Mew would appreciate the task however, so she was going to have to handle the situation herself. "Mew, I need to go diffuse a bomb," she whispered and kissed his cheek before detaching herself from his side and heading over to the group where Sloane, May, Nolan and now Sarissa the slut were beginning to send off vibrations of impending doom. "please excuse me everyone, but I really need to speak with Sloane." Without further ado, she grabbed her best friend's arm and dragged her to the fountain where it would be harder to be overheard. "Sloane are you crazy? I don't need this bomb dropped during my party!"

[Sloane Taylor]

At the sound of a silky sultry voice from her left, Sloane turned and did a double take when she saw an attractive brunette in a dark green dress with black lacing standing in front of her. She couldn't help but give an appreciative nod at the subtle once over the girl gave her and had a smirk of her own once she was done. "I try," she shrugged. "You look phenomenal in yours. Sloane Taylor." She held out a hand to the girl. She excused herself for never noticing the girl. The school was getting bigger and she was meeting new people every day. She wouldn't even be surprised if this girl had been attending Gould and sat behind her every French class. It was just too harrowing to remember names anyway.

Nolan's announcement that she was his date was just too amusing to not notice how possessive the younger boy was over her. Sari's comment about Sloane's dress left her smirking with a twinkle in her eyes. She was definitely flirting with her. It was undeniable. A bold move considering Sloane was with a date. The flirtation immediately reminded Sloane of May, who should be around here somewhere. Her head turned slightly and just when she was about to give up looking for her, the beautiful Armenian girl appeared beside the other two she had been talking with a look of pure dismay. Oh boy...

Her icy tone caused Sloane's smirk to freeze before dropping completely. And with Sari's sudden though seemingly innocent comment, it seemed like the room's temperature dropped, leaving Sloane shivering slightly. Well...everything was now out in the open. She knew the thing she had with Nolan and May was just way too good to be true. It was bound to crumble in a split second anyway. Sloane knew that, she had even prepared for it. So why was the look from both Nolan and May far too unbearable to glance at?

Bree's appearance didn't seem to shake off the awful feeling in the pit of Sloane's stomach. Pushing the lock of hair that had dropped in her, Sloane blinked away the confusion in her eyes and looked at Bree. "Bree. This isn't a bomb. Don't worry. I'm going to handle this." Her voice disguised the mixed emotions running through her. Her outward appearance was calm and undisturbed. "Please. Today's your day. I'm not going to ruin it." She gave Bree a smile she hoped was confident.

Walking back to the group, her eyes roamed from Nolan to May and to Sari then back to May who had blown up first. "You're Bree's best friend. I hardly think you'd want to ruin this even by blowing a fuse here. If you could kindly follow me outside so we can discuss this properly?" She turned to Nolan for approval but it was even harder to look at him than it was to look at May, whom she had grown fond of the past two weeks. Why was that? What weight had Nolan put in her life that she was more upset about hurting him than she was May? Bree was never going to forgive her if she hurt May and Bree was Sloane's best friend, shouldn't that have more pull on her emotions? It just didn't make sense.

"Nolan, May...please let's step outside and deal with this? It's Bree's event. I don't want her more upset than she already is." She couldn't believe what she was doing. Sloane Taylor pleading. Tyler was going to be pretty amused to see this. A thought occurred to her and she bit her lower lip before rummaging through her clutch and ripped out one page from her checkbook and gave it to Bree. "Just fill it with however much amount you want. If this thing doesn't blow over, at least you'll have that." Sloane looked at Bree apologetically. She then turned to the others expectantly.

[Tyler Durnham]

He’d been rather enjoying the dance with Natalie, as well as her company, which was why it was with slight annoyance that he spotted the disturbance currently taking place. One quick glance that the people gathered told him in no uncertain terms that Sloane was the cause of the disruption, that everything had backfired on her in the end. He could have told her it would, honestly, it was one thing to juggle a couple of relationships, he would do the same if proper relationships interested in, but to have both attend the same event? When they didn’t know about the other? He might not be one to ask for relationship advice, but even he could tell that would be disastrous.

And right in the middle of them all, Bree, looking like she couldn’t handle much more. It was one thing for Sloane to be careless, another to have that carelessness affect Bree. And they both knew well how important it was to Bree to have the brunch be a success. It seemed that once again, he would have to help take over. He was playing the knight in shining armour more than he felt comfortable with lately.

With reluctance, he stopped dancing, smiling apologetically at Natalie. “My apologies, but it looks like I better help out before things get worse.” he explained, motioning towards the small group. With one hand still holding hers, he led her back to her seat, pulling out her chair. “It really was my pleasure, and I can’t wait to see you again at school.” he smiled, moving to brush his lips against her cheek. And waiting just a second to see her blush, he turned and made his way over to the ‘troublemakers’.

“Sarissa, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Tyler grinned. “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I’m sure you’ll enjoy what I have planned. I’ll pick you up at two, you might want to have only a light lunch.” Winking at her as he happily took charge, he turned his attention to the more pressing matters, having overheard all he needed to on his way over.

He shot a look at Sloane, before sliding an arm around Bree’s waist, attempting to calm her. “Nolan, May, good to see you both. But I agree with Sloane, so I’m sorry, but would you mind stepping away while you...discuss these matters? It is a charity event after all, I’d rather not take the emphasis away from that, from those who need it. Sloane.” he directed, taking for granted his friend would usher them out.

He could feel that Bree was still tense, so he turned to his friend with a smile. “Bree, that was an impressive speech you gave back there. And this has been some brunch, up until now. I think you’ve basically proven how great an event planner you are by now.” Tyler chuckled. “I might just have to try to talk you into organising something for my birthday, when the time comes. But, speaking of matters at hand, I spoke to my father last night, I have a check here from both of us, I hope it can help out somewhat. And I’m also happy to volunteer my time, if there’s anything you ever need me to do.”

It was obvious exactly what he was hoping to achieve, with kicking out Sloane and her boyfriend & girlfriend, trying to distract Bree. He just hoped this didn’t make people think that he was actually a really nice, considerate guy. That wasn’t the best reputation for a player after all, to his mind. But, friends were friends, and he’d do anything for those he was close enough with.