laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Butterflies coursed through his stomach along with the shivers running up his spine as Ryan sang along with Harry Connick, Jr. and kept his spirits up, knowing that he would garner the strength to ask her for at least one dance. Standing before the mirror, his heart leapt with the song as clapping echoed from the doorway. Turning, he noticed Edward and Arthur smiling.

"Bravo, bravo," Ed smiled. "But, I save my final congratulations when and if you actually stay there for more than a half an hour and we've got a hundred dollars that says you don't even say 'hello' to her."

"Actually," Arthur cut in. "It was one word, if I remember correctly."

"Hello is one word."

Ryan grinned wryly. "Where's Tricia?"

"We're going to pick her up on the way, hurry up," Arthur informed, looking at his watch.

"Ed and I supposed to be your body guards or something," Ryan asked, picking up the tailored jacket as he moved to the stereo.

"No, his mature supervision." Ed pushed up his glasses. "Lord know's someone has to do it."

"That's why my driver is with us," Arthur replied. "How's it fit by the way?"

"Fine." Ryan turned and headed to the door. "My aunt took care of it for me," he informed, hitting the light switch as they exited his room. Heading down the stairs, he noticed his parents in the living room with Donald as they watched the news. "See you later," he bid as they headed for the door.

"Hold on," his mother called out as she rose with her camera. "Have to get a few pictures first."

"Mom, come on," Ryan pleaded. "We're going to be late."

"This will only take a minute," she motioned to the trio. "Stand together now."

"Normally, this sort of thing is done with a date," Ed reminded dryly.

"Well, if you insist," Arthur said as he put his arm around the shorter teenager who immediately backed defensively. Ryan grabbed his friend and pulled him into the frame.

"Come on, let's get this over with." A few flashes and she smiled. "See you later," they said in unison as they turned to the door.

"Not too late."

Ryan headed outside and closed the door behind him as the long, sleek limo sat patiently in the drive.

"I'm going to be scarred for the rest of my life," Ed continued. "I can't believe you did that," he glared at their taller companion. "And now Ryan's mom has the evidence that we three went to this senseless gathering without female companionship."

"Relax," Arthur chuckled as the driver opened the door. "She's not going to publish it in the paper tomorrow. Besides, he whole town knows you're still a virgin."

Ryan sat in the long couch across from the self lit bar as the stereo played quietly, nerves doing overtime in the pit of his stomach now that the realization hit him. He sighed quietly and tried to will it away as they headed to Tricia's home and soon to the school. The very thought of his attempt to gain her attention and get her away from Jerry was appearing less likely as they saw the tall, dark building approach. Slowly, the car stopped near the gym's entrance and he was sure he was going to be sick as cool sweat beaded on his forehead. Swallowing, he sighed as the door opened and they filed out into the cool night.

"Thanks," he nodded to the driver who smiled in return as he closed the door. With each step, he neared the door as Arthur opened it for his date and they followed them in as the music echoed through the short foyer and intersecting hallway which led to the locker rooms and bathrooms on the right and into the school to the left.

"You going to make it," Ed asked, gaining his attention.

"Yeah."

"You sure, you're looking like you're about to faint. I knew this was a bad idea," he shook his head as Ryan moved to the doorway and immediately scanned for the redhead he so desired to see.

"You kids don't get lost, alright," Arthur smiled as he led his blonde girlfriend into the decorated gymnasium, romantically lit as brown eyes frantically took in everyone and weeded through them until finding Sarah and Cindy, Lana's friends with their dates as they swirled and danced. That accomplished, he moved towards the line of tables, some occupied with other unattended guests until he noticed Jerry among his friends near the long table supporting the large punch bowl and other desserts. A relief swept over him until he noticed two cups in the jock's hand and expectant green eyes scanned towards his direction. Perhaps she was here after all. He continued scouring the crowd until the chill hit him as the beautiful blue dress passed right by him.

"Well, it would appear that I've won the bet," Ed proclaimed dryly as he sat down at the nearby table. Ryan watched her closely as she tentatively approached her apparent date, hesitating initially until he motioned to her. He had never seen her dressed up before and his heart stopped at the sight.

"I bet you she didn't want to come here with him."

"Right, and what brought you to that brilliant deduction, Watson?"

"You didn't see that. She hesitated as if she was hoping that he wouldn't see her."

"I still have my uncle's number. He's one of the best psychiatrists in town. I can even get you a cut rate."

"So, why did she come with him? Pressure from her friends," he shrugged as she accepted the punch from the grinning socialite bred within the shipping business and other real estate ventures. Ed was right, they were well suited to one another.

"No telling. But, I just wanted to remind you, the clock is ticking, Romeo."

Ryan began to realize and accept everyone's advice as he watched her drink from the cup and stand within his circle. "I'll be right back," he turned and headed into the hallway. Turning left, he headed towards the bathroom to notice several others spiking their drinks from a small bottle.

"Want something to liven the party," the voice asked as he approached the urinal. Turning, he recognized Mark, Lana's older brother with a small bag of pills. Shaking his head, he returned to his business. "Your loss, pal. These things will get anyone laid and word is you could use all the help you can get."

"I'll pass, thanks."

"Suit yourself. But, if you go and rat us out, I know plenty of new construction sites that you could disappear in."

Ryan finished and headed to the sink as the others bartered and sold for their temporary fix. His stomach turned in distaste now instead of nervousness. Drying his hands, he headed back towards the door as he tossed the dampened paper into the metal trash bin, then opened the door. How diverse the Johnson family was, he thought as he turned and headed back down the long hallway. Suddenly, he noticed Jerry leading Lana out the front door and wondered why they where leaving so soon. Perhaps she had come to her senses, he thought as he moved to see them disappear into shadow outside and he began to wish that he had driven so he could give her a ride home. At least she would be safer with him. Footsteps approached on the polished concrete floor and he turned to notice Ed, hands in his pockets.

"Well," Ryan grinned in defeat. "I guess you won your money."

Ed nodded sympathetically. "She looked in a hurry to leave," he cut off.

Sighing, he walked back into the gymnasium and took a seat.