by PJ Bayliss
‘Helpful?’ Julie rolled her eyes. ‘I can only imagine what kind of help she’s providing,’ Chaise laughed at her whimsical comment. ‘That mad-scientist worries me sometimes.’
‘He worries me all of the time,’ Chaise jested. ‘But he is really devoted to his work, I’ll give him that much.’
‘You both are!'
‘We can’t help it. Anyway, he is actually helping her out too. She has a few problems from what he told me, so I’m sure she is as keen to experiment as the rest of us.’
‘Problems? What kind of problems?’
‘I can’t really say. It was passed to me in confidentiality, so I’ve probably said too much already. Try to keep it under her hat?’
Julie agreed but remained curious as to what problem Lisa could possibly had. She despised having secrets kept from her like this, especially from him as it implied he was willing to keep things from her. Yet another mark upon this relationship.
What’s his latest experiment then?’ Julie almost immediately regretted asking the question.
‘We’re calling it Paralysis for now.’
‘Paralysis?’ she queried, ‘Sounds sinister. What on earth do you need that for?’
‘I guess you can call it a counter-measure.’
‘To what?’
‘Super Vee,’ Chaise replied. ‘We need to work out how to reduce the effect of formula V. I’m closer than we’ve ever been before, but Carl still has a fair way to go.’
‘Reduce the effect? why’s that? I thought you guys loved it? It certainly had no complaints with me.’
Chaise chuckled. ‘Nobody ever complained when they know what they’re in for, but there always was a mistake in the formula. We never intended it to be as powerful as it is.’
‘So now you’re trying to fix it?’
‘Yes.’
‘So why not fix the original formula rather than create another potential Frankenstein formula?’
‘We are. The team in New York are trying to fix the original formulation. They’ve asked Carl and me to try a couple of different options. I’m working on formula E and he is sorting this one out because it may close another gap in the market.’
‘What gap?’
‘PSAD, ever heard of it?’
‘No, no idea what it is.’
‘Hmm, not surprised at that, but I’ll have to tell you about that later. Maybe after dinner…’ replied Chaise as he turned into the luxurious driveway of the Fairmont resort.
‘Wait! Did you say you’re working on something too?’
‘Yes. But I’ll have to tell you about that some other time too. Let’s go inside hun. Our friends will be waiting.’
Screw them! She thought. This innocent conversation had unravelled way too many grey areas in her understanding of what Chaise was up to.
◆◆◆
The Fairmont was surrounded by beautifully landscaped golf courses facing north on a cliff that overlooked St Andrews bay. It had over 200 rooms that were glamorously appointed and typically attracted upper-class and celebrity guests for the night. It was very popular for weddings due to its remoteness on the outskirts of town and impeccable service. Chaise had often thought of it as being the ideal place for a special occasion such as this, and should he ever propose to Julie, it was the perfect location as they met each other at the beach nearby.
The hotel had a grand entrance with large stone block columns and marble tiles leading into the foyer. Chaise handed his key's over to the valet, escorted Julie up the stairs to the hotel entrance and made his way to the La Cucina restaurant positioned snugly in the heart of the resort.
As they walked through the cavernous foyer, Julie noticed the adoring eyes of several hotel visitors sliding her way. She felt like a celebrity gracing the red carpet as they ascended the majestic dual staircase at the end of the foyer. Julie looked up the staircase to where her friends were waiting with huge grins beaming across their faces. She savoured ever second of their adoration and pulled Chaise’s arm in tight as they walked up the stairs.
Ali was the first to greet them at the top. She hugged Julie and kissed her on the cheek, whispering praise of Julie’s beauty into her ear before releasing her grip. Julie’s heart blossomed and she went to greet her girlfriends as Chaise hovered about with Carlos and the boys.
Chaise fist-bumped his brother in greeting. ‘Did you manage the booking?’
‘Sort of.’ replied Carlos.
‘Pardon?’
‘Well, there’s another group booked in before us, so it might conflict. We may have to think twice about the toga party being held here if they're still about.’
‘That’s no good. I trust you have that covered?’ enquired Chaise.
‘Yeah. Shouldn’t be a big deal,’ winked Carlos. ‘I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve.’
‘I knew you would,’ Chaise replied as he turned his attention to his guests.
◆◆◆
It was their final “High Table” formal dinner. It was a tradition for students at St Andrews to attend formal dinner parties with University staff and esteemed members of the community. Formal dress, ties’ and “your very best attire” was a prerequisite for the evening, especially when the senior University members and heads of department were invited. Fortunately, none of them would be in attendance this particular evening.
It was Chaise’s idea to bring them all together in a final get-together evening, but it wasn’t just the meal that was causing all the excitement amongst the group. The pending toga party and soak in the spa was the anticipated highlight of the evening.
Chaise gently tapped the side of a Champagne glass to capture their attention. ‘Everyone, your attention please?... Will you please take your seats and welcome to our final High Table.’
The maître d’ took their orders and soon served drinks to the group, who were discussing their final exams, plans to return home to their families, and the prospect of employment following job interviews.
‘I’m just going to chill out for a few months and relax,’ pipped Savannah. ‘What about you, Chaise? What are your plans?’
‘I believe Carl and I will be continuing with our R&D, by the sounds of things right now. The laboratory is being prepared for our return.’
‘Lucky you!’ Savannah replied. ‘Any chance of finding me something?’
‘From the laboratory?’
‘No! Well, maybe not? But I was thinking about work opportunities within R&D.’
‘Fair call. I certainly would consider it,’ he replied. ‘The business is growing, and will grow more once we get these next chemicals’ under control.’
‘I’ll definitely keep it in mind,’ said Savannah, ‘Especially, if you need test subjects!’ she giggled.
‘Ha! No shortage of volunteers there I’m afraid.’
‘What are you trying to control?’ Maggie inquired.
‘Formula V, but we’re calling it “Super V” for the moment. It’s really Carl’s baby, since he’s been more hands-on with the development effort.’
‘Super V? Sounds interesting. Does it make you super human?’
‘Not really,’ Carlos replied. ‘It’s sort of like a super potent batch of Viagra, but that’s the problem. It’s a bit too powerful, you could say.’
‘How come?’
‘Well, it’s incredibly potent. You could say it has a quirky side effect at the moment which can be climatic to the user. But the really cool thing is that females can use it as well.’
‘Really? Female Viagra?’ Maggie exclaimed. ‘That’s pretty special!’
‘Yes, but it’s still way to powerful for females. And it pretty much has the same effect with men that have tested it.’
‘What? Like an erection?'
‘Precisely, and then some.’
Maggie sat up on the edge of her seat, ‘Interesting! I suspect there’s a huge market for that.’
‘That’s what I was telling Julie just as we arrived tonight,’ said Chaise, ‘but
we’re not just looking for a Viagra effect for short-term or immediate effect. We’re hoping to offer a more conventional medical product for patient treatment on a long-term basis.’
‘What kind of patients?’ asked Maggie.
‘Well, that’s kind of company confidential information for now, as I’m sure you can appreciate.’
‘Oh! Of course. I understand, completely,’ Maggie replied, ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, being the newbie here ‘n all’
‘No problem. It’s just, well, family business you see. Nothing personal, and certainly not because you’re the newbie either.’
‘That’s fine. Rex warned me not to ask too many questions about the things you and your brother get up to.’
‘Really now?’
‘It’s not like that,’ Rex interrupted. ‘Just keeping it tight, Chaise.’
‘And I really appreciate that Rex. Tight is good.’
‘Cheers!. Only Maggie here has had a few bad experiences when it comes to chemical experiments. I just wanted to make her feel comfortable meeting you two.’
‘Bad experiences? Like what?’
‘My ex.’ Maggie replied. ‘He killed himself a few months ago during mid-term's.’
‘Oh shit. Sorry to hear that…’ replied Chaise.
‘It’s okay. He had an overdose on some rogue ecstasy. Some Superman-labelled shit that he bought in a nightclub from one of his regular suppliers.’
‘Far-out. I heard all about that,’ said Carlos.
‘Yeah well, what can I say? I told him not to buy it and to just keep on drinking, but he was so hyped after his exam he just wanted to let his hair down.’
‘Well we’re not into that kind of illegal stuff here, trust me.’
‘I know. Rex assured me of that. But you could easily do so, couldn’t you?’
Chaise scoffed, ‘Are you some kind of undercover cop?’
‘No!’ she shouted.
‘Relax, I’m just screwing with you.’
Maggie sighed with relief as Chaise continued. ‘We are fortunate, I guess. Our family business has helped a number of other companies provide medical remedies for real-world problems. We’ve watched them grow and put smiles on the faces of sufferers around the world, and now it’s our chance to grow.’
‘Smiles on faces. I like that,’ replied Maggie. ‘I guess that’s all Chris wanted before he overdosed.’
‘Well, I’m not sure about that, but I do see something coming that will put a smile on everyone’s face.’ said Chaise, ‘Here comes our meal…’
The maître d’ returned with two other waiters’ following with steaming hot plates. They quickly tabled the meals’ and took further orders to refresh drinks around the table. The maître d’ then briefly checked everything was up to their expectation before departing with his team back into the kitchen.
Chaise encouraged the group to raise their glasses in a toast to their years of friendship, memories, and learning at the university.
It wasn’t long afterward for the subject of conversation returned to the table.
‘So… if you’re not into that kind of stuff, then what do you do for kicks?’ Maggie inquired.
Chaise’s raised his eyebrows in admiration of her persistence. ‘You know, curiosity may have killed the cat, but persistence probably taught it a lesson.’
‘Are you saying I need to be taught a lesson?’ she replied.
‘You can never learn too much in life.’
‘Are you a good teacher?’ Maggie jested.
‘Teacher, no. Master, maybe…’
Maggie blushed as he called her flirtatious bluff. Julie washed her own smirk away with a sip of wine from her glass.
‘None of us here, I believe, are into illicit drug use. Isn’t that right, Rex?’
‘Not at all, Chaise.’
‘But you make your own drugs for recreation? How can that not be illicit?’ replied Maggie.
‘It’s research, primarily.’
‘Primarily? So there’s some fun involved?’
‘Always some fun involved,’ he replied. ‘And sometimes it’s not so much fun, but we’re always backing a greater cause. Experimental, recreational, incidental, whatever…’
‘Interesting, I’m intrigued. Where do I sign up?’ Maggie replied as they continued to eat their meal.
8
Everybody was enjoying the company of each other at the table. Drinking, eating, and chatting to each other. The atmosphere of the restaurant hummed with the voices of all the other guests at their tables.
Julie had finished her meal and needed to go to the powder room before dessert was served. She ordered a Raspberry Tiramisu from the maître d’ and excused herself from the table.
‘Wait for me, I’ll join you, Julie!’ pipped Savannah.
Chaise muttered under his breath, ‘What on earth is it with women going to the restroom in pairs?’
The remaining friends laughed at his joke as the two girls stood up. Savannah smiled and replied to him with a huge smirk, ‘Maybe we’d like to pair up more often?’ she said with a seductive wink.
Julie played along by grasping Savannah’s arm and tucking it into her waist. ‘Precisely Mr smarty-pants! What do you think about that?’
Chaise didn’t miss a beat and played his hand without hesitation, ‘Suits me. Double the trouble, and twice as much fun.’
Savannah glanced across to Julie took her turn in the game. ‘Twice as much fun? I guess you can never have too much of that?’ she leant forward and pursed her lips, which were quickly received by Julie with a smile.
Chaise flicked his thumbnail across the inside of his finger. He was compelled to bring the knuckle of his thumb into his bite, but instead, he locked his fingers with his other hand.
There would be no bluff drawn here this evening. Not with these two girls. He preferred to wait for the perfect opportunity to commit them to their own hand.
‘I don’t think it would be that much trouble for me, what about you Tim?’
Tim grinned and joined in with the game. ‘No problem or trouble here either, Chaise. I’d quite enjoy that actually,’ he reached over and patted Julie’s bottom with a hearty slap. She tried her best to withhold the blushing from creeping across her cheek.
‘Well, let’s just see how much trouble you two can handle later then, shall we?’ Julie turned around, tucked Savannah’s arm in once again and left the table, leaving the boys behind them with their unplayed hand.
◆◆◆
Once they entered the restroom, Julie and Savannah laughed and fell about in each other’s arms. They complemented each other for playing along with the ruse and not playing into the hands of their boyfriends.
‘That was so hilarious! Did you see Chaise’s face?’
‘I know! I could tell he was a bit frustrated there for a moment thought. Right before he locked his hands.’
‘Really? You think?’ Savannah asked.
‘I know! I can tell when he becomes interested, you know?’ Julie winked, ‘Mind you, he’s bloody well on the verge of it all the damn time.’
‘What? You think he was getting horny?’ asked Savannah with an excited tone.
‘Oh hell yeah! Too right ‘e was.’
Savannah laughed and fanned her fingertips at her face. ‘Blimey! I never…’ she began. ‘Mind you, I can kind of relate to that, eh?’ she waved the top of her dress about to ventilate her bosom.
‘What? Seriously?’ asked Julie with a laugh. ‘You’re kidding me, right?’
‘Does this look like a joke?’ Savannah opened her top up for Julie to peek in. Her nipples were erect and hard to the touch, something Julie couldn’t help herself from doing.
‘Oh my!’ gasped Julie.
‘Oi! Cut it!’ laughed Savannah, as her nipples contracted upon Julie’s touch. She reacted by splashing her face with some water from the faucet to cool herself down. Julie laughed again, then Savannah reached down to the edge of her skirt and proceeded to ventil
ate herself by waving the material rapidly to and from.
Julie burst out with tears of laughter, ‘Savannah! C’mon now!’
‘I’m not kidding, Jules, look!’
Savannah hoisted her skirt up over her waist to reveal her sodden panties. She rubbed her fingertips over the material and held her hand out for Julie to see.
Julie giggled even more.
She grasped Savannah’s hand and ran her finger across her skin. ‘Meh, don’t feel so bad…but maybe?’
Savannah looked down at herself and then looked back at Julie, who now had a curious look in her eye. She reached down toward Savannah’s sex and patted her friend’s panties.
‘Oh yes hun, you do seem to be a bit damp there.’
‘Jesus Jules…’ Savannah purred. Her estranged fingers felt so good against the material and Savannah stumbled back to rest her arse upon the vanity.
‘You okay girl?’
‘I’m so much better than okay…’ Savannah replied. ‘This is double the trouble alright.’
Maybe it was the wine, or perhaps the jovial effect of the atmosphere, but Julie felt light-headed and ecstatic as she watched Savannah respond to her touch. Her neck arched backwards and she closed her eyes to enjoy the satisfaction of Julie’s touch.
Her fingers gently ran over her panties, tugging at the material and pressing it into the folds of her engorged sex. It was damming Savannah to the brink of collapse. How she hoped that Julie would go beneath the restrictive material.
‘I thought you said it’d be twice the fun?’ Julie whispered. She pried her fingers beneath the elastic of Savannah’s panties and pushed them gently over her wet pussy.
‘Jules please.’ whimpered Savannah.
‘Please? How polite you ask, I just may,’ Julie shoved Savannah’s panties down and started to knead here fingers within her moist mound. It was already soaking wet, so sliding her fingers inside came with such ease it was impossible to resist. Savannah threw her head up and basked in the lighting of the room. She opened her eyes to the reality of what they were doing right there, in full view of anyone who happened to walk into the room. It was a thrilling taboo.