Motough Prompts

One Little Kiss

Bethany had only been to Derek's house twice in the few months that they'd known each other. Both times Bethany felt out of place surrounded by a small group of dancers that she had gotten to know on the show but somehow in the outside world they just seemed more intimidating. Her third time at his house probably wouldn't be any different, especially since there was going to be three times as many people.

She opens the front door of the familiar house, walking inside just like Derek's text had instructed her. Passing a few familiar faces along the way of her quest to find the host of this New Year's party, stopping a few times to introduce her "date" for the night.

Bethany decided to bring along Connor, who was probably her only friend left in LA that would accompany her to a party full of unfamiliar people. She held tightly on to his arm for comfort each time someone would ask if he was her boyfriend, internally rolling her eyes every time she had to say no.

She didn't have feelings for Connor, never did, no matter what their fans wanted to think. However they are genuinely great friends and he was a good sport about all of the prying questions her former co-workers loved to ask. He even smiled when he had to explain that he is gay to a producer who wouldn't stop saying how good looking of a couple they would be.

Bethany heaved a sigh of relief when she spotted Derek. He was standing in his living room, drink in hand, talking to a small group of people. She grabbed Connor's hand and pulled him towards her former dance partner. He notices her before she can make it to him, she can see his eyes light up from across the room. He starts toward her, leaving his friends behind to meet her halfway.

"Hey, I'm glad you came." Derek shouts, pulling her into a hug, kissing her cheek before pulling away.

"Me too." Bethany says, smiling widely up at him. "You remember Connor right?"

"Of course. How are you doing, man?" He smiles at the younger boy, shaking his hand.

"I'm great, thanks." Connor replies and Bethany can tell he feels a little awkward.

She watches Derek began to pull at the seam of his shirt, a tell-tale sign that he feels nervous. She couldn't help but wonder why. "So," she glances around the room. "How's the party so far?"

"Pretty good. Surprisingly. I'm terrible at putting together parties. Even small, casual ones like this. Thank God for Julianne." He answers, letting out an awkward laugh.

"Oh is she here? I want to say hello."

"I don't know. She's around here somewhere." Derek glances around the room. "I'm sure you'll run into her at some point. Can I get you guys anything to drink?"

The party went on as parties do, but Bethany found herself sitting on the second story patio of Derek's house alone. Connor had actually ran into someone he knows, immediately getting into a deep conversation. Bethany told him she was going to the bathroom nearly 2 hours ago, but he apparently hadn't noticed yet.

She couldn't be mad at Connor because he had found someone to have a good time with and maybe even a new year's kiss. She would probably abandon him if Derek had showed any interest in spending the entire night by her side. Of course he didn't though because unlike her, Derek had brought a date who actually held the promise of a midnight kiss.

Bethany couldn't help the pang of jealousy she felt when she saw the gorgeous girl on his arm when he returned from getting her a small glass of champagne (a treat he seemed to surprise her with on special ocassions, like her birthday). He introduced the obviously fake blonde as Valerie, another dancer. Valerie shook Bethany's hand, shooting her a snobby grin before ushering Derek towards a group of people without another word.