Will interrupted, "I don't want you alone during the party. It's Christmas! How sad would that be?"
"Not as sad as getting caught by my uncle," Sammy argued.
Danielle smiled slyly. "Don't worry. Sammy will be able to go to the party and her bastard uncle won't be able to see her at all. I've got it all figured out." She had a mysteriously smug look on her face that strangely managed to relieve and unnerve Sammy at the same time.
* * *
Christmas Day finally came. On the day of the party, the household was in an uproar similar to the one prior to Mrs. Grenford's visit. The ballroom though was spectacular. Sammy didn't even know ballrooms still existed in this time and age. Colossal chandeliers hung down from the high ceilings, sending a warm golden light over the whole room. Elegant wreaths decorated the buttery walls, where glass panes reflected hazy dreamlike images of the people in the room. Looking into the mirror, it was like everything was in an alternate universe, where everyone drifted lazily through a warm golden fog.
A long table covered with a gigantic white tablecloth was already getting set with plates of treats and hors d'oeuvres. Holly and candles decorated the spread in a warm, colorful display. Everything must be to perfection.
A tall, looming green tree stood at the end opposite of the huge, golden doors. Employees of the house climbed up and down ladders to string the majestic tree with silver tinsel and ornaments of all colors. Sammy was afraid they might lose their balance and be sent tumbling to the floor a few feet below, but it appeared the servants were all quite efficient in their work. By the time they were done, the plant was glittering and sparkling. Sammy found herself holding her breath. She was getting swept away by the holiday cheer. It's been so long - too long - since she last celebrated her favorite holiday.
* * *
Vincent was climbing the ladder to top the tree off with a brilliant golden star the size of his head. After he positioned the ornament carefully, he looked down and met Sammy's eyes. Vincent smiled softly and gave a small wave. Sammy beamed back, waving back, and Vincent almost lost his grip. He glanced at Sammy again, embarrassed, but the redhead's green eyes were plastered to the tree and his hands clasped tightly before him. Just like a little kid. He looks too radiant for his own good. Why can't he be more like Jack or even Will?
His friend was currently at the other end of the table, trying to steal some cookies off a plate. Jack scratched his side as he stuffed two gingerbread men into his mouth. Will fluttered around him, trying to pull the other boy to the mistletoe next to the windows. Jack hurled a candy cane at William, which was quickly whisked off by a maid as soon as it hit the floor.
Vincent turned to look at Sammy again, but the boy was gone.
* * *
"Where are we going, Danielle?" Sammy panted as Danielle dragged her up the marble staircases.
"We must get ready for the ball!" Danielle responded gleefully.
"Oh." Sammy licked her lips, frowning. "But, um, by the way, what is your big plan, Danielle?"
The older girl stopped short and looked over her head, grinning like a maniac. "You mean I didn't tell you?" she said innocently. "It's going to be a masquerade ball!"
"Masquerade ball?" Sammy repeated dubiously. " went for this?"
"Oh, I managed to convince her with some spiel about how creativity equals party of the year." Danielle waved her hand airily. "What matters is that she accepted it. Now all we have to do is get ready and have fun."
Sammy nodded hesitantly. "I suppose it could work. I mean, I guess Uncle Frank wouldn't recognize me now that I'm dressed as a boy with a mask covering my face –"
"Whoops, didn't I tell you?" Danielle interrupted with a devilish laugh. "You're going in girl mode."
"WHAT? Danielle, I think you place too much trust in a mask! It's too risky!" Sammy's eyes widened, alarmed. "It's not like the movies! Just because I slap a mask on doesn't mean I'm the master of disguises! Anyone with half a brain will see –"
"That's why I'm giving you a makeover." Danielle was practically rubbing her hands together with delight.
"A – a what?"
"A makeover!" Danielle threw her head back, long black hair gleaming in the light, and all but cackled. Sammy's stomach dropped as she instinctively took a step backward, and all she could wonder was, How the hell did I get myself into this?
* * *
Two hours later, Will knocked impatiently on Sammy's door. Dressed in a splendid white tuxedo with a black shiny mask in hand, he leaned against the wall. "Sammy! Are you ready yet? I wanna see! I wanna see! Sam –" He was cut off as the door swung open. His eyes turned into the sizes of dinner plates and he whistled lowly. "Holy mama, come to papa!!" He threw open his arms.
Sammy blushed, self-conscious, and tucked her long hair behind an ear. "Stop it, Will."
"Where have you been hiding that nice set of –"
"WILL!"
"- ears. Those nice ears. Really quite exquisite," Will smiled impudently.
Sammy shook her head and laughed. Danielle stepped out of the room and extended her hands like a showcase assistant. "I'm so good, aren't I? Aren't I?"
"Yes, yes. The very best." Sammy reached down to smooth down her gown. "But I feel so fake. You changed everything!"
"No I didn't! Besides, isn't it the inner you that counts? You know that thing they say about how as long as you're still yourself inside, then that's all that matters, etc., etc. Right? You're still you!"
"I guess . . ." Sammy glanced up at the clock. "But I still don't know how to explain to the others where Sam went, though!"
Danielle smiled. "A nice case of flu."
"Can we go now? Can we? Huh? Huh?" Will hopped from foot to foot like a little kid as he struggled with his mask.
Sammy sighed and nodded slightly. Will immediately stood up straight, extended his arm and asked in a stuffy British accent, "Then shall I escort you, milady?"
She smiled and slipped on her sparkling, forest green mask on before accepting his arm. He offered his other arm to Danielle and she graciously took it after putting on her own dark blue mask.
* * *
Vincent sighed tiredly. "Of all the stupid things my sister had to think of, this one really takes the cake." He slipped on his black velvet mask and adjusted the white rose in his pocket while walking next to Jack. Decked out in a midnight black suit, his dark jacket fitted quite closely to his physique and his light gray eyes emanated an aura of secrecy behind his mask. His eyes traveled lazily across the walls as he walked through the hallways with his hands tucked in his pockets; the picture of an aloof prince.
Jack had his white mask on already, looking just as good as his friend in his dark tuxedo. His brown eyes were warm as he laughed, "It's not so bad, Vince. Everything's pretty good, except for my stupid tie." He muttered a curse underneath his breath as he tried to adjust his cravat for the umpteenth time. They continued their way down to the ballroom, nodding to a couple of servants along the way. Two maids giggled shyly to each other as the two boys passed them.
* * *
"I changed my mind. I'm not going," Sammy cried out in a panic as she tried to tear her hand away from William.
Danielle frowned darkly. "You're not going to waste my beautiful work, are you? You're coming and that's that."
Sammy was close to hyperventilation. "I can't! I've never been good at these sorts of things! A ball? I won't know what to do! I'm not very social, guys!" She tried to dig in her heels as they dragged her by force to the double doors. Already, she could hear the quiet, muffled noise of violins and people talking. "I'm so different from all of you! I – I revel in the fact you guys have an indoor pool! I – I drool at the sight of your big screen TVs! TVsssss, mind you! SSSSS!! They'll never accept me! They'll turn their nose up at me and – and sniffed disdainfully and – and –"
"Come on, Sammy, we've never treated you like that before, have we? Just calm down. We're almost there," Danielle said soothingly as she dug her nails into
Sammy's wrist.
"I'm so bad with conversations! I won't know how to mingle!"
"All you have to do is hold a glass of champagne and walk around with your nose in the air, sniffing disdainfully," Will grinned as he yanked on her arm.
"I don't feel so good. I think I'm coming down with something!"
"Dance fever, dance fever . . ." Will sang over his shoulder in response.
"Please! My uncle's going to take one look at me and know that I don't belong there! He'll know it's me!"
"You'll be fine. We'll be with you," Danielle soothed her.
"No, I can't!" But her protests were to no avail. Her friends linked their arms through hers and forcibly hauled her through the doors.
* * *
Vincent covered his mouth as he yawned. "What a drag," he drawled. He leaned against the wall in the corner next to the Christmas tree, hoping to stay out of the sights of certain overly tenacious neighborhood girls. Jack continued to munch on some cookies. "These are really good," Jack mumbled through a mouthful. "I think I'm addicted."
Vincent rolled his eyes. "Pig."
Jack grabbed another one. "I heard Sam made them to help out. Pretty girly, but he has quite a talent – HEY!"
Vincent snatched it out of his friend's hand and tossed it into his mouth. He chewed slowly, eyebrows furrowed in thought. "You're right. It is good. Hand over the plate."
"What? No way! I found them first!"
"This is MY house! MY party! MY cookies! Give!"
"You're supposed to be the gracious host! I'm your guest!"
"Not unless I toss you out that window there."
Jack tried to block Vincent from the table. "You big – whoa."
"What?" Vincent frowned, reaching around him to grab a handful of gingersnaps.
Jack was busy staring over his shoulder at something. His mouth had fallen open into a gaping hole.
Vincent turned around and recognized his sister through the crowd of dancing guests in a slinky blue dress with a matching feathered mask standing in the doorway. Her hair was piled gracefully on top of her head and loose strands escaped to curl around her slender neck. He groaned, mumbling around a mouthful of cookies. "Not you too, Jack. My own sister?"
Jack shook his head mutedly and pointed furiously. Vincent saw William then in a creamy white tuxedo and a shiny black mask. The other boy's wavy, dark chestnut brown hair was a bit too long, tapering down in loose layers until it cupped his ears loosely. The ever present happy grin and twinkling hazel eyes were, if possible, even more "happy and twinkly". Vincent's head snapped back to his friend at an alarming speed. "Oh god, have you converted, too? Will?"
Jack almost choked and shot him an evil glare. He shook his head and pointed again, even more insistently.
This time, Vincent saw her. William had been blocking her from sight - or maybe had been hiding behind him. A slender girl in an elegant, jade colored dress with flowing sleeves and an intricately patterned bodice stood, basked by the mellow golden light from the candles on the tables near by. Her raven black hair was slightly curly, half of the thick tresses pinned up loosely, and she wore a simple green velvet mask similar to his. She was obviously nervous; she kept reaching up to tuck her curls behind her right ear. But suddenly, she looked up and met his eyes from across the room and he almost staggered back. Her eyes were a brilliant green.
* * *
"Vincent. I saw Vincent," Sammy turned back quickly to Danielle.
"Where? Where?" the older girl asked, craning her neck as she stood on tiptoes to look over the crowd.
Sammy was trying to stoop down lower, bending her knees even though she knew that she must look like a fool. "I think he recognized me. I told you it won't work! But you had to go ahead and dye my hair and add extensions and everything!"
Danielle chewed on her bottom lip. "Hmmm, maybe I should have gotten you contacts, too."
Sammy frowned unhappily. "Sure, why not? Everything else on my body now is fake anyway."
Will leered at her - namely, her chest. "Everything?"
Sammy turned pink. "Stop it, Will."
She turned around again and found herself face to face with Vincent with Jack standing next to him, beaming at her.
She squeaked.
Vincent's voice rumbled quietly. "Dani, who is this?" As blunt as ever.
But Sammy nearly sagged in relief. He didn't recognize me! Danielle smiled happily, "Oh, this is Sam – OW!" Sammy stepped on her foot gently with her high heels.
"Samow?" Vincent repeated, puzzled.
"Uh, Samowa," Sammy stammered. "My parents wanted a more original name. It means – uh –"
"Big breasts," Will supplied helpfully.
There was a pause. "Excuse me?" Vincent inquired politely, eyes flickering between Will and Sammy.
"Ah, um, it means blessing in fertility and children so uh, yeah, big breasts would, um, yeah," Sammy felt her face burning.
"Interesting." Jack grinned. Vincent continued to stare at her, grey eyes piercing through her as if appraising her worth.
"Yeah, well, Samowa is a really good friend of mine. A really nice girl," Danielle emphasized.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Danielle's brother, Vincent Warren Grenford III. Just call me Vince," Vincent inclined his head slightly as he took her hand and pressed his lips lightly on her knuckles. Sammy felt like whipping out a paper fan and waving it crazily in front of her face. Jack did the same and she flushed in embarrassment over the attention.
Vincent then turned to Danielle and asked, "Where's Sam?"
Sammy turned pale, but the older girl quickly answered, "Poor guy. He's sick. He said he can't come down, but he wants you all to have fun anyway."
Vincent frowned worriedly. "Sick? Should we call a doctor?"
Sammy felt awful about causing him unnecessary concern. "It's alright! Just a minor case of flu!"
He turned to look at her in surprise and she froze. She laughed nervously, "Danielle told me about poor old Sam."
"You know," Vincent started, peering at her closely. "You really remind of –"
He was cut off then as the doors opened and a tall, boy in a creamy white suit that fitted closely to his broad shoulders sauntered in. His light blonde hair and sparkling, white mask accentuated his almost ethereal, angelic appearance. His pale blue eyes turned to them languidly and a cool smile formed on his lips.
Tristan?
Chapter Fifteen
An older man with Tristan's broad shoulders and blue eyes followed closely behind. His hair was gray, matching the color of his mask and his suit. The man was shorter than Tristan by a few inches, but carried himself regally. A young girl with sleek blonde hair in a gorgeous shimmering cerulean dress and matching disguise walked in quietly with her head bowed low. She looked up and after doing a double take, smiled brightly at Sammy. Danielle leaned close to whisper in Sammy's ear, "I called her before the party so she'll know it's you."
Carrie looked down bashfully and Sammy could tell the girl was relieved she found them. She smiled in sympathy. She's shyer than I am.
Suddenly, a woman in a regal black gown with her hair tied in a tight chignon walked up to the new guests. Even with a feathered mask, Sammy easily recognized the cold gray eyes. Mrs. Grenford pasted a simpering smile on her face, "Is that Patrick Harland I see there?"
Tristan's father beamed back similarly. "Kat! How delightful! What a marvelous party! Where's George?"
"Oh, he's away on business." Katherine shook her head. "But . . ."
The younger people drifted away from the conversation. Vincent smiled at Carrie. "Hey, Carrie." He only gave Tristan an icy glare.
Tristan ignored Vincent and nodded at Danielle. "Haven't seen you in quite a while, Dani."
Danielle grinned back. "Then maybe you should come visit me more often. How are the babies?"
"Well, Carrie's all grown up now so that's a relief, but I have two efficient replacements. Mandy and Andy are enough to make me premat
urely old," Tristan sighed ruefully. He noticed Sam then and with a peculiar glint in his eyes, smiled quietly. "Dani, don't forget your manners."
Danielle linked an arm through Sammy's and chuckled. "Tristan, Carrie, this is Samowa. Samowa, Tristan and Carrie. They're our neighbors. Tristan goes to the same school as Vincent."
"Until he dies of unexpected causes," Vincent muttered.
Tristan's eyes glittered icily but a voice suddenly rang out. "Hey!" They turned to see a boy with golden hair in a deep navy, almost black, suit striding toward them. Huh . . . he looks familiar. His dark blue mask surrounded a pair of turquoise eyes. The new guest was followed closely by a puny boy in puke-green and two heavy bumbling guys in brown. "Hey," the boy in the blue repeated. "Long time no see." His twinkling eyes were directed at Danielle. "You're still as gorgeous as ever, Dani. You've grown into your curves."
Danielle rolled her eyes. "That's Danielle Amelia Grenford to you. I see you're still as repulsive and immature as ever, Caine."
Sammy finally recognized the group. The boy who kept winking at her was Caine, the notorious flirter. The sniveling rat with glasses jammed in front of his pea green mask was the detested Marvin. The two trolls in dirt brown – Marco and Polo; they looked more like gorillas today than ever, shifting heavily on legs the size of tree trunks. Everyone was here. It was like a big family reunion … only not so happy.
Vincent was practically sneering at Tristan. The other boy wasn't so much better with his hands tucked in his pocket and his lips curled in disgust. Jack was taking his position behind Vince, eyes firmly fixated on the twins and Marvin. Will was blissfully wrapping an arm around Sammy and sticking his tongue out at the dismayed Caine.
Danielle shook her head and steered Sammy and Carrie away from the staring contest. "Boys. They come in all different levels of stupidity," Danielle muttered.
Sammy smiled. "You seem to be close to Tristan."
False Facades (Best Sellers: Best Romance/Humor ) Page 13
