False Facades (Best Sellers: Best Romance/Humor )

by Martha Greenwood

  She was blushing again. "It's okay." She met his eyes and damn if he didn't melt again. He quickly averted his eyes. I think I have a thing for green eyes. Help.

  The music ended and he led her off the floor. He mused out loud, "You know, I really should go check on Sam. I mean, he is my guest and since he's sick and all, I really shouldn't just leave him alone like that. Please excuse me, Sa – what?"

  Samowa was staring at him in dismay like he had just scratched his armpits in front of her.

  "Samowa, is something wrong?"

  "N – no," she croaked.

  "You sure?"

  She waved her hand flimsily. He nodded skeptically before excusing himself again and making his way to the door. Sammy stood there for a few seconds in a frozen daze before jolting herself out of it and running as fast as she could on high heels. She finally found Danielle, who was currently trying to choke Caine with a party streamer. After yanking Danielle away to a secluded corner, she babbled in a panic, "Vincenthe'sgoingtoseemeImeanSamInhisroomImeaninSam'sroomwhichI'mnotinImeanSamOhgodohgodohgodhelphelphelp!!!"

  Danielle gaped at her in alarm. "I have no idea what you just said but I'm guessing it's something . . . bad?"

  Sammy took a deep breath and flapped her hands around. "Vincent is going to see me, no, not me – Sam – in Sam's room, which, by the way, I'M NOT IN! OH MAN, OH MAN, OH MAN! HOW MANY WAYS CAN I DIE?"

  Danielle chewed on her lip. "Okay, let's not panic. I have a plan!"

  * * *

  The plan was to run out the French doors, down the steps into the garden and stand below Sammy's room so she scale a tree before throwing herself through the open (thank goodness) window. Can you say Mission Impossible?

  Sammy wanted to smash her head against the pretty marble walls. "Danielle, you're a really great friend and all … but I have to tell you, your plans suck."

  Danielle whispered to her urgently, "Listen to me! William is waylaying Vincent right now, but I doubt Vinnie can be stopped. Come on! I've always snuck out of my room like this. It's really easy! Just grab hold and pull yourself up. You're so light, it'll sustain your weight!"

  Sammy moaned in self-pity before taking a deep breath, hitching up her dress, and grabbing the lowest branch. She kicked upwards . . . and flipped over, landing on her back with a heavy thud and her dress up around her head. Danielle doubled over with laughter. "I'm sorry, Sammy! But, uh, practice makes perfect, right?"

  "Right . . ." came the muffled grunt.

  * * *

  "So, that guy really broke my heart," Will sobbed loudly and clung desperately onto Vincent's shoulder. Vincent tried to pry the boy away. He was rapidly turning green and he didn't think he was able to control himself anymore.

  "There, there, Will," Vincent responded. He slammed his hand into Will's back in a comforting pat while trying to see if it could dislodge him at the same time. "I feel really bad for you, I do. Your first love - girl version - was really mean to you. Shame on her. And your other first love - guy version - ditto. But you know, now's not exactly the time to swap sob stories. Sam –"

  Will dug his heels into the carpet and was dragged along down the hall. "Sam's all right! There's really no need to go see him!"

  "Just a quick glance, Will! He is sick, you know!" Vincent grunted as he stumbled forward.

  "Well, um, he might not be in his room!" William declared.

  "Then where else could he be?" Vincent growled, patience evaporating.

  "Uh, bathroom?"

  "He has a private bathroom connected to his room, stupid."

  "Uhhh. . . say, Vince, did I tell you about the time when I met this really hot boy with a really cute butt –"

  "GET OFF ME, WILL!"

  * * *

  Sammy inched along gingerly on the tree branch. She winced as she got another splinter in her hand. Again … why me?

  Suddenly, two beams of light were thrown across her. She was temporarily blinded and nearly fell off the branch after all her hard work.

  Danielle growled softly from somewhere under the tree, "Damn. The security guards."

  What? Oh jeez, are they going to shoot me down now?

  Danielle spoke softly, but her tone was authoritative. "John, James, it's just me, Danielle."

  "Young miss? What – what are you doing here?" The light blinded Sammy again and she closed her eyes, seeing spots dance before her. "And who's that up in the tree?"

  Sammy tried to wave while clinging onto the branch and pressing her dress down so they won't "see" anything. Yeah, smooth, Sammy. Just act like you climb a tree and hang precariously off the end of a flimsy bough everyday.

  "Um, well, my friend here is one nature lover," Danielle explained. "She's just checking if the, uh, leaves are healthy. Yeah. Don't mind us. You may leave now."

  "But um, we do have a gardener –"

  "I said, you may leave now."

  "Yes, miss. Enjoy . . . inspecting the tree."

  "We will. See you!" Danielle waved and as footsteps faded off in the distance, she whispered frenetically, "Hurry, Sammy! We can't risk anybody else seeing us!"

  "Okay, okay," she panted as she crawled along carefully.

  * * *

  Vincent tried to walk, but Will had wrapped both his arms around his right leg. "Will! What the hell are you doing?"

  "I've decided! I'm in love with you!" William declared dramatically.

  Vincent sent him a withering glare. "Don't make me kick you."

  "You're my sun, my moon, my stars! You're the reason for me living! Take me now!"

  Vincent shuddered. "Hell, no. Go find Jack."

  "Vincent is so beautiful! Vincent is so yummy! Vincent is –"

  "Vincent is going to kick your ass down the stairs. Have you had one too many cups of eggnog, Will?"

  "I'm drunk on you, baby," Will batted his eyelashes up at him.

  "Will you just leave me alone?" Vincent barked, slapping at the boy's hands.

  "Ever since you straddled me that fateful day in the hotel –"

  "I DID NOT STRADDLE YOU! WILL, I'M WARNING YOU!"

  They suddenly heard a loud thump from Sam's room and Vincent was immobilized. "Sam?" He tried to shrug Will off again and fortunately, this time, the boy released his grip.

  While Vincent ran to the door, Will remained sitting on the floor and folded his arms across his chest. With an impish smile, he drawled, "Fine, break my heart. See if I care."

  Vincent pounded on the door. "Sam? Are you okay? I'm coming in!" He turned the doorknob - only to have the door slammed in his face again. "Sam?" He cried out, alarmed. He shoved the door.

  * * *

  Sammy panted hard and tossed a clump of hair out of her eyes. Vincent pushed against the door harder and she nearly went flying across the room. She pressed back against the door with all her body weight. "I'm okay, Vince! I'm fine!"

  Vincent frowned on the other side. "Then can you let me in?"

  "NO!"

  He blinked in surprise. "Excuse me?"

  "Uh, I mean, I'm sick right now," she feigned a cough. "I don't want you to catch my cold, that's all."

  "Nonsense. I don't get sick that easily."

  "It's really okay! I'm kinda tired anyway. Yeah, I'm going to sleep so there's really no need for you to check up on me."

  "But –" Vincent hesitated.

  "I'm really fine! Don't worry!"

  "Are you sure? You sound a bit out of breath to me . . ."

  "I'm fine! Really. I just, uh, I just got out of the shower. But thanks for worrying! Go have fun now! I'll see you in the morning! Night!"

  Vincent stood there, puzzled. He jumped when he felt Will slide up next to him and drape an arm around his shoulders. "Shall we go have fun then?"

  Vincent stiffened and without looking at his friend, seethed, "Will, I'm giving you two seconds to get out of my sight. Don't blame me if you find yourself hanging outside in a tree, understand?"

  Will sighed, "Duly noted." And then he ran.

&n
bsp; * * *

  Vincent made his way down to the ballroom again. He frowned to himself. Why was Sam acting so weird? He suddenly didn't feel like going to the ball again. There were just too many people. I hate all their false smiles. Their false laughter. Their facades. How annoying.

  He headed out to a balcony and pulled off his mask, allowing the chilly air to envelope him. He leaned against the railing and ran a hand across his face tiredly. What am I doing? It's a beautiful party with plenty of girls … so what am I doing, standing here thinking about a guy? He groaned loudly, chewing the inside of his cheek. There are so many girls in the world ... like Samowa. She's pretty and although she's a bit eccentric, she's still nice. So what makes Sam so special? There's really no difference at all. The stars twinkled brightly in the cloudless night. Maybe . . . maybe it's because I know Sam won't ever lie to me. He's one of those honest, quiet types of a guy. I feel that I can really trust him. Yes, that's it. Honesty. That's what I like about him. But . . . that doesn't mean there aren't honest girls out there, Vince. Oh jeez, I don't know anymore. I need therapy.

  Just then, he heard the two security guards walk by underneath the balcony.

  "Hey John, did you really believe that girl was "inspecting the tree leaves"?"

  John snorted in response. "Yeah, and I'm the Queen of England. Nah, that girl must be some friend of Danielle who has the hots for that new kid."

  Danielle? New kid? What the hell are they talking about? Vincent leaned over the railing to eavesdrop better.

  "Oh, you mean that was the room of that red-haired boy?"

  Sam? Vincent realized with a start.

  "Yeah, did you know he called in sick today? Said he couldn't make it to the ball?" John sniggered. "Well, he sure wasn't sick enough to receive his pretty little guest."

  "You really think the kid was lying?"

  "Oh come on, what do you think a girl sneaking into a guy's room means? They sure as hell aren't going to play Scrabble."

  "Seems funny to me that Miss Danielle would, um, offer her assistance."

  "Eh, the gal's probably her friend or something."

  Vincent felt like he had been socked in the gut. He clenched his fists tightly. What the -He suddenly recalled how "breathless" Sam sounded and how the boy was so determined not to "contaminate" him. He scoffed at his own foolishness. Yeah right, he was probably off mauling that girl of his and I'd just interrupted. He shook his head and slammed his fist against the wall. Yeah . . . honest Sam. How I could really trust him. You have to be the dumbest guy ever, Vince. I can't even believe you were thinking that you might actually be falling for – SAM! I AM GOING TO MURDER YOU! ASSHOLE HAD ME DOUBTING MY OWN SEXUALITY! I'LL TEAR YOU APART AND – AND – and -

  He sagged against the railing and buried his face into his palm. He let out a racking sigh. For some reason, there was this empty feeling at the pit of his stomach that felt like it was going to eat him up. He straightened up, shrugging carelessly. Probably hunger pangs or something. That's all.

  By the time he stepped back inside, he had his mask back in place, his face expressionless. He strode back to the ballroom with his hands in his pockets, another façade in the crowd.

  * * *

  Sammy sagged against the door. The door suddenly flung open and slammed into her. "OW!"

  Will gasped, "Oh, oh, my poor Sammy! Are you okay?"

  "Fine, fine," she replied weakly while rubbing her back. "Vincent's gone?"

  "Yeah," Will nodded. "For some reason, he didn't want to see me. I had to sneak back after he cleared the hallway. Up for another round at the ball?"

  "Not really."

  "Too bad." His hand latched onto her arm. "You're going anyway."

  * * *

  "Vincent!"

  Vincent looked up from the glass of prosecco he was chugging down and groaned inwardly. "Hey, Victoria."

  "Vincent, I've missed you sooo much! How have you been? You still look as great as ever," she giggled while twirling a curl around her finger.

  "Thanks. You, uh, look the same, too," Vincent mumbled, working on his fifth glass.

  "Vincent, what's wrong?" Victoria tucked a hand through his arm and pulled on him to walk with her.

  "Nothing," he muttered. He didn't feel much like fighting and allowed himself to be led.

  "You sure? You look down," she pouted.

  He was annoyed now. "I'm fine. You can leave me alone now." She wouldn't let him pull his arm away though.

  "Vincent, don't be mean!" she whined, a sound that was starting to grate on his nerves. "Don't you want to dance with me?"

  "Not really," he mumbled, setting his empty glass on a passing waiter's tray

  "Vincent!" She bleated again. "Pretty please?"

  "I said no."

  "Vincent!"

  "Listen, Victoria, I'm really in a bad mood right now so I'm just not up for listening to your nagging. Now please sashay off before I –"

  "You think I sashay?" she giggled. "Aw, you think I'm like a model? You're so cute, Vinnie!"

  His hands twitched in their desire to wrap themselves around her throat. "Victoria, just go find someone else to dance with, okay? I'm really tired."

  Victoria smiled seductively at him and bit her bottom lip in a way that sent alarm bells ringing in his head. "Okay, Vinnie."

  He gazed at her warily. What now?

  "But first . . ." She pointed a slender tapered finger upwards. He looked up - and found a mistletoe dangling over them. Oh damn.

  She giggled before pouncing on him, holding his face in a freakishly strong grip. Her lips locked with his before he could even raise his hands up to push her away and all he could think was, Oh damn.

  * * *

  Will halted in his steps and Sammy nearly crashed into his back. "Will?" She tried to look for what he was gaping at - and well, it wasn't very hard to find. Jack was kissing Carrie underneath a mistletoe. She smiled softly at the adorable scene. The blonde girl was blushing when Jack pulled away, the boy giving her a strangely tender yet roguish grin. Will made a face. "Sammy, he's cheating on me!" Then he beamed. "But at least I still have you!"

  She laughed, shaking her head and as her eyes ran across the crowd in the room, she went still. Her heart just stopped beating. She didn't know if this was worse than seeing her uncle or not, but it sure felt like someone had just kicked her in the stomach. Across the room, Victoria's slender white arms were wrapped tightly around Vincent's neck, her hands entangled in his dark hair, her lips pressed passionately against Vincent's - and her vision blurred.

  For some reason, tears had gathered in her eyes and she looked away, hiding her face from Will.

  She could feel Will stiffening next to her and she knew that he had finally saw them. The boy attempted to laugh it off, "Damn . . . everybody's getting some action underneath the mistletoes tonight except for me. Maybe we should go do the same, huh, Sammy?" There was no answer. "Sammy?"

  He turned around, but the girl wasn't there anymore.

  * * *

  Sammy trudged back up the stairs to her room. For some reason, she couldn't seem to process any thoughts through her mind. For some reason, she couldn't seem to catch her breath. For some reason, her eyes were still filling up with tears. And for some reason, her heart felt like it was being torn in half.

  She shook her head numbly as she lifted up the hem of her dress to run up the steps. But at the very top, she was met with an obstacle. Squinting through her blurry tears, she thought the figure looked quite familiar.

  Brushing a hand across her eyes hastily, she refocused her attention and for the third time tonight, her heart stopped.

  Uncle Frank.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Uncle Frank in all his glory. The dirt brown mask covering his eyes only served to accentuate his sallow pockmarked skin. His thinning, greasy black hair was combed over meticulously and his squinty eyes were narrowed at her. He had grown a moustache since she last saw him and she would have laughed if not for the
fact she was shaking so hard. The new addition to his thin face was neatly trimmed, but it still looked like a caterpillar was dangling desperately off the tip of his nose. She resisted the urge to slap it off his face.

  He cleared his throat and straightened his hideous plaid suit. She took a step back and nearly tumbled down the stairs. He reached out to steady her, but she quickly regained her balance and slapped his hands away, tensing in fear.

  He raised his eyebrows and his lips pursed in a sugary smile. "My, my. Has anyone ever told you how hypnotizing your gaze is, miss?"

  She felt relieved at first. He doesn't recognize me. Then, she wanted to throw up. Dear god, he's flirting with me. She didn't quite know how to respond and finally decided on a quick nod. She tried to make an escape by brushing past him, but his hand suddenly shot out and grabbed her wrist.

  Her eyes widened in alarm and she bit her trembling lip to prevent herself from screaming. She wrenched her wrist away and backed away, trying to gather her wits. To her horror, he took a step toward her, backing her against the railing. His eyes were slits as he scrutinized her carefully. Her breathing quickened. "You have marvelous green eyes, quite like my beloved niece. Yes, she used to look at me with much the same expression you have right now, but I never could tell what she was feeling. Might you enlighten me?" He practically waggled his eyebrows at her.

  It's revulsion and terror, you bastard! She shrugged, agitated, and tried to walk away again. He moved to intercept her once more. She avoided his eyes and looked around anxiously for any sign of help. He murmured lowly and she shuddered in disgust at his nearness. "My dear, are you alright? You seem a bit distracted." His black eyes hardened and she drew a sharp intake of breath. She was paralyzed, unable to move under that awful gaze.

  "Samowa!"

  She nearly cried in relief. Her Prince - and Princess - Charming were here. "Will! Danielle!"