by Raquel Lyon
***
Sebastian stopped me as we stood outside the door to the dayroom where Beth was waiting. “Before we go in, there’s something I think you should know.”
“Oh, God, what now?”
“It’s probably nothing. Only that—you remember I told you a magical remedy had to be used?” I nodded. “Well, there are possible side effects.” He noticed my anxious face. “I don’t mean she’ll end up with two heads or anything.” He laughed. “And as far as we can tell, she’s not been affected at all, and may never be, but then again, she might acquire some kind of magical ability in the future.”
“Magical ability? Like what?”
“Could be anything; we never know. It was a very potent potion to use on a human.”
“Does she know?”
“And risk giving away both of our secrets? No, best to deal with it later, if it happens.”
“I’m just glad to have her back,” I said, pushing the door open.
Beth was sitting in a wheelchair with her holdall next to her on the floor, reading an old gossip magazine, and she looked up at the sound of the door opening.
“Beth! Oh my God, it’s good to see you. I’ve been so worried,” I gasped, running over to give her a hug.
“Hi, babe. I see you’ve still got the totty in tow. How’s it going?”
“Great. Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”
***
The following week was a breath of fresh air. That first day at home felt like a great weight had been lifted from my life. Even the huge pile of junk mail blocking the door excited me.
Beth was shocked to learn about Nula, even if she didn’t know the full truth about the poison. I hated lying to her. I longed to tell her everything, if only I knew it myself.
At uni, Beth and I kept up the pretence that we’d suffered from a particularly bad bout of gastroenteritis, and no one suspected a thing.
By Thursday morning, a rumour was circulating that Lara was pregnant. So, thinking that she’d be up to date with all the current gossip, I asked Marie about it.
“Don’t look at me. It’s the first I’ve heard about it,” she said. “Who’d want to tie themselves to her?” She screwed her face in disgust. “The guy must either be some brainless side of beef you wouldn’t like to meet in a dark alley, or more likely, some bespectacled doormat of a weed who couldn’t believe his luck.” Marie laughed. “Whoever it is must be living in fear of her sneaking up behind him and lashing him with that tongue of hers. All I can say is, it’ll surely knock her off her throne if the gossip’s true, won’t it?”
I hadn’t seen much of Sebastian during the week. His dad was out of the country again, dealing with yet another emergency, and he’d left Sebastian to deal with the boring boardroom stuff once more. He’d made it to a few classes, and we’d even managed to have lunch together a couple of times, but every time I saw him, he seemed distracted. I’d asked him about the fingers on nose thingy, which I now knew was a farewell salute of respect, and found it very interesting. I wanted to learn more about his life, but he was reluctant to speak further for fear that someone might overhear. Having a werewolf for a boyfriend was definitely a challenge.
***
By the weekend, Beth was feeling much stronger and suggested that we travel to Carleigh for a girlie Christmas shopping trip.
“Can’t beat a bit of retail therapy to get rid of all your problems,” she said.
We spent an awesome morning fighting through the hordes of Christmas shoppers all looking for that perfect gift before stopping for lunch at a chic café just off the main thoroughfare.
Beth busied herself at the counter ordering her third cappuccino in order to chat up the good-looking waiter, and I gazed out of the window with my mind elsewhere.
Two people exited a building across the road and caught my eye. No. It couldn’t be, but it was. Sebastian and Lara! Lara glanced in my direction, saw me, and her face creased with satisfaction before she kissed Sebastian fully on the lips, staking her claim. He wrapped a protective arm around her, and they set off walking.
Words failed me. Sebastian had told me he was working, and instead he was seeing Lara! Shit. Had she got her claws into him while I was under lock and key at his house? Or perhaps it had been going on for longer, right under my nose? My God, what if Lara really was pregnant and he was the father? Why was I so stupid? I’d taken a chance. I’d opened my heart, and I’d had it stamped all over. He’d played me for a fool, and like a sucker I’d fallen for it.
“Guess what? I’m back in the game,” Beth said, planting herself down in the opposite chair. “I’ve just got myself a date with the hunky Marco.”
“That’s great, Beth.”
“Okay, I was expecting a bit more enthusiasm. What’s wrong?”
“Sebastian’s cheating on me.”
“Really? So soon? What makes you say that?”
I nodded in the direction of Sebastian’s and Lara’s backs disappearing down the street.
She followed my gaze. “Oh. Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. They can’t help it, men like him. It’s in their nature. You’ll find someone else, one who’ll appreciate you for who you are.”
I stared at the floor. “I thought I already had.”
“The first time?” Beth slapped her hand on the table with amusement. “Listen, girl, like I said, guys like him—good-looking, charming—they love to play girls like you. They get a kick out of the way girls give in to their charms because they feel so lucky to be noticed. Then they use them, discard them, and laugh about it with their mates.”
“I really didn’t think he was like that.” Or maybe I’m just gullible.
“That’s why it’s so genius. They’re that good at it. You know what you need? A good night out. Let’s go to Despots tonight. Live it up a little.”
“I’m not in the mood.”
“Please? For me?”
“That’s your answer to everything, isn’t it?”
“Of course. Only one thing better.”
My lips curled into a smile. “You’re gonna burn out before you’re thirty.”
“Maybe, but I’ll enjoy every minute.”
***
Beth never could keep her mouth shut, and not long after we arrived at Despots, everyone knew about Sebastian and Lara. But as well-meaning as they were, I really didn’t need all the sympathy. I was here to take my mind off things, not be constantly reminded, and I longed for a conversation that didn’t have his name in it.
Seeking solace at the bar, I studied the glass shelves behind it. They were lined with an array of bottles full of colourful liquids. Perhaps if I tried one of everything, I could bury my sorrows in alcohol? I was pondering which to try first when I heard a familiar voice.
“You haven’t graced us with your company for a while.”
“Vincent. Hello,” I said, offering my hand to be shaken. “I know. I’ve been ill.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. All better now, I hope?”
Maybe Vincent was the distraction I needed. If I wanted Seb to realise that he couldn’t mess me around and get away with it, having a drink with the guy he hated the most would teach him a lesson. “Yes, I’m fine now. Thank you.”
“That pleases me. I see you’re studying our ample offerings. What can I get you?”
“Um, I hadn’t quite decided.”
“Then let me make it easy. A lady only ever drinks Champagne. Martin, a bottle of our finest.” He gesticulated at the barman. “May I say that you look particularly lovely tonight? I’m surprised you haven’t been swept off your feet yet. I’m sure you’ve had plenty of offers.”
“Thank you. That’s very nice of you to say, but I’m not looking at the moment,” I said, then took a sip of the sparkling amber liquid from the tall, elegant glass. Bubbles popped onto my hand and up my nose. Mmm…I could get used to this.
“Can I persuade you to join me for a dance?” Vincent asked, holding out his hand.
&nb
sp; I smiled. He really was quite good-looking in a spiffy sort of way, and even though his reputation preceded him, I thought, hey, how much worse than a two-timing werewolf could he be? “Sure. Why not?”
As we headed towards the dance floor, I stole a glance across at the gang, only to be met by steely stares and astonished faces. I stuck my nose in the air, rebuffing their reprimanding looks before vanishing into the crowd.
Vincent was actually quite charming and, surprisingly, a first-rate dancer. I began to relax and enjoy myself—with the Champagne’s assistance. And then, out of nowhere…
“Get your hands off my girlfriend.” Sebastian ripped us apart.
Vincent stumbled backwards, adjusted his jacket, and chuckled. “Perhaps you could remind Sophie of that. She seems to have a different opinion.”
Sebastian stared at me. “Sophie, why are you dancing with this weasel? What’s going on?”
“You tell me,” I answered sharply.
“I’ve no idea. Let’s talk.”
“Let’s not. I was having a good evening before you turned up. Vincent, how about some more Champagne?”
Vincent gave a victory smile and a flamboyant bow to Sebastian. “It appears that the lady has chosen. Good evening,” he said, leading me away from the dance floor and Sebastian’s shocked face.
“Sorry about that,” I apologised. “I would have thought that he’d be here with Lara.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, that’s who he’s taking an interest in nowadays.”
“Is he indeed? Interesting.”
“Why?”
“Oh, no matter. Now, in case we’re rudely interrupted again, I would like to invite you to a day out tomorrow, if you have no prior engagements, that is. There’s this sweet little place that I know you’re going to love.”
“Where?”
“Now, that would spoil the surprise, but it’s a personal favourite of mine, and I hope that it will become a favourite of yours too.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not sure that I should.” I deliberated. Having a drink in a busy club was one thing, but going on a date…?
“Purely as a gesture of friendship. Nothing more, I promise.” Vincent held up his hands. “You really shouldn’t believe rumours, you know.”
“Hmm.” I studied his face for any signs of evil intent and found nothing. “Just as friends?”
“On my honour.”
I could do friends. Everybody needed another friend, right? “Okay, then, why not.”
“Super. I’ll pick you up at eleven o’clock. Now I shall return you to your friends and bid you good evening.”
To say the atmosphere was frosty upon my return was an understatement. Everyone thought I was playing a dangerous game, and they weren’t shy in letting me know it. I thought it advisable to keep tomorrow’s plans firmly under wraps.
I slept soundly that night, secure in the knowledge that payback was without a doubt being dealt. When I woke up, I had an annoying tune pointlessly stuck in my head, with the same line going round and round, and I knew it would be with me all morning. I hated it when that happened.
Fortunately, Beth was still sleeping, so I didn’t need to explain where I was going, not that I actually knew myself.
Eleven o’clock on the dot, Vincent’s Mercedes pulled up. I was already waiting on the pavement. The driver got out and came around to open the back door for me. Vincent was waiting inside.
I fully expected to be taken to some posh restaurant in Carleigh. So I was surprised when we took an unexpected turn off the main road. It led to a private airfield, where a small white jet stood awaiting our arrival.
“What are we doing here?” I asked.
Vincent smirked, obviously pleased with himself, and escorted me away from the car. “I told you it was a surprise.”
“I could definitely get used to this,” I muttered under my breath.
Vincent heard me. “A lady like you deserves the best.”
An immaculately dressed man was standing at the top of the plane’s steps, and it suddenly hit me how incredibly stupid I’d been to accept the invitation. Nobody knew where I was, or who I was with, or where I was going. Hell, I didn’t even know where I was going. Sebastian had told me that vampires worked for the Reiths, and the man staring down at me looked like a vamp. I knew I couldn’t possibly pass by him. He would smell me.
I panicked, freezing on the spot. “I can’t…I can’t get on the plane.”
“Don’t tell me you’re scared of flying? You’ll be fine. It’s the safest form of travel.”
“It’s not that. I-I thought it was just going to be the two of us. I don’t like the security stuff. I feel as if I’m being watched,” I said, sneaking a sideways look at the ‘vamp’.
“But there’s only the pilot and Ivan,” Vincent reassured me.
“Well, quite frankly, he freaks me out all on his own. I’ll only go if he stays out of sight—and I mean totally.”
“A strange request, but one I’m happy to grant if it means more alone time with you.” He waved the guy down. “Take the day off, Ivan.”
The vamp passed by at a safe distance, and I relaxed a little.
The trip turned out to be a flight to Paris. We spent a wonderful afternoon touring the Louvre, followed by a gourmet meal at a bijous restaurant, and finished the evening with a visit to the Folies Bergere. By the time I crawled into bed in the early hours of Monday morning, I was totally shattered.
***
Barbie started singing far too early, reminding me that I still hadn’t found a replacement alarm clock. I felt as if I’d only just gone to bed. My head was fuzzy, and the queasiness in my stomach threatened to surface.
I dragged myself out to the kitchen with my eyes half open, almost tripping over my dressing gown belt. A large shot of caffeine was definitely in order.
I had just brewed a mug of strong coffee and was beginning to pour some cornflakes into a bowl when Beth emerged, looking far too cheerful for the time of day.
“Morning. Where did you get to yesterday?” she asked.
Her question made me so nervous, my aim slipped. Cornflakes sprinkled over the counter and spilt on the floor. “Damn it,” I cursed. “I have a feeling it’s not going to be my day today.” I bent down behind the island unit to retrieve the cereal, thankful for the diversion from Beth’s enquiry, but it was to no avail.
“You can’t escape that easily,” she said, peering over from the opposite side. “Come on, spill it, and I don’t mean the cornflakes.”
I chewed my bottom lip nervously. “Now, don’t be mad at me.”
“What have you done?”
“I went out with Vincent.”
“What? On a date? Are you out of your mind?” I’d known she’d be angry, but she was nearly livid. “Sophie, he’s a total slimeball. You said it yourself. How could you?”
“I blame the Champagne on Saturday, and Sebastian for getting me mad. Then once I’d said I would, I didn’t want to go back on my word. Actually, he’s not that bad.”
“You must be insane. His ex tried to kill you just because he fancied you. What do you think she’ll do when she finds out you’ve been on a date?”
“I didn’t think about Nula. Sebastian said that she wasn’t a threat anymore, and it wasn’t a date. I made that perfectly clear.”
“Well, what would you call it, then?”
“As it turned out, a very nice trip to Paris.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“Um…no.”
Beth insisted that I tell her the full story as we got dressed for the day, and she appeared suitably impressed, despite disapproving of the company I’d kept.
I had to recount it all again to Justin at lunch. When he heard about my visit to the Folies Bergere, he vowed never to speak to me again for beating him to his lifelong dream.
I was finishing my tale with the information that Vincent had extended another invitation for two weeks’ time when
the slow, screeching noise of metal chair legs scraping on a tiled floor sent a cringe through my bones. I turned to witness Connor slowly rise and disappear out of the door.
Shit. I hadn’t seen him there. Had he heard everything?
“I bet he’ll be running to his bestest cuz with that juicy bit of gossip,” said Marie, wistfully gazing at his back as it disappeared out of the door.
“I doubt it. He’d have to have ears like a bat to hear from over there. Don’t worry about it,” Justin said.
Unfortunately, Connor had left before I told everyone that I’d already let Vincent down gently about the date. I didn’t want him getting the wrong idea about us, and anyway, it would be the last weekend before Christmas, so it had been quite easy to tell him that I already had plans. I didn’t, but he didn’t need to know that.
I knew Justin was wrong, and that Connor would have heard every word. I felt like someone had thrown a blanket of depression over my head, and I couldn’t face my macaroni cheese anymore. I wasn’t the sort of girl who played men off against each other, and I certainly wasn’t the type to spend the weekend with a man whom I wasn’t planning on having a relationship with.
Resolution took hold. From now on, the old Sophie would reappear. Sebastian could think whatever he wanted. I didn’t care. Men in general were off the menu.
Thankfully, the conversation around the table changed to Christmas plans. I hadn’t given much thought to them myself. Christmas had ceased to be a big family time after Dad died, and Mum could never afford to treat us very much. I understood, but I missed the sense of occasion all the same.
Beth’s excited voice cut into my thoughts. “Ooo, you know what we should do, Soph? We should have a party. At our place. Wouldn’t that be great?”
“Um…I’m not sure.” I had yet to enjoy one of Beth’s parties.
“I mean, that’s what having your own place is for, isn’t it? We’ll have it the weekend after next, after the last day of term. That’ll give us plenty of time to sort out all the invites, and give you an excuse not to go out with Vincent.”
“But I’ve already—”
“It could be a good way of finding out what’s going on between Sebastian and Lara as well.”
