I kick off my heels and sit on the floor beside our ten-foot tall Christmas tree. I blush as I remember lying beneath the tree with Vincent just a few nights ago as we put up the lights. He told me he had a gift for me beneath the tree… You can imagine what that gift was. He catches my eye and winks at me, as if he can read my thoughts. I blush again and return his knowing smile.
Jordan opens my gift to him, and I open his to me. Well, it’s from him and Benny. It’s a gorgeous sculpture, all dark gray, about ten inches tall. It’s a nude woman, sitting cross-legged, her arms tucked behind her, her chest pushed forward with an enormous dahlia erupting from inside her. It’s lovely. Truly amazing, puts my little gift to Jordan to shame.
“This is beautiful,” I whisper in awe.
“That’s for you, my little wall-flower,” Jordan smiles. I bite my lip self-consciously.
Their gift to Vincent is a set of vintage cufflinks and an old record, The Best of Glen Miller. Vincent grins at the two of them. He hands them a gift in exchange and they open it together. Jordan is shy and bemused. I don’t think he was expecting anything from Vincent. I grin as I watch them open the small box before them. I know what it is, and I can’t wait to see their expressions.
Jordan removes the final bit of wrapping paper and hands the box over to Benny. Inside is a set of keys. Jordan squints, confused.
“They’re the keys to the loft,” Vincent says. Benny narrows his eyes at his brother. Elizabeth completely cut Benny off financially, and there was no way he was going to be able to afford his apartment without his monthly deposit from his mother. He earns next to nothing from his artwork. And he never had to, until now.
“What?” Benny smiles warily, still unsure of what is happening.
“Those are the keys to the loft,” Vincent repeats. “You guys can you know, occupy it. For as long as you’d like. To live in, or use as an artists loft.”
Jordan’s expression is priceless. His mouth agape, Benny looks from Jordan to his brother and back again.
“Uh, thanks, bro. Wow. That’s great. I don’t know what to say,” Benny says struggling with his emotions.
Vincent shrugs, trying to dismiss the emotion he provoked in his brother. Benny and Jordan rise and embrace him. Vincent looks mildly uncomfortable and taken aback.
He pats them on their backs stiffly and hands Kazumi her small gift in an effort to redirect their affection. Jordan looks beyond happy; there is no doubt that he will be moving in with Benny. They spend nearly every night together already.
“That’s from both of us,” I grin at Kazumi as she clutches the envelope Vincent just handed to her.
She lights up, beautiful Kazumi, draped in a golden frock and a red poinsettia in her hair. She opens up the slim envelope and grins. It’s five tickets to the Nut Cracker performed by the Los Angeles Ballet Company. The tickets are for New Year’s Eve.
“Ah!” she squeals in delight. “Thank you!” she beams, “These are great seats!”
“Lurch will drive us all, I thought we could all have dinner first, watch the ballet and then celebrate the New Year at the Rooftop Bar,” Vincent states firmly, clearly proud of his wonderful idea.
Everyone is in agreement, and excitement for the New Year is palpable. My heart is souring at the thought of celebrating a new year with Vincent. I love that he’s so openly embraced my friends.
We continue our gift opening and Vincent hands me one of mine. It’s a small box. I hold it up to my ear and shake it. My cheeks hurt from smiling but I can’t help it. My grin is enormous.
I tear through the wrapping, tossing it recklessly behind me. I crack open the small blue velvet box and am surprised to see a gorgeous locket. It’s rose gold, my favorite kind of gold. Miner-cut diamonds trim the outside of the petite heart.
I love it already. I open it up, and it’s inscribed.
Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt my love.
My soul blooms inside my chest and I feel as though everything inside of me is being pushed up and through my chest. I smile at it, and rub the inscription with the pad of my thumb, that’s a quote from Hamlet, with a minor twist. It’s perfect and so fitting. I think back to the notes Vincent used to leave me at the door of my shop. It feels like a million years ago. My heart aches with affection. I will endeavor to never doubt his love, as difficult for me as it is to accept, I will try to never doubt him.
I cradle the small locket in my hands. On the other side of the inscription is a black and white photo of Vincent. His eyes alight with humor. I love it. It’s perfect. I stand and he puts it on for me, he plants a small kiss at the back of my neck.
I momentarily forget our guests and bask in the moment. I turn around and splay my hand out against the back of his neck, bringing his mouth to mine. I crush my lips against his and moan, and then blush for millionth time this evening when Jordan clears his throat and Benny and Kazumi start to giggle.
“Right, come upstairs, I want to give you your gift,” I say trying to lighten the mood.
Jordan and Benny start hooting after us, I roll my eyes.
“It’s not that kind of gift!” I scowl at them, motioning for them to follow and they reluctantly get up off the floor and follow. We reach the landing at the top of the stairs and I walk over to the library room doors and glance back to the small crowd gathered behind me. Vincent looks puzzled.
We were just in here earlier today, so I know he must be confused. I slide the doors open and at first he notices nothing, but then he walks further into the room and is surprised to see a large phonograph record player. It shipped all the way from Germany! Right next to that is an elegant, vintage mahogany bar. Polished and sparkling. It looks as though it were carved from the same tree as the desk. They blend seamlessly together.
He walks over to it apprehensively and opens it up. Fine bourbon and crystal glasses are all lined up inside. There is an ice bucket built in, and a large oval shaped mirror framed by two sconces. It’s gorgeous.
“I had Lurch bring it up and put it all together while we had dinner,” I grin.
He shakes his head in disbelief and turns back to the bar and pours us all a glass of bourbon.
I walk over to the phonograph and play a record. The sounds of Red and His Orchestra fill the room. Vincent wraps his arms around me, his lips tenderly press against mine.
“Thank you, Lenore, my love, for everything,” he whispers against my mouth, his eyes closed. “I love this. All of this.” And I know he’s not only referring to his gift, but to this night…
The following morning we wake early but make no attempt to get up and out of bed. I’m worn out and so is he.
“Merry Christmas, Lenore. I feel honored to be waking up at your side,” he whispers dreamily. His candid declaration stirs my sleepy soul; it’s so early, too early for him to be so sweet. It sends my heart into overdrive. I guess I should give him his real gift then…
My heart starts thudding in my ears. Vincent trails kisses from my closed eyelids down to my cheek. I capture his chin in the palm of my hand and peer into his gorgeous blue eyes. They’re the color of a most precious sapphire, and my heart swells and tightens at once.
“I have another Christmas gift for you. Are you ready?”
He grins wickedly; I know what type of gift he thinks this is. I want to laugh, but my face can’t cooperate. I’m petrified, and I’m sure my face reflects the terror I feel inside.
“I’m waiting,” he says in a whisper. He presses his lips to my forehead and I inhale deeply.
“First, close your eyes,” my voice is a nervous tremble.
He lays back and puts his arms behind his head, a subtle smile on his lips as he closes his eyes.
I can literally hear my heart in my ears, drumming loudly and frantically. I open my mouth, the words lingering on the tip of my tongue. He peeks up at me with one eye, framed with dark las
hes.
“No peeking!” I shout. He closes his eye again quickly and chuckles lightly, clearing amused and full of excited anticipation.
I kiss his lips softly, and trail soft kisses up to his ear. I take a long deep steadying breath and whisper the words that have been lingering on my lips for what feels like an eternity.
“I…love…you, Vincent.”
My heart surges, and for a moment, I think I’m going to have a panic attack. There. The words are out. No going back. It’s how I feel. I didn’t expect to be saying the words out loud this soon. But, it is what it is. I, Lenore O’Howell, am ridiculously in love with Vincent Jude Reynier. There is no denying it any more.
He opens his eyes slowly, his brows knit together. He stares into my eyes, no doubt wide with fear. I pant, breathing in and out erratically.
He kisses me, hard. Our teeth collide as he rolls on top of me, pressing me into the mattress.
“Thatis the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received,” he growls against my lips. I place my palm to his chest and feel his heart beating that same erratic beat as mine. I place his hand over my heart, and he takes a deep, long steadying breath and closes his eyes.
He bites his lip, his face contorting as if in agony. I watch his jaw clench and when he opens his eyes again they are an icy, clear blue. They’re beautiful and dazzling, sparkling and full of light. I watch him swallow as he savors the words I’ve just spoken. His tongue invades my mouth and I let him make love to me, his way, slow and sweet.
It’s the late afternoon when we’re finally ready to go to his parents house for dinner. I keep telling myself that it won’t be so bad, but I’m anxious. I don’t want to see Elizabeth. I sigh, and try to think happy thoughts. This morning was so beautiful and so new. I don’t have to keep my feelings prisoner any longer. I’ve set them free. I’d hate for Elizabeth to place any negativity on us now.
I fill my mind with thoughts of New Year’s Eve in an effort to distract myself. It’s going to be magical. I try to imagine what I’ll wear and where we’ll eat…
Vincent loads us into the SUV and Lurch is once again our chauffer. I can’t help the irritation that seeps into me as we ease out of our long driveway and into the direction of the Reynier mansion.
When we pull up outside, it feels as though it has been centuries since I was last here. I gaze out toward the stables, remembering our horseback ride. Perhaps we’ll give it another go soon. That was fun.
The house, no, waitmansion, is as impressive as it was the first time. Except now it is lit up with thousands of white bulbs. There is a canopy of light strewn from the front of the house across the front yard. It is an amazing spectacle of light. I’m overcome at the sight of it.
“Come, let’s get this over with. I’ll take you for a drive afterwards, to look at the Christmas lights. Everyone competes like crazy down here.”
I smile. I’m sure they do.
I’m pleased when their butler opens the door for us and takes our coats, announcing that Elizabeth has the stomach flu and will remain in bed for the evening. I have to suppress the urge to jump up and down and clap. I look to Vincent and he’s frowning. I hope he isn’t able to read my thoughts for once.
“I better go look in on her,” he mumbles before walking me into the living room. The Christmas decorations inside are even more impressive than outside. Their Christmas tree must be 30 feet tall! Red and silver bows are tied all over. Crystal balls, silver balls, and millions of lights are neatly arranged on the tree. This tree was obviously assembled by professionals.
Edmond spies me from behind his glass of liquor and rushes over to me and wraps me in a tight hug.
“Lenore, dear. It feels like I haven’t seen you for such a long time! Come in, have a seat. Merry Christmas.”
I smile up at him, he looks his usual handsome self, and of course, he’s a little tipsy, too.
Viola is napping in a large armchair opposite the Christmas tree. I walk further into the room, on tiptoe, trying to be quiet as not to disturb her.
“Don’t bother trying to sneak past me, honey. I may be old, but I’m not dead yet,” she says is in her usual gravely voice. I wonder if she ever smoked?
“Come and give me a kiss, doll.”
I walk over to her and she opens her eyes, and she instantly looks wide-awake and alert.
“Merry Christmas, Viola.”
“Merry Christmas, doll,” she says as I kiss her cheek. She is in a comfortable, yet smart, suit in a vibrant shade of red.
“May I get you something to drink, Lenore?” Edmond asks as he makes his way over to the bar. I don’t think I can turn him down.
“Yes, please. Whatever you’re having is fine I’m sure.”
“Oh, I think we can do better than that. I’ll fix you something sweet.”
He gets to work behind the bar. And I make small talk with Viola as I wait for Vincent to return. I wonder what’s keeping him.
It turns out Viola was enchanted by Maggie. She’s invited Maggie to her friends New Year’s Eve party in Beverly Hills! Unlike myself, this will not daunt Maggie, nor will she feel out of place. She’ll no doubt “enchant” everyone she meets. They’ll be driven by Viola’s chauffeur. Maggie is going to get a kick out of that.
Vincent comes back into the room as Edmond hands me a glass of some red concoction. Vincent gives his father a disapproving look but accepts a drink from him as well.
“Merry Christmas, Nana,” Vincent says sweetly and Viola nearly expires at the endearing tone of Vincent’s voice. I take a sip of my drink, and it doesn’t taste like there is any alcohol in it at all! But I know better, so I sip slowly.
We chat idly while Edmond flips through the channels after some football game has ended. He leaves it on It’s a Wonderful Life, and soon we’re all absorbed in the movie.
Conni enters the room and interrupts us just as George prays silently, and drunkenly, in the bar. Conni turns up the lights and I see how far off Edmond and Vincent look. Edmond looks like he is on the verge of tears. Was this a movie they once enjoyed with Walter?
“Dinner is ready,” Conni says and Edmond swallows down the remains of his drink. I don’t know what it is, but something is definitely going on. I smile at Conni as she retreats from the room. Vincent clasps his father on the shoulder and helps him to his feet and the two of them walk behind Viola and me. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but it seems as though Vincent is trying to urgently explain something to his father.
Edmond just smiles and pats Vincent on the back, and I can just make out a few words.
“It’s your money, your decision. Everything will work out. I trust you…” and then his voice drops and I can’t hear what Vincent’s response is. I furrow my brows and strain my ears.
“How’s your mother?” I ask Vincent once we take our seats in the dining room. I really don’t care how she is. I’m sure he can tell. But I ask out of politeness. He smirks.
“Fine. Though I suspect she’s just really hung over.”
I stifle my giggle. Or she’s avoiding Benny and me.
We hear the front door slam and Benny comes rushing in. I’m reminded of my first dinner here, Benny entered in a similar fashion, late, noisy, and rushing. I guess that’s just his style. It’s a shame he can’t bring Jordan with him. I wouldn’t feel so daunted by Elizabeth if he were here. He wouldn’t take any of her shit. We’d make an excellent team.
“Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!” Benny shouts, kissing Viola noisily on the cheek. She blushes and shoos him away. He takes his seat and smiles at Vincent and me.
We exchange gifts after dessert. Viola is drifting in and out of sleep, so we make it quick. The living room is full of discarded wrapping paper and tissue paper a few minutes later. Viola struggles to get out of her seat.
“I’m beat, and I have to save my energy for New Year’s Eve,” she says winking at me.
“I’ll get you to bed, Nana,” Benny says scrambling to his feet. He’s weari
ng a new beanie and matching scarf that he just opened. They are a gift from Viola. Vincent received an identical gift. Apparently it’s an inside joke. She took a stab at crocheting when they were both young boys, and their caps and scarves were a disaster so she ended up buying them and lied to them and told them she made them herself.
The young boys put on their beanies only to find the tag and price still attached to the inside. Since then, every Christmas, she buys them a new set and they laugh every time.
Benny looks boyish and sweet and I feel a quick pang of sadness for him that his own mother is upstairs feigning illness to avoid him.
Conni sneaks into the living room and flags me down discretely.
“I’ll be right back, Vincent,” I whisper in his ear.
He clutches my hand as I stand, “I want to take you on a quick tour when you come back,” he whispers in my ear.
“I’ll be back quick as I can,” I whisper back, kissing him on the brow. He and his father resume their conversation from earlier once I exit the room. Their voices drop several octaves so that I can’t make out what they’re saying.
I follow Conni into the immense kitchen.
“I have something for you, chula,” she says holding out a small gift wrapped in craft paper. I take it from her excitedly.
“Conni! You didn’t have to!” I feel guilty; I didn’t think to get her anything. I’m sure Vincent has it covered, but I should have thought to get her something personal.
“Nothing big. Just something for your kitchen,” she says in her broken English.
I tear the paper off and toss it aside. She gave me a cookbook, a Cuban cookbook to be exact. Mother’s of a Cuban Kitchen.
“You can cook something good for Mr. Vincent,” she winks at me.
“Thank you, Conni. I’m sure he’ll appreciate this as much as I do.”
We chat idly for a few minutes, neither one of us mentioning anything from our last conversation or her chilling confession. Though it’s not far from my thoughts. I want to question her more about it, but tonight really isn’t the night for that.
Black Burlesque Page 51
