Ellie slurped her drink. “Sam and Verlaine seemed like the exemplary happy couple at breakfast. Why would that be? After our plans to sabotage their relationship yesterday?”
Rebecca tried to get comfortable on the tatty sofa. “They didn’t fall for it, mother. Sam even caught me straddled over Verlaine’s lap in the car – which should’ve added to the damage – but she’s too laid-back; she forgave him almost immediately.”
“What a stupid girl.”
“I know. And he’s too gooey-eyed about her to let me seduce him. But I think I undermined her confidence last night. I’ve found her weak spot – she wants everyone to like her, and I told her no one here does. She’ll be wondering why.”
Ellie added another spoonful of sugar to her coffee and stirred it. “Well, good, because you need to stop Verlaine from proposing to her. I’ve heard rumblings that he’s planning to do it tonight at the ball. If you want him, then you need to be more proactive. And you need to do it fast. You must stop that proposal, Rebecca. Understand?”
“I’m trying mother. But I think he really loves her. It makes things difficult.”
“No, it’s simple. You just need to make him really love you. This is important. He’s our last hope.”
“I know. But how? We’re running out of time – we fly home next week.”
“Let’s first focus on breaking him and Sam up, then you can step in. If he’s planning to propose at the ball tonight, then we need to sabotage that. I’d suggest trying to get her in a compromising position with one of her sex-maniac friends. Making Sam jealous didn’t work, but maybe we can make Verlaine envious instead.”
Rebecca shifted her weight, making the leather sofa creak. “Yes, perhaps that’s the way to go. I’ve already told Verlaine to watch out for Sam and Scott – hopefully that’s sown doubt in his mind. Maybe I can set them up.”
“Let’s hope so. I want to finish what I started.”
“Yes.”
They shared a collaborative smile. Rebecca’s chest surged with tingling optimism. There was a chance they could pull this off – and then they’d live happily ever after.
Ellie dug in her Gucci handbag and pulled out an item of jewellery. “Here, look at this brooch.”
Rebecca looked. It was a red art deco peacock-shaped piece, roughly the size of Rebecca’s palm. The detail was immaculate and Rebecca was captivated by the sparkly gems which were encrusted in the gold. She coveted it, wishing it was hers.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“Yes. It’s a family heirloom of Patty’s, which was passed down the generations. It belonged to her great-grandmother, who bestowed it to her grandmother, and then to her mother. It’s financially worthless, but it’s very precious to Patty for sentimental reasons. She always loved it and she expected to receive it when her mother died.”
Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “So why have you got it?”
“Patty’s mother gave it to me. Do you remember when Patty and I fell out, just after her mother died a few years ago?”
“Yes, but you said that was because of Patty’s stress from the funeral.”
“That’s what we decided to tell everyone. Patty didn’t want it to be common knowledge that her mother had favoured me over her. But I’d engineered it that way. I spent many hours doing nice things for Patty’s mother, all in the hope of getting what I wanted. I freely admit to you, Rebecca, I was using her; manipulating my way into her inheritance. But I didn’t get what I wanted, not ultimately – she left her biggest asset to her only grandson. I tried hard to get her to bequeath that to me, but all I got was this worthless piece of junk.”
“Does Verlaine know about this?”
“I think Patty confided in Verlaine about the brooch, but not about the other matter we’re here for.”
Rebecca’s insides rushed with excitement. Yes, that other matter. How clever of her mother to think of coming here to stake their claim. And how fortunate Verlaine had cancelled his trip to Thailand. This could solve all their problems.
“So you and Patty are obviously friends again now?” Rebecca asked. “You seem okay in each other’s company. She even invited you back here for Christmas.”
“Patty’s a very forgiving person. Stupid, too. After her mother’s death, I grovelled for forgiveness, throwing myself at her feet – metaphorically speaking – and ingratiating myself back into her life. I knew my ultimate prize was still waiting for me. And all I needed was to wait for your ridiculous marriage to Ken to inevitably die.”
The insult twisted in Rebecca’s ribcage, and she transferred her gaze to the flickering lights on the Christmas tree. But maybe it was true – Ken had cheated on her and now their ridiculous marriage was dead. She pulled herself together; this wasn’t the time for sulking. She focused back to her mother.
Ellie hadn’t even noticed she’d hurt Rebecca’s feelings. She dropped her cup and saucer down on the oak table, making the china rattle. “If only I’d discovered all this when you and Verlaine were originally together! It would’ve been so much easier to get him to marry you then. But now that you’re back on the market for a husband, I can claim what’s rightfully mine. And if you do as I say, neither of us will ever need to work again, not once we get our hands on this house.”
Rebecca placed the brooch down on the arm of the sofa. “I know. I’ve tried marrying for love and look where it got me. This divorce is costing me a fortune and we’re saddled with father’s debts. You’re right – this is the perfect solution. I will marry Verlaine, and we’ll be financially secure for the rest of our lives.”
“That’s the attitude, my girl. Now, I think you should persuade Sam to wear the brooch tonight. Loan it to her as a peace offering. Then, when Patty sees it, she’ll be shocked and upset. And poor little Sam will be devastated – her confidence will be completely undermined, because she’s so desperate for people to love her – she seems to really care what Patty thinks. Scott will undoubtedly comfort Sam – which will make it look like they’re in love. Verlaine should likely comfort his mother; thus abandoning Sam. The evening will be ruined and the proposal will be abandoned – all because of Sam.”
“But Sam will say I gave the brooch to her. They’ll know I set her up.”
“No, no. You just say you found it in your room. Say that it must’ve been left there by the previous resident. I can always mention that I left it for Patty to find – with the intention of returning it to its rightful owner. We can come out looking good in this, Rebecca. We can get Verlaine on your side and against Sam.”
Rebecca punched the air. “Yes. Tonight my goal will be to destroy their relationship once and for all. And I’ll be delighted to step in as a shoulder for Verlaine to cry on. And perhaps even more!”
Ellie squeezed Rebecca’s knee. “Good girl. Now come on, drink your coffee and we’ll have a wander around the grounds. As soon as I get my hands on this place, I’ll send in the bulldozers. I think some luxury apartments will look wonderful up here on this cliff, and in a few years’ time, no one will ever know this old house existed.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Scott’s natural aroma was masculine and sexy. Being blond, he only needed to shave twice a week, but Sam was sure he’d shaved tonight especially for the ball, because, as she sat with her eyes closed at the dressing table, the scent of his shaving foam soothed her nostrils with every delicious inhalation.
She opened her eyes and saw – in the mirror – Scott pinning her hair on top of her head, making her look uncharacteristically glamorous. It was interesting to watch the process – it was like the reverse of a flower unfurling its petals. A wave of tranquillity washed over her as she connected with the sounds of the sea in the distance. This velvet padded stool made her feel like royalty. And tonight she was hoping her handsome prince would propose!
Sam unfocused her gaze from her hairdo and scanned her eyes over Scott’s outfit. He looked amazing in his leather kilt, black shirt, and lace-up knee-length boots. He’d already applie
d his black eyeliner and subtle pink lipstick, but he’d left his long hair loose tonight.
He stood back and admired his creation. “Et voila, madam.”
He grabbed an ornate mirror and held it behind Sam like a hairdresser. She saw a dainty young woman staring back, which caused a zap of excitement to whoosh through her. She was still wearing her jeans and an old T-shirt, but the difference was spectacular. The only snag was she felt as if she was balancing an ill-fitting hat on her head – she dared not turn in a hurry, in case she disturbed this wonderful coiffured creation.
“Thank you,” she said. “It’s perfect.”
“I haven’t finished yet.” He grabbed a huge make-up bag from the bed. “I won’t slap it on too much, don’t worry. Just highlight your natural beauty.”
Sam blushed. “Thank you, Scott. You’re so kind to me.”
“It’s true – you are beautiful.”
Sam enjoyed the sensation of Scott applying her eyeliner, eye shadow, and lipstick. It was comforting, like being licked by a mother cat. She gazed at herself in the mirror again. This time she was even more impressed. She hardly recognised herself – it was her, but from another dimension.
“Wow,” she said.
Scott squeezed her shoulder. “Paul’s got his camera, so he’s gonna take some shots of you and Verlaine.”
“Aw, that’ll be lovely.”
“But you need to put the dress on first.”
He grabbed the plastic-covered dress from the hanger on the wardrobe door and held it up. Nerves coursed through Sam as she remembered the last time she’d worn this – when it was still too baggy and long. What other miracles was Scott capable of performing, she wondered.
She stood and held the dress against herself, and grinned with relief; it was the perfect length and shape.
“You’d never know it’s been altered,” she said. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Sam. You’re my sister.”
Her heart filled with affectionate love. “I love you, Scott. You’re such a great friend. And brother.”
They hugged. Sam sunk into his gorgeous sculpted arms. She loved Verlaine, of course, but Scott was so tender – and so hot.
He stepped away. “Shall I leave while you change?”
“No, it’s okay. You’ve seen me shagging Verlaine – I think you can see me changing!”
“Okay, well, I’ll turn my back just in case people start any rumours.”
He winked playfully.
Sam guffawed, then she set about taking off her casualwear and putting on her glamorous frock. The sensation of the silky material on her skin made her feel sexy and lavish. Tonight she was sophisticated and stylish. Just like Rebecca.
She gazed at the back of Scott – momentarily checking out his butt in that sexy kilt – then she turned her attention to her reflection in the full-length mirror. She was standing quite near to the window, and the moonlight was streaming in through the stained-glass, filling the room – and her soul – with sparkly colours. She acknowledged that she did look good tonight, in this dress with her hair done. She felt magical; like the epitome of Christmas dazzle.
“Okay, I’m in,” she said.
Scott turned and inspected her for a beat. Then he grinned. “Fucking hell, Sam. If I wasn’t a homo I’d be proposing to you myself!”
Sam laughed. She hated it when Scott and Paul used homophobic terms like that, but she supposed it was all part of reclaiming them for their own.
Scott strode over and took her hands in his. “Have you got your answer ready for Verlaine?”
Nervousness twisted in her stomach. “I think I might say yes!”
They both giggled. Of course she was going to say yes; there was nothing that would stop Sam and Verlaine from living happily ever after. Nothing.
Sam opened her mouth to speak, but there was a knock at the door.
Scott rolled his eyes. “It’s probably Paul hurrying us down for photos.”
He pulled the door open and recoiled as he found Rebecca filling the doorway, all dressed up and radiating with beauty. Her dress looked much more expensive than Sam’s, and she’d obviously spent the afternoon at the beauty parlour, having her hair, nails, and make-up done professionally. Sam resisted the urge to hide under the bed. Rebecca was naturally glamorous; Sam was a faker, and seeing her nemesis looking so stunning reminded her of that.
“Rebecca,” she said. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
She swaggered inside. “Look, Sam, I know last night was intense, but I do appreciate you coming to chat to me afterwards. If I was at all defensive or prickly, it’s only because I was so very hurt by Verlaine’s behaviour. I assure you, it wasn’t a deliberate resistance to your attempts at making the peace, but more of a protective reaction.”
“Right?”
“Well, now it’s my turn for a peace offering.”
Rebecca held up a beautiful red peacock-shaped brooch. It sparkled in the moonlight. Sam was drawn to it. She wanted it. This could be just what she needed to make her feel like Rebecca’s equal – the cherry on the cake of all Scott’s kind efforts.
“I think you should wear this tonight,” Rebecca said.
“Me? Really? It’s beautiful.”
“Yes, it is. I was going to keep it for myself, but I want you to know how much I’d like us to be friends. It’ll look awesome with your dress.”
Sam resisted grabbing it. “Whose is it?
“I found it in my room – I guess it was left there by the previous resident. I’m sure they won’t mind you borrowing it for tonight. And maybe if no one claims it, you could even keep it.”
Scott took the brooch from Rebecca. “It’s gorgeous. Have you laced it with arsenic?”
Rebecca chuckled kindly. “No. I just want Sam to know that we’re friends again. To be assured that she can come and talk to me any time. We’ve got a lot to talk about, right?”
Rebecca took the brooch from Scott and gently fastened it to the front of Sam’s dress. It looked so pretty, sparkling in the moonlight. Sam was captivated.
“Thank you, Rebecca,” she said. “I love it.”
“You’re welcome.” Rebecca held penetrating eye contact with Sam for a moment, then she shook her head and sighed wearily.
“What’s wrong?” Sam asked.
“Well, as you know, it’s been very tough for me over the last year. I suppose I’d hoped that time might’ve resolved things between me and Verlaine, but on reflection, perhaps there’s still too much left unsaid for that to happen.”
Worry seeped into Sam’s chest like cyanide. “What’s been left unsaid?”
“Perhaps now isn’t the best time to talk about it. We’re all about to go out and have fun. I want you to know, though, I’m not opposed to a reconciliation with you and Verlaine, but it’s hard to know where to begin. The last thing I want to do is dredge everything up again with him, but I’m left wondering whether that’s the only solution in order to move forward.”
“Move forward from what? What happened between you and Verlaine?”
“Oh, didn’t he tell you?”
“He said you broke up with him.”
“Did he say why?”
“Because you wanted to get married and he wasn’t ready.”
Rebecca snorted. “Is that what he told you? Goodness me, he’s more of a liar than I thought. I don’t know if I can ever fully forgive him for what he did. I’d be surprised if even you could, Sam – kind and decent as you are.”
Sam felt the room squash in around her. “What?”
Scott leaned in nose-to-nose with Rebecca. “Stop shit-stirring between Sam and Verlaine and go and ruin someone else’s life, will you?”
Rebecca took a step back and threw Scott a plastic smile. “I did say we should discuss it another time, did I not? Well, I’ll see you both at the ball, then.”
Rebecca turned to leave, but Sam couldn’t let this rest – she needed to know what Verlaine had done. She was about
to get engaged to the man for god’s sake. Surely she should know every skeleton in his closet?
“Wait,” she said. “What did Verlaine do?”
Scott put his hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Sam, why don’t you let Rebecca get ready to go out? You can ask Verlaine yourself and not listen to anymore of her crap.”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes. “I am ready to go out, you pathetic little man.”
Scott guffawed. “Ouch! If that’s supposed to be an insult – I’ve been called worse by my own loved ones.”
She looked him up and down. “I’m not surprised.”
She swished out the room and slammed the door behind her.
Sam felt her internal organs reel. Was Rebecca just trying to cause more problems, or had Verlaine done something terrible and not told her? She didn’t know who to believe. She wanted to trust her wonderful boyfriend, of course. But doubt crept in and kicked her belief to the gutter.
“You alright?” Scott asked.
“I dunno. I thought she was being nice, but I’m just not sure anymore.”
“Don’t fall for that sweetly-innocent act for a minute, Sam. She’s up to something.”
Sam closed her eyes and summoned up all her strength. She planted her feet firmly on the floor and resolved to talk to Verlaine about it another time. Tonight, they had a ball to enjoy.
She opened her eyes and glanced in the mirror. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful. That brooch really sets it off – I’ll give her that.”
“Do you think it belongs to someone? I shouldn’t really wear someone else’s jewellery.”
Scott draped his arm around her. “Tonight, Sam, it belongs to you.”
***
Sam drifted down the stairs with Scott, and he helped her into her coat, which she fastened to the top. It’d started just started snowing outside, and this flimsy dress wasn’t exactly a winter-warmer, so she wanted to stay snug.
“Verlaine!” she called.
He appeared from the living room and halted dramatically. Paul almost crashed into the back of him.
“Oh my god, Sam,” Verlaine said. “You look beautiful!”
Driving Me to Christmas (London Loves Book 5) Page 14