Driving Me to Christmas (London Loves Book 5) (8 page)

Sam was so glad she’d taken the time to have a little chat with Patty before dinner with regards to her loud orgasm and headache lies. Patty had been typically lovely, assuring her there was really no need to worry. They’d hugged in the kitchen, and Sam had been relieved that the embarrassment had dissipated so easily. Now nothing could drag down her mood, not even the dark mahogany furniture in this bedroom. She glanced in the mirror and checked her make-up. She didn’t scrub up too bad, and she liked her hair twisted up on her head like this – it emphasised her cheekbones. The dress she was wearing tonight was one she’d had years, but she loved it – it was black, short, and halter-necked, which flattered her petite figure beautifully. She grinned at her reflection as she felt the constrictiveness of the stockings hugging her thighs, making her feel sexy. She’d put them on especially for this evening’s fun, but Verlaine might have to wait until they got back home to see them.

A flash of nerves sparkled in her ribcage. What would it be like tonight, going to a party where people would be openly having sex? She’d made a rule with Verlaine earlier that they wouldn’t get involved in any activities at the venue, unless they were both totally comfortable with it. And it went without saying that they’d only be sleeping with each other. But Sam had said it anyway, just to be clear.

Verlaine had assured her he didn’t want to have sex with anyone else anyway. She knew he was just coming along to please her, really. He was such a lovely man. And maybe it
was
a bit of a strange place to go. But Scott and Paul had made it sound normal and fun, and Sam was simply curious. She loved what she had already with Verlaine, sex-wise, but why not explore a little bit, too? Scott had assured her it was totally fine to go there and soak up the atmosphere – apparently lots of people did. So that was Sam’s plan. No pressure.

She took one last glance in the mirror, then she stood up straight and made her way in her heels over to the heavy bedroom door. She rolled her shoulders away from her ears, lengthened her spine, and held her head high.

She felt elegant as she walked across the grand hallway, towards the staircase. She’d seen movie starlets from the 1940s descend staircases in old films before, and hoped to emulate their style. Sam rested her hand on the wooden bannister and lowered her foot to the first step. She saw that Verlaine, Paul, and Scott were loitering at the bottom, casually chatting, and paying her no attention. Verlaine looked hot in his smart shirt and jeans, and Sam was pleased to see he’d even had a shave. Paul seemed relaxed in his designer top and leather trousers, and Scott was wearing gold skin-tight flares with a sleeveless sequined T-shirt, which showed off his gorgeous physique that he worked hard at the gym to perfect. His four-inch stilettos made his legs look really long, and Sam felt a flutter of arousal at the sight of his tight, toned butt.

She threw her attention back to her boyfriend. There was no harm in perving over Scott, but Verlaine was the man of her dreams. She smiled, then paused halfway down the stairs. She cleared her throat, waiting to be acknowledged.

Verlaine turned, then gasped. “Baby, you look beautiful.”

The compliment stuck her heart deep. “Thank you, Verlaine!”

“You sure do,” Scott said, smiling sincerely.

“Oh, thank
you
, Scott.”

Paul smirked. “Yeah. You remind me of an angel descending from on high to light up the lives of us mere mortals.”

Sam laughed. “Shut up, Paul!”

She hurried down the rest of the steps and threw her arms around Verlaine, who pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.

“Is this the dress you got with Scott?” he asked.

She tutted playfully. “No, that’s for the Christmas Eve ball. You’ve seen me in this tons of times. You said I looked sexy in it.”

“You do. You look gorgeous.”

He kissed her on the forehead, making her feel secure and safe.

“Are we ready to go, then?” Paul asked.

“Yep,” Sam said.

Verlaine gestured towards the living room door. “Let’s just say bye to the others. They’re putting up the Christmas decorations, as per tradition.”

Verlaine opened the grand oak door for Sam, so she stepped inside. She hadn’t yet been in this room, but she could see it was the showpiece of the house. The high embossed ceiling, wooden floorboards, and delicate chandelier gave the room an exquisite nostalgia. A fire roared red and orange inside the huge stone hearth, and the wall carvings were lavishly surrounded by baroque oil paintings. But the shabby furnishings implied recent neglect. The floor rugs were tatty, the oak coffee table was chipped, and the heavy velvet curtains were ripped at one end.

Verlaine’s parents were sitting on the worn sofa, untangling a string of ancient fairy lights, and Ellie and Rebecca were standing by the fake Christmas tree in the corner, decorating it with glass trinkets that should’ve been chucked out years ago.

Patty glanced up from the fairy lights, as Sam and the three men gathered in the open doorway.

“We’re going out now, Mom,” Verlaine said.

Patty glanced up, then she gasped.

“Sam, you look adorable! All four of you look so cute! Where is it you’re off to again?”

“Just into London,” Sam said. “Sorry to miss out on the Christmas decorations.”

“Oh it’s no problem. Maybe next year.”

“Yeah, hopefully.”

Jim frowned. “Why isn’t Rebecca going with you kids?”

Sam glanced over at Rebecca. Verlaine had said she’d expressed interest in coming along tonight, but he’d assured Sam that he managed to convince her it wouldn’t be her thing – without giving too much away. Sam hoped Rebecca didn’t know the details. She’d be devastated if Patty and Jim found out she was dragging their son off to a sex party – even if it
was
completely innocent. It was just the sound of it – Sam knew it would be shocking to most people.

Rebecca gazed at the glass bauble in her hands. “Verlaine said it probably wouldn’t be my thing. It’s okay.”

“Why?” Jim asked. “What kind of thing is it?”

“Just a party,” Verlaine said. “It’s no big deal. Shall we go? We don’t wanna be late.”

Jim held up his hand. “Wait, if Rebecca wants to go, she could put on a dress and get ready. It’s not really fair to leave her out. She’s a guest in your country, Sam.”

“I don’t think Rebecca does want to come,” Sam said. “I got the impression she’d rather stay here and put up the decorations. Shall we go?”

Scott made a show of looking at his wrist, even though he wasn’t wearing a watch. “Gosh is that the time? Come on – we’ll be late.”

“It’s fine,” Rebecca said forlornly. “You go and have fun. I’ll be okay here.”

Sam felt guilt crack inside her. She liked Rebecca and she didn’t want her to feel left out. But surely she wouldn’t be interested in coming to a party like this. And her presence would make Sam feel awkward. She was nervous enough as it was.

Verlaine gripped Sam’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go. Where’s your coat, baby?”

Sam turned. “Er, it’s in the hallway.”

“Okay. Come on.”

Patty stood up. “Verlaine, what’s the address of the venue? Just in case we need to contact you.”

Verlaine snapped defensively. “Why would you need to contact us? We’re only going to London – it’s where we all actually live, for god’s sake. What’s the big deal?”

Jim got to his feet and stood beside his wife. The atmosphere was thick, like sponge. “What’s the problem, son? Just tell your mother where you’re going and that’ll be the end of it.”

“Dad, I’m not sixteen – I’m under no obligation to tell you my movements.”

Patty held up her hands. “Okay, it’s doesn’t matter. Have a fun night wherever you’re going, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

Ellie dropped a bauble to the wooden floor, which smashed noisily. Her stern expression flickered. “They’re going to an orgy.”

Patty’s mouth dropped open. “What!”

Verlaine threw his hands to his hips. “Mom, it’s no big deal. It’s not as seedy as it sounds.”

Ellie folded her arms across her chest. “That’s why Rebecca doesn’t want to go – because she still retains some dignity and decency. But I hear it’s something Sam’s wanted to try for a while. Don’t let us make you late.”

Sam glanced at Rebecca. She was smirking. Obviously
she’d
told Ellie. But who’d told Rebecca?

Sam turned to look at Verlaine. He was gazing guiltily at his mother.

Paul intervened. He glared at Ellie. “Listen, Moritica, we’re all adults, and we’re not doing anything illegal. So unless you’ve got any other snidey remarks, we’ll be off.”

Verlaine grasped Sam’s hand and gently pulled her away. “Come on, honey. Let’s go.”

Sam swivelled on her heel and strode out to the hallway, feeling the shame and embarrassment vibrate viciously in her skull. She was unable to understand why Ellie seemed to have this vendetta against her, but worse than that, she wished she’d been braver and stuck up for herself just now, knowing that she really hadn’t done anything wrong. 

***

Striding over gravel in high heels was a risky business, but Sam wasn’t concerned about a twisted ankle at the moment, when her pride was so shamefully squirming in her stomach.

She propelled herself towards the T-bird, unsure whether to be angry with Verlaine, Rebecca, or Ellie. Everything felt blurry and surreal. What the hell was going on this Christmas?

Verlaine caught up with her and yanked open the passenger door. “Baby, it’s okay. I’m sure it’s not as bad as it seems.”

“Of course it is, Verlaine! Your parents think I’m a sexual deviant!”

“Come on, get in the car. Let’s get going.”

Sam folded her arms across her chest. “I’ll sit in the back with Scott. I need to be with someone I can trust.”

Verlaine sighed. “Alright.”

He opened the back door and waited for her to climb in.

“Thank you,” she said.

She shuffled onto the comfy leather seat and Scott climbed in next to her. Verlaine slammed the door behind them, then he and Paul got in the front. Verlaine flicked on the ignition, making the engine roar pretentiously.

Scott squeezed Sam affectionately on the knee. “Don’t worry, babes. It’ll be alright.”

“Thanks.”

“God, that Ellie’s a bitch, isn’t she?” Paul said. “Did you see how she just ignored the shattered bauble on the floor? It was as if she expected someone else to clear up the mess.”

“I know,” Verlaine said. “She’s always been a hard woman, even when I was a kid. But she’s my mom’s best friend – and don’t forget she’s just lost her husband.”

Scott smirked. “Yeah, and I bet I know
where
she lost him – under the floorboards!”

Sam laughed. Verlaine shot them both a disdainful glance in the rear-view mirror, so she stifled her sniggers.

He drove them in silence across the bumpy driveway and towards the coastal road. Excitement crept back into Sam’s heart as she realised she was leaving the nuthouse and heading back to civilisation. The only thing between her and normality now was a treacherous drive in this ramshackle car, which was currently straining painfully as it took them back down the cliff. 

Sam glanced out the window and saw little flecks of rain smudging on the glass. Wonderful. A slippery road, an old car, and an upset driver. The atmosphere in here felt dingy like an abattoir, and the headlights dazzled brightly off the gloomy drizzle, reflecting back on them and hopefully not blinding Verlaine. The rhythm of the wipers ricocheted around the car, slicing into Sam’s ears, and chopping up the ringing time into uncomfortable second-long chunks.

Sam wanted to ask Verlaine to drive carefully, but she was worried that might piss him off even more. He was usually such a sweet man, but it was clear he’d felt embarrassed by the situation back there, too.

The dim coastal road lights reflected off Scott’s tender face.  “Cheer up, Sam. I’m sure Verlaine’s parents don’t really care too much about this. It’s not that bad.”

“Patty looked devastated,” Sam said. “Did you hear what Ellie said – Sam’s been wanting to try a sex party for a while – like I was some sort of pervert.” Sam glanced out the window at the rain. “I wonder who told her.”

Verlaine sighed. “Rebecca guessed, baby.
She
must’ve told Ellie. I’m sorry, but I agree with Scott – it’s not as terrible as you think. And if we’re gonna go to parties like this, surely
we
shouldn’t be perpetuating the shame of it?”

Verlaine glanced over his shoulder at her and lifted his hands emphatically as he started to speak again. Paul interrupted. “Verlaine, keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, please. We don’t wanna end up at the bottom of the ocean.”

Verlaine grabbed the wheel and stared ahead of himself. “Look, all I’m saying is, if you want us to go to sex parties, then you need to be prepared for people to find out and possibly be shocked.”

“It’s true,” Scott said. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to make excuses for what I am, but I’ve found it’s best to just be honest. That takes away their power, you know? We’re not doing anything wrong. So don’t worry.”