Chapter Nine

“I’ve been trying to ring you,” Abbey said in a low hiss. She stood aside to let Hayley enter their parents’ house and slammed the door after her. “Did you bring your checkbook?”

No hello, how are you? Hayley struggled to maintain her temper and finally said, “I’ve been busy, and no, I didn’t bring my checkbook.”

Abbey scowled. “Why not?”

“I don’t have to do anything. This is a family lunch to celebrate Dad’s birthday. It’s not the time to talk about money.” After thinking long and hard about a loan, she’d decided that although she might feel guilty, she wouldn’t be doing Dan any favors. He needed to face up to his problem. Throwing money at it wasn’t going to go away, and besides, it didn’t seem as if her sister had taken her budgetary advice to heart.

“Hayley, you’re here,” her mother said, brushing a cool kiss across her cheek.

“How are you, Mum?”

“I’ve had a touch of the flu, but it seems to have cleared up. Are you going out with anyone?”

“No,” Hayley lied, thinking of Sam. She wished she was with him now.

“I’m not surprised, with the way you dress,” Abbey said.

“Your sister looks perfectly respectable in her suit,” their mother said.

Abbey’s three children raced around the small garden, their high spirits making Hayley smile.

“Quiet, children. Stop running,” Abbey called. “It isn’t ladylike. Come and show Grandmother your new clothes.”

Hayley gaped at the distinct designer labels her three nieces wore. Budget indeed. It firmed her resolve not to lend Abbey money. If things were as bad as Abbey said, she wouldn’t be spending quite as much money. Besides, nothing more had been mentioned about the possibility of Abbey and Dan losing their house.

The luncheon went pretty much as it usually did. Hayley answered questions about her job, but mostly listened to Abbey and Dan talk about their lives. It seemed even her nieces received more ear time than she did. It made her realize how great Sam was, because it was give and take with them. They both listened to each other and talked, too.

“Hayley and I will clear up in the kitchen,” Abbey said.

“Thank you, dear. You’re so thoughtful.” Mother smiled.

Sighing, Hayley climbed to her feet and started to clear the table while, as usual, Abbey continued chatting.

“Thank you, Hayley,” her father said. “You look very pretty today.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Because Sam made her feel special and it showed. She just hoped he felt the same way after she’d told him her real name. She wouldn’t tell him over the phone, but the next time they were face-to-face she’d tell him the truth. The very next time.

Hayley transferred the leftovers to clean bowls and covered them with plastic wrap, putting them into the fridge. She had most of the dishwasher stacked by the time Abbey made an appearance.

“I thought you’d be finished by now.”

“You’re a lazy cow,” Hayley said, letting her irritation show for once.

Abbey blinked, looking shocked.

“Truth hurt?”

“I don’t know why I put up with you,” Abbey said.

“Because we’re sisters?”

“We’re not sisters,” Abbey snapped, her voice ringing with truth.

“What?” Hayley almost dropped the platter she was washing.

“Careful,” Abbey said. “Mum will have a fit if you break that. It’s her favorite.”

Hayley set it on the counter and grabbed a hand towel to dry her hands. “What are you talking about? Of course we’re sisters.”

“Half sisters,” Abbey said, “if you want to be technical about it. Mum and Dad split up for a while before you were born. Things were bad and Mum had an affair with someone else. When they got back together again Mum was already pregnant with you.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Hayley didn’t doubt Abbey for a minute, but what she couldn’t understand was why she was telling her now.

Abbey shrugged. “No one needed to know.”

“But why did Mum tell you and not me?”

“You remember when you were in hospital, when you lost the baby?”

“Yes.” Hayley tried not to think about that time in her life, but she remembered it all vividly.

“You lost a lot of blood. Evidently you’re a rare type and you don’t match any of us.”

“I thought you’d have finished the dishes by now,” her mother said.

“Is it true?” Hayley asked.

“Abbey?” Her mother paled before them and wavered. “What have you done?”

“Told Hayley the truth,” Abbey snapped. “That she’s not my sister.”

“She is your sister,” her mother said.

But Hayley knew the truth now and a lot of things made sense. “Where is my father? My real father?”

“He died in an accident about five years ago,” her mother said in a tired voice. “All this time I felt so guilty. I tried to treat you the same, but you’re so different from Abbey.”

The truth hit her like a blow. “You were extra strict with me because I took after my real father.”

“He was so impulsive. Full of exuberance. He swept me off my feet. And you took after him, getting into trouble.”

Trouble—a euphemism for pregnant. Tears of fury stung Hayley’s eyes. So much made sense now. She unfastened the apron around her waist and folded it precisely in the exact manner her mother liked. She set it on the counter and walked away.

“Hayley? Hayley!” Abbey screeched. “You were going to write me a check for that money you owe me. I need it today.”

Hayley ignored her and kept walking. She walked out of the front door and didn’t look back, the clunk of her sensible Sunday shoes mocking her while she headed for the nearest rail station. A lie. All this time, she’d lived a lie. Hayley used her rail pass to get onto the platform and waited for the train. Things were about to change.

 

“Will you go to a party with me?” Sam asked the next night during one of their daily phone calls. She hadn’t told him about the bomb Abbey had dropped. It still felt so surreal, making her heart ache each time she thought about it, and her respect for the man who had brought her up increase.

“What about photographers?” Hayley didn’t care. It all seemed so trivial compared to her recent discovery. Even more, she wanted to see Sam and confess. The lies had to end. But she had learned how much he valued his privacy and how he hated the playboy tag the press had labeled him with. “I thought you wanted to steer clear of them for a while. And when is it?”

“Tomorrow night at a friend’s in Chelsea. They’ll be there. I won’t pose like some will, but I don’t want to hide either.”

Tension left Hayley’s shoulders and her breath whooshed out. While she hadn’t liked the idea of having her photo spread across the gossip columns, she hated skulking around. She’d just have to hope they didn’t consider her photogenic. “I don’t mind, if you don’t. How formal is the party?”

“It’s fancy dress,” Sam said, laughter in his voice.

Hayley spluttered a laugh. “Tease! That means we can wear costumes and conceal our faces.” With a mask, Hayley decided. Suzie would help her with a special costume or maybe she could modify her gypsy persona if she couldn’t think of anything else.

“I’ll pick you up around seven-thirty. Will that suit?”

“I’ll be ready,” Hayley promised. At least she hoped she would. This date felt different because Sam was taking her into his world. A ripple of nerves crashed like a wave inside her stomach at the thought of revealing her insecurities, but she swallowed and pushed them aside. She could do this, and if Sam walked away afterward, she had no one to blame but herself.

The phone peeled again the second she hung up after talking to Sam.

“Hello.”

“I wondered if you’d decided about the loan yet.”

“Abbey, I’m not lending you money.” Pain mingled with her anger as she thought about the viciousness in her sister’s voice when she’d informed Hayley about her father. “You treat strangers better than you treat me—”

“That’s rich. You’re the one who attracted attention all the time. Mum wanted to adopt you out, but Dad wouldn’t let her.”

How could her sister be so jealous of her? Their parents had given them the same opportunities, and if anything, they’d been a lot stricter with her. She’d had to sneak out to meet her boyfriend. “Abbey—”

“You have to give me that money.”

Hayley heard the conviction in Abbey’s voice, the tinge of desperation. She really believed Hayley should hand over all her savings. Ice spread through her along with despair. “No, I don’t. Don’t bother ringing me again because I won’t talk to you.” Hayley placed the receiver down instead of slamming it like she wanted. Her hand started to tremble and the tremors spread rapidly until she shuddered all over. Tears poured down her face and a pained cry tore from deep in her throat.

“Hayley?”

Hayley spun around, letting out a gasp of shock at Suzie’s sudden appearance. “I didn’t hear you come in.” She swiped at the dampness on her face with the back of her hand but the tears kept coming. Her sniff sounded loud and when she fumbled in her jean pockets she couldn’t find a hanky.

“What’s wrong?” Suzie wrapped her arm around her shoulders and hugged her. “Is it Sam?”

Hayley shook her head. Desolation swept over her. She tried to speak, but the knot of pain in her throat denied her and only a croak emerged. All this time—the knowledge of Abbey’s hate and jealousy twisted and turned inside, sharp and dangerous like a precision knife edge. “Abbey,” she finally squeezed out.

“Your sister is a selfish bitch, Hayley. Don’t let her get to you. Whatever she’s done, just ignore it.”

Hayley swallowed, and it hurt her throat. Abbey made no secret of her dislike for Suzie and always put her down because her family was poor. She accepted the box of tissues Suzie handed her and blew her nose. With a second tissue, she blotted her eyes. “Feel like a glass of wine?”

“Sure. I’ll get it.”

“I’ll get it,” Hayley said and walked over to the fridge to pull out a bottle of chardonnay. The normality of the actions helped to steady her seesaw emotions. After handing over a glass of wine to Suzie and filling her own, she told her friend about the recent developments.

“What did your parents say?”

“I was so shocked and upset I just left. I haven’t talked to anyone but Abbey since. Abbey is still hounding me about the loan.”

Suzie’s mouth flattened in a look of disbelief. “You’re not going to give her money after the way she’s behaved?”

“No.”

“How are things with Sam?”

Immediately Hayley’s mood lightened. “He asked me to a fancy dress party. I need a costume by tomorrow.”

“You should go with your gypsy costume. You look really sexy in that getup.”

“Any ideas for a mask to go with one of my outfits?”

“I’d go with a plain one—maybe black. Why don’t you borrow my black and gold skirt and team it with a bright colored blouse? That way you can wear your black high heels and go for a black mask, but a feminine look.”

Hayley nodded, feeling marginally better, and suddenly looking forward to going to the party with Sam.

 

“I’ve missed you,” Sam said, the second she opened the door to the flat. He seized her and swallowed her reply with his mouth. His lips pressed delicately against hers, then gently covered her entire mouth, making her feel cherished. Desired. And maybe even loved.

When Sam finally lifted his head, her mouth burned, her heart beat faster and she struggled to breathe.

“Wow,” she said when she could speak. “That was a welcome.”

Sam cupped her face and stroked his thumb across her mouth. She trembled, fearing the surge of love inside. It made her vulnerable, fearful of being hurt. He grinned down at her. “I love the mask. It’s very sexy, but you might want to fix your lipstick.”

“You make a handsome pirate. I like the parrot.”

“You should see me with my eye patch,” he said. “You won’t be able to keep your hands off me once you see that.”

Hayley pulled her lipstick from her black evening bag and reapplied the garnet color to her lips, blotting it carefully with a tissue. “All set,” she said.

His eyes were dark and full of heat when she looked up, and a shot of awareness darted through her stomach. “Maybe you should have done that in the car, because I want to kiss you again. I’d suggest heading straight for my apartment if I didn’t have to make an appearance tonight.”

“You never said whose party it was.”

“My brother’s,” he said. “I wanted you to meet some of my family.”

Hayley’s mouth rounded in surprise. While she knew her feelings about him, she hadn’t thought—or she’d tried not to think—about a future. “Oh.”

“Don’t be nervous. My family will love you.”

They traveled in comfort, since Sam had driven over in his Porsche. Traffic was heavy with the usual Friday night exodus to and from the city. A car pulled out in front of them, leaving a parking space free. Sam zipped into the space and switched off the ignition.

Two torches, flames burning brightly, illuminated the doorway of the Chelsea house. While Hayley watched three couples ascend the stairs, a bright light went off and another.

“Looks like the photographers are here.” Sam pulled an eye patch from his pocket and put it on.

“Yeah.” Hayley’s hand crept up to check her mask was in place. She climbed out of the car and smoothed the creases from her skirt, anxious about meeting Sam’s family. Sam would introduce her as Helen. Her eyes closed briefly. Oh, boy. Tonight. She’d tell him once they’d left the party.

The car alarm chirped. Sam’s arm slid around her waist when he joined her on the footpath. “Don’t look so frightened, sweetheart. We only bite when we’re in the throes of passion. Jase is happily married, so you’re safe on that account.”

Hayley snorted and attempted a grin. Bands of tightness around her chest restricted her breathing, and the need to touch almost got the better of her. “Good to know.” The flare of a flash made her draw back. Not the right time or place.

“Sam, over here!” a man called.

Sam waved but ignored the request. Hayley kept up with his swift pace, felt the tension in the lean lines of his body and the arm around her waist.

“Who’s your lady?” another man called.

They kept walking and soon stood in the doorway. Sam showed the security man on the door an invitation and whisked her into the warmth of the house. The strains of a Norah Jones ballad floated from a room on their left, along with soft laughter and chatter. Another couple entered behind them.

“Sam, great costume. I always thought you were a bit of a pirate. How are you? I haven’t seen you since Janet’s party.” The petite woman glanced at Hayley before looking back at Sam.

“No, I’ve been busy with work.”

The woman laughed. “I don’t know why you bother with a job when you have as much money as you do. I’d travel and enjoy myself.”

Sam’s arm tensed again. “It’s lovely to see you again.” He exerted a gentle pressure on Hayley and they walked away, heading toward the music.

They entered the crowded room, and Hayley started to feel increasingly nervous about meeting Sam’s family. Sam released her, but immediately took her hand in his, warmth from his palm skittering up her arm. A giddy, bubbly sensation flooded her chest and, in surprise, she recognized it as happiness.

“Jase is over the other side of the room holding court. Come on.” Sam led her toward his brother. “Happy birthday, bro.”

“Sam, you’re here,” Jase said.

Hayley tugged her hand free and moved with the crowd, pushed to the side. She didn’t mind. The two brothers appeared close. They hugged, clapping each other across the back before standing back to grin. A pang of envy filled Hayley at the sight. The interaction was so different from her family dynamics. And now she knew why.

“Helen, what are you doing hiding over there?” Sam took her hand and dragged her over to meet his brother. “Jase, meet Helen. And this is Rhiannon, Jase’s wife.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Her cheeks pinked with both the intense scrutiny and the knowledge that even more people thought of her as Helen.

“Come and have a seat. Sam didn’t say he was bringing anyone. He usually comes to these things alone.”

A waiter wandered by with a tray of punch and champagne. Hayley took a glass of champagne and tried not to feel too self-conscious. Both Jase and Rhiannon studied her like a bug under a microscope glass.

“Love the costume, Sam. You make a good pirate,” Rhiannon said, a sly grin crossing her gamine face. She wore a ballerina outfit in hot pink, and appeared so delicate Hayley thought she’d look great on the top of a wedding cake. Or maybe jumping out of a cake. Hayley moved closer to Sam so she didn’t feel so big and ungainly.

Husband and wife exchanged a look, a slow grin crawling across Jase’s face. The mischievous expression on his face when he turned his attention to her made Hayley want to run. Instead she shifted even closer to Sam, his hand on her shoulder steadying her nerves.

“How long have you known Sam?” Rhiannon asked.

The hand on her shoulder tightened. “Don’t start,” Sam said. “This is a party.”

“Just being friendly, aren’t you, Rhiannon?” Jase smirked at Sam.

“Sam and I work together,” Hayley said, deciding to go with safe. There was something going on here, but she had no idea what it was. A family joke, perhaps, except Sam didn’t seem to be laughing.

“And is this your first date?” Rhiannon asked.

“Cut it out,” Sam growled. “Come and dance,” he said to Hayley, taking her by the hand.

“Give the girl a chance to finish her drink first,” Jase said, laughing again. “You know we’re going to ask our questions. You might as well let us talk to Helen.”

Rhiannon stood beside her husband. “Yeah, you knew we would ask questions.” Together they presented a united front.

“I didn’t think you’d be quite as blatant,” Sam muttered.

Two new arrivals came over and the subject changed.

“Let’s dance.” Sam plucked the glass from her hand and set it aside, not giving her a chance to protest. Hand in hand they walked over to the dance floor. Hayley slipped into his arms and he pulled her against his chest. They barely moved, instead swaying in time to the music.

“What were your brother and sister-in-law talking about?” she asked, giving into curiosity.

“Nothing to worry about. They like to tease.” Hayley happened to catch Rhiannon’s gaze when she looked past Sam. Pure speculation filled the woman’s face, and Hayley moved closer to Sam, starting to worry about the unknown. Was it something to do with her? Did they know about her lies?

A nervous tic started in Hayley’s jaw and she swallowed in an attempt to get it to stop. “This seems a bit more serious than teasing.”

“My brother and sister-in-law are trying to discover, in their roundabout way, if I’ve told you about the family curse.”

Hayley pulled away enough to stare up at Sam. He was deadly serious. “Curse? Sounds interesting.”

“It’s not a curse,” Jase said from right behind them. He winked at Rhiannon and danced her closer to them.

“This is a private conversation,” Sam snapped.

“Stop teasing your brother,” Rhiannon chided, but the curiosity in her face didn’t abate. She wanted to ask questions.

“Aw, it’s my birthday,” Jase said, his grin wide and engaging. “I’m allowed to do anything on my birthday. Besides, it’s fun.”

Sam snorted and Rhiannon pinched her husband’s bottom.

“Off with her head,” he shouted, drawing the attention of most of the guests. “She touched the king’s ass.”

“You’re an ass,” Sam said.

“We’re going to have a court session. I’ll fine anyone who maligns the royal person,” Jase said. “They will rue the day!” But he stopped teasing Sam and danced his wife around the floor in high style—the ballerina and the King of Hearts with their guests grinning while they looked on.

Sam danced Hayley out onto a balcony and led her along to the far end, out of earshot of everyone. Lights twinkled across the Thames and if she listened hard, Hayley fancied she could hear the lap of the river against the banks.

Sam cleared his throat and coughed, his discomfit coming through loud and clear. He refused to look directly at her and Hayley’s unease grew. Finally, he spoke. “We have a belief in our family. My parents, grandparents, my brother—they all fell in love at first sight. It’s a family tradition.”

“Oh.” It was all Hayley could think of to say. Love at first sight. Now that was impulsive.

“Yeah, they all met and married within weeks.” He still refused to meet her eyes.

“Oh.” At first excitement and triumph poured through Hayley. She loved him, but hadn’t said anything simply because she’d thought it would be impulsive, too quick and would scare him off. Oh, yes. There was also the matter of her real name, too. The silence lengthened to uncomfortable. The longer she watched him, the more the excitement seeped away. He didn’t feel the same way and hadn’t told her because he’d thought it would give her ideas.

“I don’t believe in love at first sight,” he muttered, staring out at the river. His hands tightened on the balcony railing. “It’s a load of crap. I had a relationship when I was younger. I thought I loved her, but it didn’t work out. My family insists on believing in love at first sight. I know it doesn’t happen.”

Hayley aimed for reasonable, even though pain curled around her heart and squeezed tightly. Impulsive, spontaneous Hayley strikes again. Hurricane Hayley, as Abbey used to say. “Why would they expect the same thing to happen to you? Every person is different.”

“Yeah, right.” His smile was mocking. “So far I’m the exception to the rule. It’s why I never date any woman more than once.”

“But you’ve gone out with me more than once.” Hope surged.

“Yeah.”

And hope died. He didn’t feel the same way about her.

Neither of them said anything more and the stiffness between them became oppressive. Frightening.

A sudden thought occurred to Hayley. “Are you trying to tell me you don’t want to go out with me again?”

“No!” He spun toward her, grasped her upper arms, his fingers flexing in the flesh of her biceps. “I’m telling you because I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I knew my brother would mention it.”

And he hadn’t wanted her to build hope when there was none. Rejection. “No problem.” Then Hayley frowned, despite her words. If he’d been that worried about his family and their reaction to her presence, why had he asked her to come with him? But cowardly, she didn’t voice her thoughts, merely pasted a bright smile on her face and pretended she didn’t care. A façade. His rejection felt like a kick to the gut. Yet another instance of her impulsive nature getting her into trouble. The thought kept repeating through her mind, echoing until she wanted to scream. But Hayley kept a pleasant smile on her face, even though it nearly killed her.