Outer Masks: Chapter 1: Rory Hayden

Rory Maddox Hayden, in her twenty-four years on this earth, had known what it felt like to be afraid, but she never felt as nervous or scared as she did in this moment, standing in front of Mooney's Bookstore.

After gathering her courage, Rory entered the store, walking through the quaint isle and making her way to the cash register. Standing behind the counter was a shorter man with glasses, curly hair, and a full beard. ‘Ethan’ was the name that was written on his name tag.

“Hello there. I’m looking for Joe Goldberg, does he work here?” Rory asked.

Ethan stared, his mouth agape as he turned to in the direction of the smooth, velvety voice only to see a beautiful young woman with golden brown skin, warm brown eyes, and medium curly black hair. She was dressed sharply; wearing a long double breasted trench coat that was left open, revealing the tight black turtleneck and black jeans underneath.

“Oh-Joe! Yeah, he works here. Let me go grab him.” Ethan replied.

Rory smiled brightly, “Thanks.”

Ethan immediately left the counter, going down to the shop's basement in search of Mooney’s manager.

“Joe, Joe!” Ethan exclaimed as he walked down the stairs.

Joe Goldberg stood over his workstation, currently fixing a few damaged books, and kept his attention on his work even as Ethan called out to him. “What is it, Ethan?”

“There’s this really beautiful woman upstairs looking for you. Tall, around five foot ten, early twenties, African American, possibly biracial, and with curly black hair.” Ethan said, listing off Rory's physical traits.

Joe slowly stood up as he turned to face Ethan, he then without a word, walked past Ethan and up the stairs.

Is it really, Rory? It can’t be, last I checked she was in London.

Once Joe had made his way to the cash register, he realized that he was right, and that it was Rory who was standing in his store.

“Joe!” Rory said brightly, her smile growing as he came into view.

“Rory.” Joe said as he went to hug the young woman. “What are you doing here in the city, kiddo?”

“London was only a short vacation. I'm moving here for good, and I wanted to see you as soon as possible.” Rory said as she pulled away from him.

“I know, but what happened to the glorious fast paced world of the Hamptons?” Joe asked as his smirk grew.

Rory looked away from her brother, her gaze falling to the floor. “My dad wants me to be a bigger fixture in the family business.”

“Oh? And how is Mr. Hayden?” Joe asked sarcastically, actively fighting himself from rolling his eyes.

Rory's smile falls, “Joe…”

Joe knew where this conversation would go and so he turned to where Ethan was standing a few feet away. “I haven’t introduced you to my coworker. Rory this is Ethan. Ethan, this is my little sister, Rory.”

“Sister?” Ethan asked in shock as he looked between the two. He was surprised that the two were related, with the two being so different both in their physical appearances and in personality. Ethan was surprised to learn that Joe had a sister as the man had never spoken of his family life with him before.

“It’s nice to meet one of my brother’s friends.” Rory said as she shook Ethan's hand.

Joe's smile became strained as he heard Rory refer to Ethan as his friend, but his smile became genuine when he saw Ethan and Rory returning their attention to him.

“And I’m glad to meet my friend’s younger sister. I never knew Joe had any siblings.” Ethan remarked.

Joe and Rory gave the other a quick look before Rory chuckled, “It’s just me. But I’m not surprised, Joey’s always been a guy who keeps to himself."

“Joey?” Ethan said with a disbelieving laugh knowing that the man before them hates being referred to anything other than ‘Joe.’

“I’ve thought I’ve told you to stop calling me Joey.” Joe said as he placed an arm around his sister’s shoulders.

“Does it still annoy you?” Rory said with a smile.

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll never stop.”

Joe stared blankly at Rory before using his hand to mess up Rory’s perfectly styled hair. “You’re a child.”

“Yeah, because what you just did was the epitome of maturity.” Rory drawled, she then leaned against the counter, “So what have I missed since we last spoke?”

Before Joe could answer, Ethan cut him off. “Well did you know that your brother has a girlfriend?”

Rory raised an eyebrow as she looked at her brother. “You got a girlfriend now?”

A genuine smile appeared on Joe's face, “Yeah, her name is Beck. We’ve been dating for a few months now.”

Two months, eighteen days, ten hours, and thirty-six seconds to be exact.

“So, am I going to meet this mysterious Beck or are you going to continue keeping her a secret?” Rory joked.

“You want to meet her?” Joe asked.

This is great. I mean, Beck and I are at a stage where we should be meeting each other's families. What better way to further our relationship than having my two favorite people meet?

“Of course! I mean you’re clearly in love with her, so why wouldn’t I want to meet your girlfriend?” Rory said rhetorically.

Joe smiled, “Would tonight work?”

“Oh, I can’t tonight. There’s this party that my parents are hosting at their penthouse, and I pretty much have to be there.” Rory explained.

“Oh? That’s fine.” Joe said. It is not fine, those elitist bastards have always been trying to change you, to try and make you one of them by parading you around their fancy events like a prized show horse. Like you are not your own person with your own autonomy. “How about tomorrow night then?”

Rory grinned as she pushed herself off of the counter and started walking towards the front door, “Tomorrow works. Just tell me when and where.”

And with that Rory waved Joe and Ethan goodbye and left the bookstore, a pep in her step as she walked away.

“Wow, Joe Goldberg has a sister. Why have you never mentioned her? She’s great!” Ethan said once Rory disappeared from view.

But Joe only mindlessly hummed in response, lost within his own inner thoughts.

Now how am I going to explain this to Beck? I’ve purposely been vague about my past; I mean I know Rory won’t say anything, but still. Beck will have questions when I suddenly show up with my biracial half-sister.

No, it's fine, I can make this work. I just have to figure out the right version of events to tell Beck and make sure Rory knows it too.

This is fine, this is perfectly fine...

~X~

Hours Later, the Upper East Side

Rory blew a raspberry as she stood in the elevator on her way to the top floor of the building.

The young woman could not remember for the life of her what the purpose of tonight’s party was for as this was the fifth one that her parents had thrown this year but was dressed her best in strapless slit black satin ball gown.

Rory had not even reached the penthouse and she was already to leave, knowing this would just be more of the same; meeting with various businesspeople, influencers, agents, marketers, and all manner of one percenters vying for her parents' attention, pretending to be interested in all her accomplishments that her parents list off.

The only difference would be that everyone would be trying to ingratiate themselves to her as it becomes known that Walter Hayden III, her father, and CEO of Hayden International was finally bringing her into the fold, giving her a more active role in the company.

All you have to do is the same thing you’ve always done, Rory. Just pretend to be having fun and no one will know better.

Rory felt the elevator stop and knew she had arrived. The door slowly opened, and Rory stepped out of the elevator and into her parents’ lavished penthouse.

“Rory, you are finally here. Come, I need to hold my darling girl.” It was her parents that were standing nearby, waiting for her.

Rory smiled as she walked up to her parents, returning the hug her mother had pulled her into. “Mom, you’re acting as if it’s been years since we last saw each other. It’s only been two months.”

Amber Hayden scoffed, “Two months too long. I mean look at you, you have gotten so thin in that time. Not taking care of yourself without us there.”

“Oh, leave her be, Amber. She’s twenty-four, not twelve, she knows how to take care of herself.” Walter joked as he patted their daughter's shoulder.

Walter Hayden III and Amber Hayden (née Howard) were your typical members of high society, both coming from prominent families, combining their wealth through marriage, although their marriage was one of genuine love that just so happened to make them richer and more powerful.

Walter stood six and a half feet tall and was handsome with brown almost black eyes and dark skin, for the hair he lacked on his bald head, he made up for with his full black beard. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, paired with black and gold trimmed dress shoes and a Rolex watch.

Amber was shorter than both her husband and daughter, standing around five foot six. Her long black hair was placed in a bun with two loose strands framing her face, her eyes were hazel brown, and her skin was a warm brown color. She wore a black long sleeved sequin lace trumpet gown, but the most eye-catching part of her outfit was her matching amethyst necklace and earrings.

“Now,” Walter said as he used her hand to lead Rory further into the penthouse, “It's time for us to socialize.”

Just as Rory thought, the party was the same as it always was; hours passed, and Rory could feel her social battery draining with each interaction, with every fake smile she plastered on her face.

I’ve been doing this for over a decade, you’d figure I'd be used to this shit. Whatever, the night’s almost over and I can go back to my apartment and fucking sleep.

“Rory.” Amber said as she made her way over to her daughter’s side, “Come, your father and I have people that you need to meet.”

“Who am I meeting?” Rory asked as she allowed Amber to pull her in a new direction.

“An old friend of ours from college, along with his daughter. I believe she is only a year older than you, so I hope you two will become fast friends.” Amber explained.

“Mom.” Rory whined, hating it whenever she and Walter tried to force friendships between herself and the children of their friends and business partners.

Amber patted her daughter’s arm pleadingly, “I know, I know. No trying to set you up with friends. But I just feel that you would be happier if you... expanded your social circle.”

“I have friends, mom.” Rory tried to argue, but her tone was not entirely convincing.

“Of course, you do.” Amber drawled, giving Rory a look.

Rory sighed, “Okay, so I have more acquaintances than friends, but I don’t need you trying to set me up with playdates. It's starting to get embarrassing.”

“Yes, I know it's not cool AF to have your mother trying to make friends for you, but I worry.” Amber said with a smile.

Rory playfully groaned, “Please tell me you did not just say ‘cool AF’? Where did you even hear that?”

“What is that not what the kids are saying these days? Your mother is quite hip, you know?” Amber laughed.

“Sure, let's go with that.” Rory said, shaking her head, but still smiling.

Soon the two women reached the center of the living room, pushing past the guests and seeing Walter standing and talking with two other people.

The first was a Caucasian man that was of around the same age as Walter. He was clean shaven with short tawny brown hair that had a few strands of grey mixed within, and green eyes. He, like Walter, also wore a black suit, but with a black dress shirt and no tie.

The second was a young woman with long, wavy black hair, large brown eyes, and glowing tan skin. She was beautiful, exceptionally so in her flowing black dress. Her long strappy heels made her taller than she was, making her about even height with Rory. 

Holy fucking shit, she's gorgeous. Rory thought.

“Barry, this is our daughter Rory. Rory, this is our dear friend, Barry Salinger and his daughter, Peach.” Amber said once they had reached the group. 

She had heard of Barry Salinger, both from her parents and through the business world. Due to the fame and prestige that J.D. Salinger gained as an author, the Salinger family were able to rise from their lower station in life to become pioneers of the housing market, taking advantage of the suburban craze of the fifties and sixties, to build their empire.

Barry, since taking over Salinger Incorporated, was regarded as a genius in his field, being credited with innovative ideas and greatly improving the company’s stock.

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Salinger. My parents have spoken quite highly of you.” Rory said as she held out her hand.

Barry shook her hand with a laugh, “Aw, you don't have to lie, Rory. I know old Walt here has probably been telling some colorful stories from our time at Brown.”

“It’s not my fault you knew how to have a fun time. Just trying to tell my daughter some cautionary tales.” Walter joked, playfully punching Barry's shoulder. Barry returned the action and soon the two started play fighting.

Rory smirked when she saw her mother roll her eyes and whisper, ‘children' under her breath.

Amber then turned to Barry's daughter, “So Peach, how have you and your mother been doing?”

Peach threw a fake pleasant smile on her face, “My mom and I have been doing great, Mrs. Hayden. Right now, she’s in Morocco and thus could not make it tonight, but I will be sure to give her your regards.”

“That's good. But how many times have I told you to call me, Amber? Mrs. Hayden makes me feel so old.” Amber said with a chuckle.

“Of course, Amber.” Peach smiled.

Rory could not help but wonder why she had never met the Salingers before now, seeing how close her parents seemed to be to them. Although, she supposed it made sense, she had been in boarding school and then college, added with the fact Rory would usually only go to these events when forced to, it would not be that hard to believe that they just simply did not cross paths.

It's a big world, New York is a city of over eight million people. I can't meet everyone who lives here.

“Rory, don’t be rude, introduce yourself.” Amber said once she noticed that Rory was lost within her own world, not engaging in the conversation.

Rory wanted to say that Amber had already introduced her to Peach so doing so herself would be redundant, but decided against this knowing that this would just lead to Amber giving her a lecture after the party about proper manners. “I’m Rory Hayden. It’s good to meet you, Peach.”

“It’s good to meet you too, Rory.” Peach said with a gleam in her eyes and Rory knew that the other woman was sizing her up. “It’s strange that I have seen you before, my parents and I are frequent guests at Amber and Walter's parties.”

Oh, so she’s a bitch. “I’ve been busy with school these last couple of years, so it’s hard for me to come out and make appearances. I’ve also wasn't living in the city before now, I grew up at our family house in the Hamptons.”

“And how are you liking the city so far? I know that it can be scary and so different for newcomers. It must be such a change from your more… secluded lifestyle?” Peach asked as it was clear to only Rory what she truly meant.

She's basically calling me a yokel and a loner. Patience, Rory, you just have to deal with her for a couple more minutes.

“I’ve lived here before, in Brooklyn to be exact. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been back for the near future.” Rory explained.

“You mean you’re back permanently, right sweetheart?” Amber asked as she held Rory arm with her own and leaned against her.

“Of course, mom.” Rory said plainly, not wanting to end the night with another fight between her and her parents.

“Aw, so cute.” Peach said in an exaggerated cute tone. “Well then, I suppose I will be seeing you around now that you’re a permanent fixture here.

“Oh, my Rory will be delighted to become more acquainted with the social scene here.” Amber said just as Rory was about to speak.

So much for not trying to set me up on playdates. Well, at least Queen Bitch over here doesn’t seem receptive to giving me a pity invite to hangout like my mom clearly wants.

“I'm sure I’ll meet some people who can keep up with me the longer I’m here, mom. I will need people who can handle being associated with a Hayden.” Rory said, inwardly smirking as Peach's smile became strained.

Before Peach could respond, both of their fathers had made their back over to the women, seemingly done catching up with each other. Barry stopped in front of Rory, “You know Rory, your father was just telling me that he's made you a member of Hayden International, is that true?”

“Yes, Mr. Salinger. My father has made me division head of a new security system project that we are developing.” Rory answered.

Barry laughed again, “Oh, call me Barry. You’re the child of my two favorite people, no need to call me Mr. Salinger.”

“Of course, Mr.- I mean, Barry.” Rory stuttered.

“It’s good to see kids like you taking initiative of their futures. It’s a lot better than seeing people of your generation and this new one coming up trying to become internet stars or be famous on reality TV. What happened to getting real jobs instead of being famous for being famous?” Barry said, his expression soon turning dark as he spoke further on the topic of millennials and Gen Z.

“Daddy, I don’t think the Haydens wants to hear your rant about what’s wrong with America.” Peach cut in, placing a hand on her father’s shoulder.

“Fine, sweetie. But still there are plenty of young people out there who are running themselves for temporary riches and glory. But not our daughters, they are the cream of the crop. Our future.” Barry ended as he placed a hand over Peach’s.

“I know how you feel, Barry. All I can do when I look at other people’s children is think, ‘Glad my daughter isn't like them'!” Walter added and Rory had to fight from grimacing.

This night will never end.

~X~

The first thing Rory did when she entered her apartment was immediately take off her clothes, not caring about the pile she left near her doorway.

The second thing she did was take an hour-long shower. Rory desperately needed to wash away that unclean feeling that had crawled its way across her body.

The Hayden heir groaned, once she got out of the bathroom, knowing that she would have to be a responsible adult and pick up her expensive clothes and put them away.

Rory almost wept when she saw her bed, practically jumping onto it in her dash to crawl under the covers and sleep.

She came so close to crying when she heard her phone ding multiple times, knowing that someone had sent her a few text messages.

She grabbed her phone, unlocking it and read the messages, smiling when she saw that they were from Joe.

Little Sis: I know that those fancy parties you go to always run late so I wanted till now to message you.

Joey: Beck agreed to meet you tomorrow.

Joey: I mean today.

Joey: We’re going to a bar in Greenwich Village. She’s bringing some friends. I hope that’s fine.

Little Sis: That’s fine. Just a few friends tho, right? Rory replied.

Joe quickly responded, Joey: It's though, not tho. You know that is not grammatically correct.

Joey: And yes, it is just three other girls. You might find them boring and vapid, but Beck is different from them.

Joey: Also, we need to talk about what we are going to tell Beck about us.

Rory furrowed her eyebrows as she read her brother’s messages. She then tapped on the phone app and called Joe, her brother picked up after two rings.

“Rory.”

Rory leaned back against her headboard, “You know that I won't tell anyone about our mom and your dad, right?”

Joe was silent for a few seconds, “I know, it's just, Beck doesn’t know about my… past. I don't want to scare her off because she thinks I’m broken.”

“You are not broken, Joe. I still think that you should tell Beck the truth and if she leaves then she isn’t the one for you. But I’ll go with whatever story you want.” Rory said softly.

Rory could hear the happiness and relief through the phone, “Thanks, kiddo.”

Rory shook her head, “No problem. So, what’s our story?”