Outer Masks - Chapter 15: Breaking Point

“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?” Peach asked as she walked into her office and saw Rory sitting in her desk chair. 

“I’m hiding from Max.” Rory said as pushed her feet against the floor, causing the chair to spin. 

“Why?” Peach asked as she made Rory stand up before sitting down, watching as Rory moved to sit on the couch. 

Rory groaned, “Max keeps trying to set me up with different women. He hasn’t been able to bring any of them into Hayden International because he knows my dad would kick his ass if he tried, but he’s been bringing them outside the building, waiting for me to finish work. It’s gotten very annoying.” 

“So, you’re using my office to avoid having beautiful women thrown at you?” Peach asked incredulously, but inwardly, she was happy to hear Rory say this. 

For the past few days, Peach had been worried that Rory would meet a woman that caught her eye, so she was relieved to hear that this was not the case and would this likely not change.

None of those whores are good enough for Rory. Should I speak to Max about backing the fuck off? Peach thought. 

“Pretty much.” Rory said, resting her head on the back of the couch, “I can leave if it bothers you.”

Peach shook her head, “No, it’s fine. My office will always be open for you to use as a hideout.” 

“Thanks, Peach. I owe you one.” 

“Well, I figure you should be able to relax since you’re not going to able to.” 

Rory raised an eyebrow, “What do you mean?” 

Peach reached into her purse and pulled out a golden envelope from it, handing it to Rory. 

Rory saw that her name had been written on the front of the envelope in loppy cursive and had been written with silver ink. Rory looked at Peach with a mixture of amusement and confusion before opening the envelope.

You, Rory Hayden, have been cordially invited to the most important social gathering of the season, hosted by Ansley Villarosa, and held at the Chelsea Arts Tower.  

Rory looked back at Peach, “Your mom’s having a party?” 

Peach sighed, “She wants her return to New York to be memorable.”

“Has she not been in for a while? I remember you telling me that she doesn’t live here.” 

“Honestly she doesn’t really live anywhere with how much she travels.” Peach said, “But she hasn’t been in the city in about, four years, I think.” 

 “And she doesn’t think two weeks is too short notice for most people?” Rory asked. 

Peach through her head back and laughed, “Trust me, it's more than enough time. This is how I know you’ve never been anything hosted by my mom.” 

“Is my ignorance showing that much?” Rory asked playfully. 

“A little, people are constantly clamoring for my mom’s attention. People will make time once they get the invites.” 

“If that’s the case, I better start getting ready now, so I don’t embarrass myself.” 

“That would be best. You already have a lot to overcome, I’m not sure that two weeks would be enough for you.” Peach joked. 

“How sweet of you to say.” Rory said, giving Peach a small eye roll, “So, is your dad-” 

“He’s not coming.” Peach said, her smile falling from her face. 

“And this won’t lead to more problems between your parents?” 

Peach scoffed, “My dad is already pissed that my mom is back. Even if there was a tiny chance of my mom inviting him, he would refuse.” 

Peach had been dealing with her parents talking to her about their complaints and grievances with the other since her mother’s return to the city, and she was sick of it, knowing that this behavior would only grow worse with her mother’s party. 

I don’t think anyone would be able to handle the aftermath if the two of them were actually in a room together. Peach thought. 

“So, he’s going to be pissed off no matter what? That sucks.” 

“Tell me about it.” Peach muttered, “Imagine having to go through their arguments for over a decade.” 

“I really am sorry that you've had to go through all that.” Rory said, staring at the woman apologetically. “You could always try speaking to them about how you feel.” 

Peach laughed, “Trust me, I can't. It won’t do anything and just be a waste of time.” 

Peach knew her parents well enough that speaking to them, especially about her feelings, would be pointless. 

Seeing Peach’s changing emotional state, Rory decided that they needed to discuss something else. “So, are you going to save me dance at the social gathering of the season?” 

Peach raised an eyebrow, “I suppose I could find a few minutes to squeeze you into.” 

Rory grinned, “Only a few minutes? I don’t know about that, I’ve been told I’m a good dancer. You might be too mesmerized by it to focus on anything else.” 

“Oh, I’ll believe it when I see it.” 

“Then prepare to have your mind blown, Peaches.” 

Peach smirked, “If you keep building up my expectations like this, you might fail to deliver.” 

Rory returned the smirk with one of her own. “I never fail to live up to any expectations.” 

Peach was surprised that Rory returned her flirtation, both because it felt uncharacteristic of Rory and because Peach had ‘rejected’ Rory weeks earlier. 

“Peach? Peach, are you okay?” Rory asked after Peach stopped speaking and began to stare at her strangely. 

“I’m fine, sorry I was just thinking about something else.” Peach said with a fake smile. 

Rory did not believe Peach but could see that the other woman did not want to speak about it, and so did not push further.

~X~

Rory did not know what she was expecting when she left Peach’s office after a few hours, but she should have known that Max would figure out where she was and accost her. 

Max had grin on his face as he walked in step with Rory, “Roro, I have finally found the perfect woman for you.” 

“Max, I love you, I really do, but I need you to go fuck off.” Rory said tiredly. 

Max pouted, “But Roro! I really did-" 

“I don't want to date, and I’m not going to change my mind.” 

“So, you’re just going to keep pining after Peach for the rest of our lives?” Max asked. 

No, I mean, maybe for a few more weeks, possibly another month. But I will get over her… eventually. Rory thought, “Max, seriously, just let it go. I’m begging you, and I tried of having to let people down easy because you , aren’t listening to me.” 

Max huffed, “Fine, I’ll stop. For now.” 

Rory rolled her eyes, “Whatever. Is that all you wanted to say? Because I have to go shopping.” 

“Shopping for what?” 

Rory explained how she had been invited to attend a party that Peach’s mother was having in two weeks. 

“I wonder where my invite is.” Max said. 

Rory chuckled, “I don’t think enough time has passed between now and ‘The Party from Hell', for you to be in the public’s good graces.” 

That was what social media, and most news outlets had dubbed the party Max threw at his beach house. 

From eyewitness accounts of the people in attendance, the police report, the number of hospital visits that were recorded in the area, and finally the live stream of the entire thing, had been quite damming. 

And sentiment only grew worse when it came out that due to the NDAs that Max had every partygoer sign, the only punishment he would receive were fines for noise complaints and providing alcohol for a few individuals under the age of twenty-one. 

Legally, every partygoer had acknowledged that there was a possible danger that could emerge from attending and that Max could not be held responsible for any injuries or even deaths that occurred. 

So Max was now dealing with being canceled by the general public, although Max did not seem to care and was taking everything in stride. 

Max scoffed, “People are still upset about that? I apologized and everything!” 

“Yeah, because why wouldn’t people think you’re sincere when you post a single message about how deeply sorry you were, even though everyone knew they were getting into and were only upset because they couldn’t get any money out of you?” Rory said sarcastically. 

Max rolled his eyes, “Okay, when you say it like that, it makes me sound like an ass.” 

“Because you are an ass. If you had just said sorry and left it at that, people would be a little more forgiving.” 

“Whatever.” Max groaned. 

“Besides, it’s not a party, but a social gathering , you would be bored even if you were invited.” Rory said, knowing how her best friend felt about the fancy parties and events that were the norm of people in their class. 

“I don’t want to go, but it's the fact that I wasn’t invited, that’s the issue. I’m a Rockerfeller, even if you don’t like me, the effort should be made to pretend you want me around.” 

Rory grinned, “You know, your dad would be proud to know you feel that way.” 

Max stared at Rory with an annoyed look, “Rory, never say that to me again.” 

“What? It’s true, he would be proud. You usually don’t posture about how being a Rockefeller should give you special treatment.” 

Max glowered, and this caused Rory to laugh, “I fucking hate your dumb ass.” 

“Aw, love you too, Max.” 

“I need a new best friend, one who doesn’t have such stupid and unfounded opinions.” 

Serves you right. Rory thought, seeing it as revenge for the annoyances he had been giving her.

~X~

Two Weeks Later  

Joe watched from across the street, watching the building in front of him critically, and waiting for Beck to leave. 

Right now, his girlfriend was having one of her therapy sessions with Dr Nicky, the sessions increasing from once a week to three times a week, something that made Joe even more suspicious. 

Joe had tried to stay away, to trust Beck and not assume the worst, but he could not help himself, the voice in the back of his head made it impossible to ignore what he thought was obvious. 

Joe did not know what he was going to do if he was right, and Beck was cheating on him again. He had killed Michael for only kissing Beck, but what Beck was probably doing with Dr Nicky is worse. 

Why, Beck? Why do you even need to go to a therapist? You have me, I can be the one you confided in, not someone who is just trying to get into your pants and use you for nothing more than for their own carnal desires. Joe thought. 

He had done his own research into Beck new therapist, learning that Nicky was a married man with two children, along with having suspicions that Beck was not the first pretty young woman that Nicky had taken as a client and begun to get ‘close’ to. 

He needed to know what Nicky was genuinely like and what his and Beck’s intentions were, especially as Beck would be going out tonight with her friends to attend a party that Peach’s mother was holding. 

Something that inwardly irritated him as Beck had said that she would be unable to take him with her as Ansley Villarosa was a woman who was meticulous about who was allowed to attend one of her events. 

So now I have to compete with a therapist who can’t stay faithful to his wife and a bunch of arrogant trust fund babies for you, Beck? Why does it seem like you want everyone else but me? Why are you pushing me away?  

Joe perked up as he finally saw the woman he was thinking about, leaving the therapy office, frowning as he spotted the relaxed and easy-going smile on her face. 

Joe waited until Beck was far enough away before making his way across the street and entering the building. 

The only way he could figure out for sure if Beck was cheating on him or not, was to actually speak to the other man. 

Joe walked up to the receptionist sitting at the front desk, a large smile on his face, “Hi, I’m Paul Brown and I have an appointment with Dr Angevine.”

~X~

Later That Night  

Peach took a glass of champagne off the waiter’s tray as she walked past him, her second of the night. 

The party was well under way and filled with some of the most important, influential, and richest people across all industries and the globe. 

But Peach did care about any of them as she wondered where on earth Rory was, not only was the woman late, but Rory was distracting Peach with her lack of presence. 

She had lost sight of Annika and Lynn a while ago and she had just left Beck’s side after a tall, dark haired, and handsome man had walked up to them, his eyes focused entirely on Beck. 

If this was a few months ago Peach would have been furious, both at being blatantly ignored and because of the clear intentions the man obviously had for Beck, but Peach did not feel much other than a slight annoyance at her and Beck’s conversation being interrupted. 

She should have been upset that the woman she loved was once again showing interest in some boring man that was not good for her than her, but Peach was not. And she knew the reason was because the deep love Peach thought she had for Beck had dissipated. 

If anything, Peach questioned how and why she fell in love with Beck, how she was not able to see how pointless such a pursuit was. 

Peach rolled her eyes at herself at the thought, finishing her champagne and finding another waiter, taking a third glass for herself. And just as she brought the glass to her lips, Peach finally found the woman she had been waiting for all night. 

Rory was wearing a white, forming fitting suit with gold and black accents, a black tie around her next, and wore black heels. Her hair had been straightened and pushed back, and she wore golden rings on her fingers along with earrings. 

Rory looked amazing, and all Peach wanted to do was drag Rory to the nearest room, tie Rory to a bed or a chair, and destroy her, own her, ruin her for everyone else. 

God what is wrong with me? Peach thought as she continued to check Rory out, focusing on Rory’s stature, her curves, her face. 

The possessiveness she felt increased along with her anger when she finally noticed Rory was not standing alone, but was standing in front of three women, all of whom were beautiful and were looking at Rory with lust in their eyes. 

Rory had a small smile on her face as she was speaking to the other women, whatever she said causing the three to laugh heartily. Peach did not recognize the women, letting her know that they were of no significant importance. 

Rory isn’t that funny, they shouldn’t be laughing so hard, it’s so fucking fake! Peach tightened her hand around her glass so much that one would think she was close to breaking it. 

Peach finished her champagne quickly, almost slamming it onto the tray of a passing waiter as she stalked towards Rory and her three admirers. 

“Rory, is this where you have been all night? Keeping me waiting as you talk to your...” Peach’s smile became sharper as she glanced at the other women before looking at Rory again. “New friends ?” 

Rory chuckled, not noticing the jealousy and anger that Peach was emitting, “There was an issue at work that I had to take care of last minute. And I only arrived about twenty minutes ago.” 

“All I’m hearing are excuses.” Peach said, standing closer to Rory as she looked at the three women again. Each looked annoyed with Peach’s presence and how she easily took Rory’s attention away from them, causing Peach to smirk. “So, what are you doing now then?” 

Rory looked at the three women, “Well, I was talking to F-” 

“You still owe me that dance.” Peach said, not wanting to hear any of their names and pulling Rory away before Rory or the women could say anything about it. 

“You know that was pretty rude, Peaches.” Rory said, looking at Peach amused, “Just walking into our conversation and pulling us away without even introducing yourself or letting me say goodbye.” 

Peach scoffed, “Don’t act like you weren’t bored out of your fucking mind talking to them. I was doing you a favor by giving you far better company.” 

“Is that so?” Rory asked playfully. 

“Yes, it is.” Peach said, “Besides, like I said; you still owe me a dance. I have to see if you’re really as good as you say or all talk.” 

Rory laughed and Peach began to lead them towards the dance floor. “You’re such a demanding woman.” 

“You love it.” 

“I do.” 

Peach felt her heart skip a beat when Rory said that, her skin started to flush, and a warmth spread across her stomach and chest. 

The dance floor was full of other people moving to the music that was being played by the live orchestra.  

Rory took the lead, placing one hand on Peach’s waist while raising the other and holding one of Peach’s hands with her own. Peach placed her other hand on Rory’s shoulder, allowing Rory to pull them closer together. 

“Starting to eat your words now?” Rory asked as they glided across the dance floor. 

Peach smirked, “You’re not bad, but I still don’t see the greatness you were talking about.” 

Peach’s eyes widened when Rory suddenly spun her around, making Peach’s back face her as Rory now held both of her hands, their arms spread out. 

Rory leaned her head down, her mouth now next to Peach’s ear, “Is this more impressive?” 

“It’s getting there.” Peach huffed. 

Rory spun Peach back around, laughing at the pout that now rested on Peach’s lips. 

To both women, it felt like they were the only two people in the room, unable to look away from the other’s eyes as they danced, completely ignoring everything and everyone. 

Peach could not deny that Rory was a flawless dancer, not wasting a single movement, and leading them confidently and elegantly. “So, is this natural talent or were you taught to be this good?” 

Rory chuckled, “As much as I would love to say I was born an amazing dancer, I was taught. Ballroom dancing was one of the many lessons my mom made take growing up.” 

“Lessons?” Peach asked. 

Rory pursed her lips, “My mom was worried that because of my upbringing that not knowing how to act in proper settings, would make me more susceptible to bullying and mockery by our peers. So, she basically made me take weekly rich people lessons so I could know what’s up.” 

“Rich people lessons, huh?” Peach teased, “I think your mom may want to get her money back, those lessons clearly didn’t work. I’ve seen how uncivilized you still are.” 

Rory rolled her eyes, “I know how to behave, I just choose not to. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to charm your mom into giving me an invitation.” 

Peach rolled her own eyes when she remembered how taken Ansley was after only a single meeting with Rory. “So, ass kissing was one of these lessons too, hmm?” 

“Of course, why do you think I'm so good at it?” 

Peach laughed and Rory smiled, once again mesmerized by the undeniable beauty of the woman standing in her arms. Peach was never more gorgeous to Rory than when she was smiling and happy, instead of hiding her true feelings. 

This really isn’t helping me move on. Rory thought, still smiling widely. 

As the two women were dancing and unknown to them, they were being watched from afar by their mothers. 

Amber and Ansley shared at grinned as they clinked their champagne glasses together, drinking from them and going back to watching their daughter dance, completely lost in the other.

~X~

A Few Hours Later  

Rory nursed her champagne, standing on the high rise’s balcony and staring at the city’s skyline, using her other hand to text Max. 

“I’m starting to think you don’t want to be around me, this is the second time you’ve made me come searching for you.” Peach said as she closed the balcony door behind her and stood next to Rory, resting one arm on the steel railing. 

Rory grinned, “I would never. I just think you can’t stand being away from me for very long.” 

Peach rolled her eyes, “Keep telling yourself that.” 

Rory laughed, putting her phone back in her pocket, “Max was texting me, he wanted to know how the party was going, along with bitching about not being able to come.” 

“Well, he would have been invited if he hadn’t made himself into a social pariah by blowing up a house. Honestly, why did we even go to his party, let alone think his whole stunt would be safe?” Peach huffed. 

“From my experiences, Max has a way of convincing you to go along with even the dumbest shit imaginable. It’s part of his charm.” 

“It’s something alright, but I wouldn’t call it charm.” Peach muttered, causing Rory to laugh. 

“He’s still trying to get me into dating though. Apparently, he found someone who he’s sure I’ll like this time. I think it’s because he been laying low and staying off social media, so he doesn’t have anything to do besides meddle in my love life.” 

Peach froze at this, slowly turning her head to stare at Rory with a blank expression. Rory did not notice, still facing forward as she spoke. 

“He’s now trying to convince me to give her a chance, that she’s a model, French, loves video games, and loves to travel.” Rory said offhandedly, “He thinks she and I will work because she travels so much for work that she won’t want anything super serious and would fine with us being casual.” 

Peach clenched her jaw the more Rory spoke of her potential date, especially when she mentioned a causal relationship, and the thoughts that formed in Peach’s mind in association with that word. 

Rory rolled her eyes, “I don’t know how many times I have to tell Max that-” 

Rory’s eyes bulged when Peach grabbed her face and smashed their lips together, and when she gasped, Peach forced her tongue into Rory’s mouth, brushing their tongues against each other. 

A shiver ran down Peach’s spine when she felt Rory return the kiss, moving her hands from the railing to Peach’s hips. Rory pulled her impossibly closer, and Peach moved her hands from Rory’s face to the back of her neck, her burying her fingers into Rory’s hair. 

A moan escaped Rory’s lips as the kiss intensified, her grip on Peach tightening, making Peach gasp, a sound that made Rory’s knees feel weak and made her want to pull more of those delicious sounds from Peach. 

Peach tugged at the back of Rory’s hair, and Rory groaned in response. Eventually the two broke apart, each gasping for breath, their pupils blown as they stared at the other. 

“Holy shit.” Rory and Peach jumped, their heads quickly snapping in the direction of the voice, and seeing Beck standing by the balcony doors, a surprised and wide-eyed expression on her face. 

Peach’s own eyes widened and she ripped herself out of Rory’s arms, dread, fear, and shame all building within her at the realization that her best friend had seen her kissing Rory. 

Seeing the terrified look on her face, Rory tried to step closer and reassure her. “Peach-” 

Before Rory could say anything, Peach bolted, rushing past Beck, desperate to get as far away from both women as she could. 

“Peach!” Rory called out, following her but she quickly lost Peach in the crowd. 

Fucking hell. Rory thought, reaching forward her phone to try and reach Peach that way. 

“I… I didn’t mean to interrupt, I just… Wow…” Beck was still staring in the doorway and was still in shock. 

Rory and Peach? I know that they have feelings for each other, have they been dating this whole time? But Peach would never do that, she’s only ever wanted that with …. Beck thought, the same feeling of jealousy flaring inside of her chest. 

Rory stared at Beck for a few seconds, she wanted to blame the other woman for chasing Peach away but she could not. 

Peach would have most likely run even if it was just the two of them. Especially because there was no excuse of alcohol that could be used to explain the behavior. 

Does Peach have feelings for me? Is that why she kissed me? Has she always liked me?  

Rory did not say anything to Beck, simply turning and walking away, no longer having any desire to stay at the party. 

Rory could not get her thoughts or her feelings straight. As she entered the elevator, she rested the back of her head on the wall and sighed, a tiredness seeping into her bones. 

Peach Salinger is the most complicated and infuriating woman Rory has ever met. 

And yet Rory could not deny how captivating Peach was, could not deny the desire she created within her. 

I think I should’ve listened to Max and tired harder to move on instead of wallowing to myself.  

Rory tired calling and texting Peach once she got home, but her calls immediately went to voicemail and her texts were left unread. 

What is wrong with me?