The next morning, he still felt a little bent out of shape from last night. He swore to never see her again. Last night she went too far. He couldn't stand the humiliation and indignities put him through anymore. If she loved him, why would she treat him like this?
He glumly paced himself to the kitchen table and noticed sulking at the table in the same state as him.
"You don't look well," Howard said.
"Neither do you," Vince moped.
"Well let's hear your story first," Howard took a seat.
"Alright so remember those two gorgeous twins I brought in that one time?" Vince asked.
"Twin means two Vince," Howard corrected.
"I don't care right now Howard! They left me feeling bloody awful. Now do you want to hear what happened or are you going to critique the whole thing?" Vince scowled.
"Fine sorry, go on then," Howard said.
"I can't remember what happened last night but I woke up handcuffed to the towel rack in the hotel's bathroom, and not only that, the girls were gone along with all my money, furs, and jewels."
"Oh how unfortunate, I'm sorry to hear that Vince," Howard said.
"Why would they do that? Not only did they take everything, they slashed the tires on my new limo!" Vince groaned and held his temples.
"I'm sorry Vince but did you really think they were interested in you? They were interested in your new found wealth," Howard said.
"I can't believe this shit! I was gonna marry them!" Vince cried.
"Vince it would've never worked out, they would never love you plus… you can't have two wives!" Howard retorted.
"Why not? Rich folks have trophy wives, why can't I have two?" Vince pouted.
"It's not right Vince no one can…," he grunted from the sheer absurdity.
"Well whatever, what's your story then?" Vince asked.
"Last night was hell for me though I don't know if it comes close to yours. Anyway the worst of it is Emma yelled at me, jammed her high heel into my stomach, and then she threw her drink in my face," Howard frowned from remembering it.
"Still sounds pretty crummy though," Vince said.
"The strangest part is that she told me she loved me last night but none of it makes sense."
"Howard," Vince shook his head. "How thick can you get? She's manipulating you. I told you, something's wrong with her."
"I know but last night she sounded like she really meant it," Howard said.
"What did she tear up like in some cheesy soap opera?" Vince asked.
"No, but she just sounded very serious," Howard crossed his arms.
"You seem to be sugar coating this whole thing. You just told me she kicked you in the stomach!" Vince exclaimed.
"I know, I know," Howard said.
"Then are you going to get rid of her or what?" Vince's voice squeaked with exasperation.
"I was thinking about it," Howard said.
"Is that so?" a voice said.
They turned their heads with a start. Emma was leaning against the wall across from them. She had a nasty scowl on her face. "Howard, could you leave the room for a bit? I'd like to have a word with… this," she waved her arm at Vince cruelly.
"Well I don't know about that…" Howard shifted his eyes to Vince. Vince nodded as if to say he has it under control. "Alright then," he turned around and walked to his room.
"So you're Howard's friend. What's your name again? Simon or was it Damien?" she said.
"It's Vince," he rolled his eyes.
"Oh that's right. I knew it was something cocky and over done," Emma giggled to herself.
"Right, so what is it you're wanting to talk about?" Vince said in a harsh tone.
"I'm sorry if I got a little off track, but yeah I did have something to talk about," she said with a sly grin.
"Well I'm all ears," Vince spread his arms out.
"That's good, I like a man who listens," she said. Vince dropped his eyelids and raised his brows, expressing impatience. "Now since you're sitting pretty and waiting oh so patiently I suppose you're ready enough to listen Vincey Boy. Now I see you and Howard have been acquainted with each other for let's see…"
"A while," Vince interrupted.
"Now isn't that something? Being good pals for an eternity it seems," Emma placed her hands over her heart dramatically. "That's all fine and dandy, but now I'd like it if you'd keep your distance from Howard now. For example, don't talk to him, don't come near him, and if it's possible, don't even look at him thank you very much."
"Alright! Just who do you think you are coming in here acting like Howard's your personal man bitch?" Vince shouted.
"Think of it this way, you're not a very good influence on him. So disobedient, short-tempered, and stubborn. Those are defiantly traits I don't want rubbing off on my Howard."
"That's where you're wrong Emma," Vince pronounced her name with strong apathy. "Howard belongs to nobody. He's a very liberal, independent spirit or a maverick as he calls himself."
"Is that what he says? Sounds like he needs some correcting…" she stepped towards the hallway.
"Don't even think about it Tinkerbelle!" Vince rapidly blocked her way. "If I find out about you doing anything else to Howard, I'll knock your teeth out!"
"Foolish maggot!" Emma hissed. Her eyes glowed red and her brows pressed incredibly tight, making hundreds of creases. Her mouth curled up at the sides forming a grotesque grin with needled sharp teeth. "The weak mortal's soul belongs to me now," she bellowed in a hellish voice. "Nobody will be able to save him now. Once his soul is ours, our dark kingdom shall be restored and my sisters will arise!"
Vince stood there frozen with fear. His eyes were fully widened and his body quivered. He could hardly believe how much he underestimated her.
"Emma? Are you just about done?" Howard said as he stepped out of his room fully dressed.
Emma's face turned back into normal within an instant. "Why yes Sweetheart and look at you, so dashing!" she held her hands together by her cheek and grinned.
"Oh please… I just threw this on without thinking," he blushed and smiled slightly.
"Well it's good that you're well-dressed. I have some thrilling plans for tonight…" she grinned.
"Oh alright then," Howard said. He was about to take her by the arm but then Vince abruptly sprung at him. "Hey! Hey! Vince what's gotten into you?" Howard exclaimed.
"Howard… don't go with her! J-just don't go with her! She's not right! Howard please! Whatever you do just don't do it!" Vince gripped on Howard tightly. He looked like he just witnessed a murder.
"Get off me Vince! You know the rule, no touching!" Howard pushed him off and frowned.
"Howard pleased! She's not human!" Vince cried out.
"Aw how adorable, he's jealous of our love!" Emma snuggled up next to Howard.
"Emma please, have some consideration for Vince here," Howard chuckled.
"Howard listen to me please!" Vince cried.
"Shall we go then Darling?" Howard linked his arm with hers.
"Certainly," she grinned and crinkled her nose.
"Howard! Howard please! Howard!" Vince begged as he followed them. Howard and Emma walked down the stairs huddled together. It was as if they couldn't hear his pleas and cries. "Howard damn you! Listen to me!" Vince cried.
"Bye Vince," Emma said with an evil grin.