Page 10 of The Player

Picking up the reddish gold mask, my heart starts to beat in a quick session. I…can I go to the ball?

Yes, I can. There’s no way I’m going to let my shyness mess with me having a good time tonight. Taking a picture, I send it to Kaylee and ask her how I am supposed to do my makeup and hair.

A text message is sent back instantly, and there’s an address and a time with it.

Me

What does this mean?

K

Trust me, go and get beautified. Take your mask.

Me

Why are you doing this?

K

Because you deserve it and you are my best friend in the whole world. You need a night out.

Me

Thank you. I love you, girl.

K

Ditto.

Looking at the time, I have exactly thirty minutes before I need to be at the address. Taking the gown off, I put it back into its protective bagging and hurry to get dressed. I don’t want to wear this thing outside and ruin it before I get to the ball.

* * *

The hair appointment, along with makeup and a back massage, was amazing. I have never felt so pampered before. This is something I’m going to have to invest in more. Laughing at myself, I pull into the country club’s parking lot, wondering how tonight is going to go.

Me

I’m nervous.

I send Kaylee a quick text, and she doesn’t hesitate to call me.

“Girl, you got this. Just take a deep breath, open the car door, and walk into the room. You are strong, fierce, and going to have a good night. No one is going to know who you are because of the mask, and that’s a good thing. It will help you relax.”

I wish she was right, but I nod my head like she can see me. “Alright. I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow. I better get pictures of the engagement ring.”

We hang up and my stomach is in knots, but I walk in nonetheless and square my shoulders. I can do this.

CHAPTER SIX

Music blares out of the speakers strategically placed so they can’t be seen in the ballroom. I know exactly who I’m looking for because I begged my sister to get the dress and mask that would match my tuxedo. I mean, I’m going to be a 49er after all. There’s no way I was going to let Julie have any other color on tonight.

It bothers me that I will not be able to tell her who I am, but if all goes well tonight, I will have her in my arms, dancing the night away.

Taking the long way around, I canvass the area, wanting to be in the shadows for now. The mystery behind the masks makes this all the more exciting. Julie has no idea she’s my prey. Then again, she has no idea that I have ways to track her.

Every room she goes to on campus, including her private bathroom, has cameras in them. There’s not a single moment of the day I don’t know what she’s doing. I wonder if she would have me arrested for invading her privacy. For some reason, I don’t give a damn. My peace of mind is worth risking going to jail.

As the night goes on, I feel as if I’m going to explode. Men keep coming up to her, but she refuses to dance. I think she knows they are only asking her to be with them because of the mask. It’s disheartening to know that my standing threat has kept every single man away from her.

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