Page 8 of Until

Tom styles my hair into long waves, holding the front pieces back with a diamond hair clip. Jerry’s makeup gives me high cheekbones, and luscious long lashes, with pouty lips. And the dress that Nakia picks out is the icing on the cake. She wasn’t kidding when she said Barbie.

The dress is white silk, strapless, with pearls and sparkling crystals sewn into the skirt and bodice. The shoes look as if they are made of delicate blown glass, just as I imagined Cinderella wearing when Grandma read fairy tales to me as a child.

Admiring myself in the mirror I feel like a combination of Barbie, and a princess.

“I wish my grandmother could see me like this.”

“Give me your phone,” Jerry says. “You can show her tomorrow.”

As Jerry takes my picture, the main room door opens. Alex walks in, takes a look at me, and nods his approval.

“Reggie is waiting downstairs for you,” he says. “He’ll be driving you there, and picking you up. Remember, do not give anyone your name. Also, you have until midnight. I would tell you good luck, but I don’t think you need it.” He turns to go, then stops himself. “I almost forgot.” He reaches into his jacket pocket, pulls out an ornate diamond-encrusted mask, and hands it to me. “You’ll need this.”

Music plays in the car as Reggie takes me to the ball. He’s quiet and doesn’t say anything during the hour-long drive until we’re off the main highway.

“We will be there in about ten minutes,” he says. “If you need me I’ll be outside waiting for you. You remember the rules?”

“Yes, no names, and I have until midnight.”

“Correct, miss. But one more thing.”

“What?”

“Do enjoy yourself,” he says. “I suspect this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t worry so much about why you’re there, savor the moment. Enjoy the time. You look lovely, my dear. Your grandmother would be proud.”

“Thank you, Reggie.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

Reggie drops me off at the entrance, and I’m immediately taken by the lights and music that’s pouring from the building. I enter, feeling unsure of myself, but think that Reggie is right. I should enjoy this.

I decide that the first thing I’ll do is find the masked man and get the dance out of the way. Then I’ll have until midnight to do whatever I want.

The ballroom pulsates with a laser light show that matches the beats from the band in a corner playing music. Stilt walkers make their way through the crowd, and I search my memory for their correct name. Moko Jumbie. The ball is a mix of a carnival plus royal fantasy, and I love it.

Slowly I make my way to the edge of the dance floor, my arms wrapped around me for comfort. I’m surprised at how nervous I am, and showing so much cleavage doesn’t help.

I take a deep breath as I look around hoping to see the green mask with gold accents. I close my eyes as I try to summon up the courage to move further into the crowd of people dancing and having fun.

“You can do this,” I say. “They’re no different than you.” I open my eyes and enter the crowded dance floor.

“Looking for someone?”

The man’s voice startles me, and I laugh as I turn towards him. It’s the man in the green mask Alex showed me. How did I get so lucky?

He’s tall, with broad shoulders, and muscular underneath his suit. His thick light brown hair is brushed back, and the mask seems to focus my attention on his eyes. The mask makes it difficult to tell how old he is, but he has a quiet confidence that men my age don’t have. Even without being able to see his entire face, I can tell he’s the hottest man I’ve ever seen.

His smile puts me at ease, as I forget why I’m there. Alex, the money, all of it vanishes as I let myself fall into this fantasy world where I get to play a princess to this gorgeous prince.

CHAPTER 4

Ryan

The party is in full swing when I arrive. Part of my plan is to make sure I’m neither the first nor the last to arrive. I don’t want anyone to suspect that I’m the host.

It’s refreshing being able to walk through the crowd without anyone expecting anything from me. No one recognizes me. I can be myself.

Surrounding the ballroom are balconies which give the guests a place to rest as they watch the events below. Walking through the colorful ballroom are jugglers, clowns, and fire dancers entertaining the crowd.

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