Page 64 of The Charmer

I didn't even make it out of the front room before opening it.

"Oh my," I sighed.

Inside was a truly exquisite mask. It was porcelain, which meant it cost a fortune—I’d never dared to use it for my own masks. It was clearly hand-painted with very delicate strokes.

I put it on and dashed into the bathroom, glancing in the mirror. I already knew what I was going to wear. It would match perfectly. I put it back in its box and immediately took out my phone, messaging Julian.

Georgie: I received the mask. It's truly exquisite.

Julian: I'm glad you like it. I bet it will take me no time at all to recognize you.

Georgie: Will everyone wear a mask?

Julian: Yes, me included.

Georgie: That's generous, giving everyone masks.

Julian: The invitation actually specified for everyone to bring their own mask, but I wanted something special for you.

Georgie: But then you know what it looks like.

Julian: No. I specifically instructed my assistant not to tell me any details.

Georgie: I'm not going to make it easy for you to recognize me.

Julian: Trust me, Georgie, I’d recognize you in a room with a million other women. You draw me in no matter what.

Holy shit, when did this game turn seductive?

Just like that, my heartbeat was way out of control as I made my way back to the front.

"You okay?" Zelda asked. "You’re flushed all of a sudden."

"I'm good. Let's get ready to work."

"By the way, the girls and I will try to hunt down a spot to watch the motorized floats. Want to join us?"

I bit the inside of my cheek. "Sorry, I can't. I have other plans."

"No problem," Zelda said.

Would it make me look like a snob if I told her I was watching it from the Marriott suite? Probably. I could try explaining what was going on with Julian. But as I said the words in my mind, I realized how far-fetched they seemed, so I decided to keep the information to myself.

For the rest of the day, I kept thinking about my outfit for the party while tending to customers.

Julian had assured me that his party would be something like the gathering at the bar. Casual. But how casual could an event at the Marriott be?

Oh, I had to stop fretting. It was Carnival season, and I had the perfect outfit.

***

The day of the party, I was extremely proud of my attire. At four o'clock in the afternoon, I told Zelda I had to leave early. I'd thought about schlepping my costume with me to the store, but I preferred to change at home.

"Actually, you know what? I think you can close," I told her, and her relief was palpable.

"Oh, thank goodness because the girls told me that I should really get there soon if I want to have a shot in hell of reaching them. The place is packed already."

I grimaced. "Then go, go, go."

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