Page 29 of One Weekend in Sydney

“Okay, I’m going now,” Romeo says. “Take your time getting ready. Feel free to raid the fridge, although I don’t have much in there. And then just lock the door behind you when you leave.”

Can he stop being so damn nice so I won’t feel any more sorry for myself? “Okay,” I answer with fake cheer. “Thanks again.”

He doesn’t reply straight away, and I wonder if he’s left.

Just as I’m about to pull down the covers from my face, he says, “Bye, Juliet.” Then I hear him walk out.

* * *

Itiptoe into the bedroom I share with Odette in the hotel suite, the early morning light filtering through the curtains. I can see Odette’s form on her bed, still buried under a mound of blankets. I breathe a sigh of relief, thinking I’ve managed to sneak in undetected.

Just as I’m about to close the door softly behind me, I hear a rustling from Odette’s bed. “Tara? Is that you?” her voice, groggy with sleep, calls out.

I freeze, one foot still hovering above the ground. “Yeah, it’s me,” I admit, trying to keep my voice casual.

Odette sits up, rubbing her eyes. “What time is it? And why are you just getting in?” Her voice is laced with concern more than accusation.

I hesitate, my hand still on the doorknob. “It’s early,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I just... needed some fresh air. Couldn’t sleep.”

Odette squints at me. “Fresh air, huh? You’re still in your dress from last night.” She raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. “And your hair is a mess. Spill it, sister.”

I sigh, knowing I can’t hide anything from her. I walk over to my bed and sit down, kicking off my heels. “Okay, fine. I spent the night with someone.”

Odette’s eyes widen, and she grins mischievously. “Really? Who? Tell me everything!”

I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “I won’t tell you his name because we agreed to keep our anonymity.”

“As if I’d know who it is,” Odette says dryly. “Anyway, I’m not really interested in his name. I’m interested in what happened.”

I let out a snort. “Surely you know what happens in a one-night stand.”

“I mean, where did you find him? What made you say yes?”

Pressing my lips together, I gather my thoughts. It’s not that I don’t want to share anything with my best friend. It’s just that my time with Romeo was so special that I want to keep most of it to myself.

I decide to go for the shortened version. “I met him at the masquerade. He cut in while I was dancing with another guy I sat next to during dinner. Then I was thirsty, so we went to get a drink, but the lines inside the venue were so long that he suggested we go outside. Even though I couldn’t tell what he looked like behind the mask, I was attracted to him. I think it’s because I sensed his honesty. He wasn’t smarmy at all. Then I remembered your suggestion, and it just came out of my mouth. I asked him for a one-night stand.”

Odette shrieks. “Youasked him?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Way to go, Tara! And how was it?”

I can’t help my wide grin. “It was the most amazing night of my life.”

Odette pounds her bed in excitement. “I didn’t think you’d do it, but I’m so happy you did. Any regrets?”

I hesitate for a tad. “Not at all. It was everything I asked for.”

“Did you keep your masks on the whole time?”

“No. We went to his place, and he pulled down all the blinds and turned all the lights off. We couldn’t see each other.”

“Oooh, that’s like sensory play. No wonder you enjoyed it so much.” Odette pauses. “But you never saw his face?”

“No. He wore his masks while he got dressed, and I had the covers over my head.”

“Oh. How do you know he didn’t take a peek at what you look like while you were getting dressed?”

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