Page 107 of Absinthe Minded

I twirled, showing off the costume. “Thanks. So do you. Have you met Shanna?”

Enzo smiled behind his half mask. “I have now.”

“Shanna, this is Enzo Marchionni. Be careful. He’s almost as smooth as his brother.”

“Please, dance with me,bella.” He offered his hand.

And just like that, Shanna seemed to fall under his spell. “I’d love to.”

I couldn’t help but smile as they walked to the dance floor. In all the years we’d been friends, I’d never seen Shanna blush—until now.

Once the crowd swallowed the couple, I turned and almost toppled over a waiter carrying a single glass of champagne. “Excuse me.”

“This is for you from the gentleman.” He nodded toward the drink.

“Thank you. Which gentleman?”

The waiter gazed over the crowd. “My apologies, miss, but I don’t see him.”

“Thank you.” I took the glass and walked away.

Sipping champagne, I glanced over the crowd and met Gabe’s father’s gaze.Crap. The last person I want to speak to.

I made my way toward the dessert table to avoid the elder Marchionni. A couple of chocolate treats would ease my nerves.

“Maggie?” Papa Joe kissed my hand. “You’re a vision tonight.”

All of the Marchionni men were handsome, including Papa Joe. He had the same green eyes as the boys, but his hair had turned silver.

“Thank you, Mr. Marchionni.” I took a large gulp of champagne and made a show of looking around. I had no idea if Evelyn had told him I’d written the article, or about our conversation.

“Please, call me Joe. It’s almost time for Chloe to perform. You’re seated with the family.”

“Of course.” I knew that she and Gabe had been planning a private recital, but I had no idea what they had in store. I couldn’t imagine putting Chloe on stage in front of so many people. My stomach knotted with worry at the thought.

Papa Joe led me to a table front and center of the stage. A half a second later, Gabe and Zach walked toward the stairs, carrying guitars.

Nadine and Evelyn joined us, both women staring at me openmouthed. I probably wore the same expression. As far as I knew, they couldn’t stand each other, but to see them now, you’d think they were old friends.

My mother nodded to me. “Mary Margaret, you look…”

“Gorgeous. You look absolutely gorgeous.” Evelyn patted my hand.

I might have been petty, but I reveled in my mother’s stunned-stupid reaction. The makeover had done wonders for my confidence—not even Nadine could ruin it.

My mother leaned close and whispered, “I’m hurt I had to read about your engagement in the paper.”

I cringed. She deserved to have heard it from me, but things had gone sideways after the announcement was published. Not to mention, I didn’t want her negativity muddying the already dirty water. “I should have called, but I wasn’t sure you’d approve.”

She managed to frown without actually moving her lips. “Why would you think that?”

“Men like Gabe marry girls that look like Rebecca.”

For the first time in as long as I could remember, my mother seemed flustered. She pressed her hand to her chest and bowed her head. “I only meant to spare you pain.”

Before I could respond, the lights dimmed. Gabe half-sat on a stool, his acoustic guitar settled onto one thigh. Zach stood at the microphone, glancing around. The band behind them quieted and a single spotlight centered on the teen.

“For those of you who don’t know me, my name’s Zachary Marchionni. A year ago, my parents died in a car accident. My little sister and I would like to dedicate this performance to them.”

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