Page 106 of Absinthe Minded

My throat tightened, and my vision blurred at the thought of Gabe. I hadn’t seen him or Ella in several days, not since the night I’d ruined his proposal. I missed him more with each passing second.

Shanna gave my hand a squeeze. “If I can do this, so can you. You know how much I hate these society things.”

Dahlia rolled her eyes. “You always say that, but I didn’t hear you complaining when I got your ticket, or when we were getting dressed.

“Fine. I like the events, but I could do without the people…except you two. Maggie is as poor as I am, and you can’t help it your father is an oilman turned governor.” Shanna turned from Dahlia to me. “You got this.”

I nodded.

“Cheer up, Mags. A lot of women cry their first time,” Dahlia whispered, and the two traitors burst out laughing.

“I’m never going to live that down, am I?”

“Not a chance.” Dahlia snickered.

“Let’s put our masks on and pretend we’re movie stars.” Shanna winked and tied her mask behind her head.

Dahlia stared out the window, likely searching for Leo. “Ready, ladies?”

“As I’m ever going to be.” I twisted the engagement ring.

Dahlia climbed from the limo as if she rode in limos every day. Her easy grace made me feel even more awkward.

For the umpteenth time that day, I wished Gabe was by my side. He had a way of calming my nerves and making me feel beautiful.

Shanna stepped from the limo and joined Dahlia beside the car.

I drew a quick breath and set one foot on the driveway. Taking my time, I arranged the layers of silk chiffon before I stood. “Here goes nothing.”

The breeze picked up sending my hair and soft blue and white fabric swirling around me. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Gabe. He stared but I couldn’t decipher his expression.

I took a step forward and stumbled on the uneven cobble stone.

Shanna caught my elbow before I embarrassed myself. “Did you see him?”

“Yes, but he disappeared again.”

“He might have been called away. Leo swears he isn’t angry with you.” Dahlia moved to my other side.

We walked into the large courtyard behind the portico. A band played in the distance, and waiters with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres milled among the new arrivals.

“There’s Leo. I’ll get the scoop.” Dahlia lifted her skirts and hurried off.

“One down, one to go,” Shanna said under her breath.

I motioned to the couple, who were whispering like schoolgirls. “I don’t know why they don’t admit they’re in love and put each other out of their misery.”

“Pot, kettle.” Shanna smirked.

“That’s what I’m here to do.” I hooked my arm in Shanna’s and walked through the crowd toward the sound of music.

The first Marchionni to approach was Enzo. Dressed in a dark tux, white shirt and deep green tie, he looked like he belonged with Shanna. Even the blues and greens in his mask complemented her peacock feathers. He nodded in my direction, but his eyes remained focused on my bestie.

He leaned close and whispered, “Would you care to dance?”

“Oh, I see how it is. Not even a hello, Enzo?” I lifted my mask.

He did a double take. “Maggie? Wow. I didn’t recognize you. You look fabulous.”

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