Page 6

Can’t stop staring

A s I pass each person lining the red carpet, they smile and nod, treating me as if I’m royalty. Their lavish attention has me feeling like I’m a star at a movie premiere.

Once we enter the hotel, my handsome escort allows me a moment to enjoy the grandeur of the place.

I stand quietly, taking it all in. The impressive ceiling of the lobby is a full two stories high, with white marble flooring and an indoor water feature like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

I stare in awe at the floor-to-ceiling statue of an intricately carved dragon made of black stone. It’s curled around the top of a ragged mountain peak.

Movement from above catches my eye, and I look up to see the ring of lights above the statue moving slowly in a circular pattern. It causes the golden features of the dragon to seemingly shimmer with life.

What makes this water feature even more magical is the constant stream of water that flows from the ceiling, encircling the impressive dragon in a thin wall. At its base is a raised pool of water, glistening with pale blue lights from beneath.

“Wow…” I murmur as my escort walks me closer to the statue. The golden eyes of the beast stare down at me while it clutches the rock with its sharp claws. The sound of cascading water lulls me into believing that the dragon might actually be real.

“The Drakon is magnificent, isn’t it?” the gentleman states solemnly.

I like the unique way he pronounces “dragon” and nod in agreement. “It’s truly breathtaking.”

Glancing to the left, I see a fancy-looking restaurant with a red banner above the doors that reads: “The Black Drakon Lounge and Restaurant opening New Year’s Day.”

My escort smiles at me charmingly. “Come, Miss Lane.” The masculine power radiating from the man is intoxicating, and I gladly follow him as he leads me to the front desk behind the massive statue.

That’s when I notice Gwen waving at me enthusiastically.

My escort introduces me to one of the front desk staff, then turns to me. “Have a good evening, Miss Lane.”

I feel a little light-headed when I watch the distinguished gentleman walk away.

“Miss Lane?”

I turn back to the front desk and blush. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I’ll need you to read and sign this form, please.”

I take my time reading over it and note that I’m not allowed to mention the name of anyone I meet or any conversations I may have, outside of this event. It also stresses that photographs are strictly prohibited. Not having an issue with any of that, I sign the form and hand it back to her.

The moment I do, Gwen grabs my hand and pulls me toward the elevators, where another member of the staff is waiting for us.

“We’re so glad you could join us tonight.” The attendant smiles at us as she steps into the elevator with us and slides a card into the control panel before pressing the button.

The interior of the elevator is mirrored on all sides, including the ceiling. So, when I look forward, I can see the three of us from multiple angles without having to move my head. Traveling upward, I stare at my reflection and am reminded just how fabulous I look in this dress!

The elevator stops on the top floor, and the doors slowly open to a large hallway with black marble floors. Directly in front of us are large, deep red double doors with a black dragon painted on them.

The moment we step off the elevator, we’re greeted by an attractive man with handsome boyish features and wavy brown hair. He stands beside a table covered in rows of black masks.

“Choose the mask that calls to you,” he instructs in a decidedly Italian inflection.

At first glance, the black masks appear the same to me. But on closer inspection, I realize that they are various sizes and have special embellishments that make each one unique.

Gwen is quick to pick out her mask, and an assistant helps her to put it on. But with so many beautiful ones to choose from, I struggle to decide.

“May I suggest this one?” the man asks, pointing to a mask that has a cluster of iridescent jewels like my dress.

“Oh, yes! That’s perfect,” I agree. “Thank you.”

He nods. “My pleasure, bella signora .”

I hold the mask up to my face while he ties it on. The gentleness of his touch has me blushing slightly.

He gestures to the double doors, telling us both, “Enjoy your evening.”

For some reason, I feel anxious as I approach the large red doors, wondering what lies behind them. I have a gut feeling that everything will change once I walk through them.

“Are you okay?” Gwen whispers to me.

Taking a deep breath, I take her hand and the two of us walk forward together. As if by magic, the double doors open wide, and we walk into a huge suite already full of party guests.

Everyone is wearing black masks.

I appreciate the brilliance behind our masks. Not only do they add a touch of elegance and mystery to this event, but the likelihood of recognizing others in the crowd is less likely.

“Let’s get a lay of the land before we start to mingle,” Gwen insists.

Avoiding small talk for as long as possible is appealing to me, and I readily agree. Following her as she walks the parameters of the spacious room, I notice it features multiple seating areas scattered throughout.

The partygoers seem to have gathered in small groups of four to six and take no notice of the two of us.

While Gwen tries to figure out who is in attendance, I note the layout of the extravagant suite, from its spiral staircase that I suspect leads up to the master bedroom, to the elegant dining room with its stunning chandelier. I even spot an extensive library with floor-to-ceiling shelves and…a music room.

I can’t help myself and separate from Gwen to take a quick peek inside.

My jaw literally drops when I see the Steinway & Sons “Pictures at an Exhibition” Piano in the center of the room. That piano is one of the most expensive in existence! This majestic nine-foot Steinway is unique because it blends artistic design with history. I’ve only seen pictures of it, and never thought I would have the chance to see it in person.

It takes all of my willpower not to slip into the room and run my hands over its keys. But, at two and a half million, I’m certain the owner would not appreciate my boldness.

“Isn’t this place amazing?” Gwen exclaims, pulling me away from the music room. She guides me to the wall of windows that overlook Central Park.

“I can’t believe any of this is real…” I murmur as I stand beside her, taking in the spectacular view.

Gwen nudges me in the ribs. “I told you this was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“I’m lucky we’re friends,” I laugh self-consciously, feeling way out of my comfort zone. Looking at all of the people dressed so elegantly, I know I would stick out like a sore thumb if it weren’t for her.

“Time to circulate!” she declares, nodding to the closest group.

I hesitate and then pull away from her. “That’s okay, G. I’d rather stay here and cheer you on from the sidelines.”

“Sophie! What’s the point of coming tonight if you aren’t going to be part of the fun?”

I stare at Gwen in disbelief. “How long have you known me? I’m the wallflower. You’re the social butterfly.”

“Ah, come on! Can’t you step out of your shell just this once?”

“Not if you want me to enjoy myself.”

Gwen pouts all cute-like, but I just roll my eyes.

“You’re impossible, Soph. You know that?” she huffs. “But, since I love you, I won’t push.”

“Thanks, G.”

I move closer to the window while watching Gwen glide into the group as if she’s known them for a lifetime. I admire how easy she is around people—it’s her superpower.

Although she and I are like night and day when it comes to our social skills, it has never gotten in the way of our friendship. I’ve always been grateful for that, but never more than I am tonight.

While she’s occupied, I amuse myself by scanning the huge room without anyone realizing I’m staring at them because of my mask. It gives me the anonymity I need to take in this entire event.

I find it interesting to observe people when they are unaware of being watched. It allows me to notice things about them that others might miss. Like the muscular individual who has his arm wrapped tightly around the waist of an attractive woman, but keeps glancing at another woman across the room.

I nickname him The Scoundrel.

Then there’s the overly animated brunette. At first glance, she seems to be the life of the party in her group. But, upon closer inspection, I realize the other people are avoiding eye contact with her, and one person has their arms crossed. Yet, the brunette hasn’t taken notice and keeps on talking.

I nickname her Clueless.

Scanning the groups again, I catch sight of another woman on the other side of the room, standing alone like me. Although she is facing away, she holds herself in a manner that exudes quiet confidence. Her hair is done up in a loose French twist, which highlights her long neck and the elegant silver choker around her throat.

For her, I choose the nickname Quiet Beauty.

Intrigued, I move closer, noting that her lavender gown adds an air of romance to a sea of modern sophistication and sharp-edged fashion.

She slowly turns to face me as she scans the crowd. Our eyes meet briefly, and she graces me with a genuine smile. I can’t help returning it, charmed by the warmth of her expression.

But I’m startled when I realize she is the only person in the entire room wearing a white mask.

What does that mean?

It’s obvious she’s looking for someone as she continues to scan the large crowd. Taking the opportunity to study her mask without being noticed, I see that it’s covered in sparkling crystals. On the right side of the mask are amber stones in the shape of a small violin, and on the left are black jewels that look like musical notes on a staff.

I’m close enough to her to see that the silver choker has a small heart-shaped lock in the back. How charming is that?

Now thoroughly invested in this woman, I screw up the courage to walk up to ask her name. But just as I approach, a tall man emerges from the crowd, and Quiet Beauty flashes him a tender smile.

“Sir…” I hear her murmur.

I freeze in place and watch as the gentleman joins her. He’s dressed in a classic black suit and is as handsome as she is beautiful. With chiseled facial features and an attractive five-o’clock shadow, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a model. However, it is more than his good looks that I find attractive. I’m captivated by the way he looks at her and decide to nickname him Handsome Stranger.

When he approaches Quiet Beauty, he opens his arms and she melts into his embrace. The two of them gaze into each other’s eyes before he leans down to kiss her.

I glance away, but find myself stealing another look. Even though I feel like a voyeur, I openly stare at the couple as he kisses her passionately. It’s the kind of kiss I’ve only seen in movies—and never experienced myself.

The chemistry between the couple is obvious, but there is unspoken respect in the way he holds and kisses her. He expresses his devotion to her through small gestures. Like the way he cradles her face in his hand, then pulls back to look into her eyes before kissing her again.

While openly staring at him, I note the details of his black mask. I’m surprised to see that it also shares the same five musical notes as her white mask, but his are painted in gold.

The couple is so enamored with each other that they seem oblivious to everyone around them. Which is fortunate, because I can’t stop staring at them.

“I have missed you…” he murmurs in a loving voice, clasping the back of her neck before their lips meet again. Unfortunately, he must have felt me staring because his eyes shift in the middle of their kiss, and his gaze locks onto me.