It’s now five minutes until Cole arrives.
I pull out my phone one more time. My thumb hovers over her name in my messages. I should text her and ask her if she's still coming. Fuck appearing desperate.I’m desperate.
I'm about to text her when the door opens one more time.
And there she is.
She's silhouetted by the hallway light behind her wearing an 18th-century gown in pale blue and cream, with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flows around her like water.
A powdered wig covers her blond hair and a mask covers the upper half of her face, decorated with tiny pearls and silver thread.
Most people probably wouldn't recognize her. The wig completely changes her appearance, and the mask hides enough of her features that she could be anyone.
And then she turns slightly, still scanning the crowd, and even in the low light, even through the mask, I see her eyes.
Green bedroom eyes.
I would know those eyes anywhere.
Relief crashes through me. She's here. Now the party can start.
I push off from the wall and move through the crowd toward her. She hasn't seen me yet as she's still standing near the entrance, looking uncertain. I navigate past a group dressed as various superheroes.
Avery is talking to Harper now.
I'm almost to her when the lights dim even further. Harper's voice carries through the space: “He's pulling up. Everyone get ready.”
The room erupts in excited whispers as people scramble to their positions. The music cuts out completely. Someone kills the main lights, leaving only the candles and string lights to illuminate the space.
I use the chaos to close the remaining distance between us.
Avery has moved slightly away from Harper, positioning herself near a window. I step up beside her, close enough that our arms nearly touch.
Startled, she turns quickly. Her eyes widen behind the mask as she takes in my pirate costume.
“May I have the next dance, my lady?” I say, keeping my voice low enough that only she can hear.
Recognition floods her expression. Then she laughs and the sound makes everything worth it.
“You're ridiculous,” she whispers back, but she's smiling.
“That's not a no.”
Before she can respond, someone announces: “He's at the door!”
The entire room goes silent. It’s pitch black except for the faint glow of candles.
The apartment door opens and Cole’s voice rings across the room, asking why the lights are off.
Then Harper flips the switch and everyone screams: “Happy birthday!”
The room explodes in cheers and laughter. Cole stands frozen in the doorway, shock on his face as he takes in the crowd of costumed guests. Harper launches herself at him, and he catches her, lifting her off her feet while everyone applauds.
In the chaos and noise, I take Avery's hand.
She looks at me but doesn't pull away.
“Dance with me,” I say again, and this time it's not a question.
