Page 89 of Storm and Sea

She could practically feel Anna’s scoffing judgment. Anna would have said something nice in return, maybe giggle and twirl her hair. Bat her eyelashes with pouty lips.

But that just wasn’t Marina.

Silent, Marina continued fixing the woman’s booth, apologizing ten more times as she set everything back in place. The final pair of earrings—the ones she’d been eyeing—were carefully placed on the table. The blue fish-scale stones sparkled with opalescent reflections. They were stunning, and Marina was always on the lookout for something to distract from her flaming hair.

But she really shouldn’t.

“Well, see ya,” Marina said awkwardly and turned to disappear into the crowd. She’d only made it ten steps when the barest touch graced her upper arm.

“Wait.”

She raised a brow at the man, his dark eyes imploring. He gestured to the festivities.

“I see no reason why we can’t enjoy this together. What do you say?”

“Don’t you want to change?” she asked, eyeing his shirt.

“I kind of like it, actually. Gives it character.”

“You look like you got drunk and sloshed on yourself.”

“Like I said, character.”

Marina laughed. “That’s one way of putting it. I can still wash it out if you’d like.”

“No need.” He held out an arm. “Walk with me instead?”

Marina hesitated. This was weird. She should get back to Nonno.

“One pass around the square,” he begged.

Marina had ruined this guy’s date. Not to mention his shirt. One pass couldn’t hurt. Lips pressed tightly together, Marina relented, taking his arm.

They walked through the bright stalls of carnival games and fried foods, but Marina took in none of it. She watched her feet, trying her best to avoid the eyes bearing into her like daggers. But there was little chance of that when her bright red hair stood out like a flamingo in a flock of pigeons.

They’ll see me. With him.

They’ll see her on the arm of arguably the most gorgeous man Marina had ever laid eyes on. The rumors would fly. For something like this, she worried the girls would seek revenge. Anna especially. Marina shivered, remembering the pranks and jokes her roommates pulled on her all winter.

Please just let this night end.

“This song is one of my favorites. Can I persuade you?”

Before she knew it, they were at the edge of the square, feet away from whirling figures and swishing skirts.

“Oh no, no, no, no, no,” she said, backing away with her hands raised as though she were being held at knifepoint. “I don’t dance.”

The man cocked his head, his stupidly-perfect hair swaying on the night breeze. “Is that so?”

“You witnessed just how good my coordination is,” she said, still backpedaling. “So did your shirt.”

“Don’t worry about the shirt. And the perfect cure for not doing something is practice. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“But I—” Marina eyed the crowd. They were moving so fast, so synchronized with the beat. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“Hmm,” he said, bringing his hand to his chin in contemplation. “Let’s try something.”

Without a word, he led Marina to a secluded courtyard tucked a few alleys away from the bustling square. Here, the music softened to a distant hum, replaced by the gentle trickle of the fountain. The moonlight bathed the space in a cool, silvery glow, a striking contrast to the buzzing yellow lantern light that flickered in the square.