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My breath halts when Papa places his hand on my back. I have no idea what he would do if he found out I went through his things. And if Ana did tell him, I will have to deal with her later.
“My love.” Papa walks over to Mama in the kitchen. “We have made arrangements for the party tonight.”
I slouch over on the countertop. “Again? Another party.” I roll my eyes.
“You will like this one, Nina,” he says, narrowing his eyes at me. “Do you remember how your mother and I celebrated our fifteen-year anniversary?”
My eyes lift. That was one of the best nights. I was only eleven at the time, but my parents held a ball that night. They invited so many people, and it was one of the most normal experiences I’ve had in this family. I say “normal” because there wasn’t a death.
Well, there was—but it was fake. It’s a long story.
Mama believes that when people fall in love, it should be because of personality, not looks. She decided that holding a masquerade ball would be the best way to celebrate their love. To give others the same feeling of first love that they had.
Believe it or not, my parents met at a cheap party with costumes. When they first approached one another, it was because they had the same costume. Their faces never showed, but they talked for hours on end that night.
I used to fall asleep to Mama telling me this story. It’s not the movies or the books I read that make me believe in true love; it’s my parents’ story.
I take a long blink, hoping my papa will tell me what I think he will. “I remember,” I say, trying to contain my excitement.
“Well, we are going to do it again.” He cups my mama’s face, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’d do anything to celebrate you.”
“Oh!” she nearly shouts, her voice echoing on the hard surfaces. “To celebrate us,” she corrects.
“Sure.” He laughs.
I haven’t seen him laugh like this in ages. It’s refreshing to see them like this—in love again. As time goes on, I can’t help but think they’re pulling apart. Not that anything would happen of it; they would never be able to get a divorce.
My sister jumps up and down, stepping away from Carlo, pulling down on my arm. “Balenca put your dress and mask on your bed. What time are we meeting there, Papa?”
Balenca is a nice lady who hardly comes by anymore since Mama came back. She does most of the shopping for us now, but I don’t see her as much as I would like to.
“I spoke with Marco, and he said that we can use Condinella.”
“That’s like . . . a fancy place though. How will we set everything up? There would be so much to decorate,” I chime in.
“I have that covered already. Why don’t you girls go get ready?” He looks down at his watch to check the time. “I assume three hours will be plenty for you two.”
I nod too many times to count. I am beyond excited for this. After all the gatherings this family has had, we need a nice one.
* * *
The limo pulls up on the circular drive to the Condinella. The building is normally used for charity events, so this will be interesting.
Ana and my mama sit across from me. They have been talking for the entire ride, but I wasn’t paying attention. Instead, I was focusing on what to make of tonight.
“Remember. No one knows who you are,” Mama says as she winks at me, tapping on my mask.
My cheeks lift in a gentle smile. The door opens. They go out first as I down my glass of champagne.
My face scrunches at the taste—it’s too rich.
“Nina.” The gentleman says my name as his hand extends to mine. I grab onto his as he helps me out of the car.
My dress is the definition of a ball gown. It’s black with lacing in the shape of a V going down my chest. The sleeves are thin but travel down my arm.
“Don’t get murdered tonight,” he says, letting out a laugh as I shake my head. I have never met the man before, but he has quite the sense of humor.
My black heels dig into the cobblestone cracks as I try to catch up to my sister and Mama.
