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“Bitchy?”
Mandy laughs. “Okay, we’ll go with your word.”
“I’ve known the woman as long as you have, Mandy. I remember. I was never sure how she and Mom could be such good friends.”
“I know, but they were. You should’ve seen her when Jackson was in his accident. I went over to take care of him, and she couldn’t get me out of there fast enough. If it weren’t for Bill, she would have moved in with Jack.”
“Well, she’s his mom. And she only has one kid. Mom would probably be just as protective if one of us were hurt.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Mandy shakes her head. “I just know she’s going to want something bigger. When Bill made it big in tech and they moved out of our old neighborhood, she definitely enjoyed—enjoys—living the high life.”
“Then I’d say if she wants a big wedding, she has to pay for it.”
“Mom would never allow that. She’s too proud.”
“Then it’s going to be your way. It’s your wedding, not Noreen’s.”
“She’ll try to put Jackson in the middle. I don’t want that.”
“Jack will choose you, Mandy.”
“I know he will, but I don’t want him to ever be in that position. I certainly wouldn’t want to be.”
“I’ll tell you what,” I say. “Why don’t you, Mom, and I invite Noreen out to lunch or something? We can check with Mom and see when she’s available.” I scroll through my calendar. “Next week is out for me, but we’ll figure it out. We can all discuss our expectations and see what she says. It’s possible she’ll agree with you.”
“I suppose. But I know Noreen.”
So do I.
But I don’t say it.
Let Mandy think she has a chance for a minute, at least.
“So where did you go last night?” she asks.
“I just went home.”
I don’t particularly like lying to my sister, but I’m not ready to tell her about Phantom. I didn’t feel quite right telling Gigi and Izzy this morning, either.
It’s my own precious secret, and telling more people will make it less special.
Speaking of which…
“I should go. I’ve got some shopping to do.”
“Okay.”
No chance of Mandy wanting to come along. She hates shopping.
I take a walk around Mandy’s neighborhood. It’s not the best neighborhood in the world—judging by the wino hanging out by her building and staring at me like I’m a fifth of rotgut—and frankly, I’m glad she’ll be moving to Jackson’s. He has a great apartment near his work.
Mandy’s neighborhood has a few shops, but I don’t know what I’m looking for. What do you wear to a masquerade?
I laugh out loud.
A mask, of course.
But where will I find one? I don’t want a basic Halloween mask. I want one of those fancy Mardi Gras masks. A party store, maybe? I honestly have no idea. If I had more time, I’d order something online.
I call for an Uber, and I have him drop me in Chinatown. Some of those shops have masks. I walk around, inhaling the umami scent of dim sum. I’m hungry again. What’s with this appetite all of a sudden? I stop in front of a shop.
Golden Dragon Costumes.
Perfect.
I walk into the store, and I’m transplanted to a fantasy world.
I’ve always loved Chinatown. I adore Chinese culture and fashion and food. I especially love the silks in vibrant gemstone colors.
I amble through the store, taking in the beauty, until I find a display of intricately designed masks. Exactly what I’m looking for.
A light-blue satin mask draws my gaze. It covers only my eyes, unlike Phantom’s mask, but the blue will be perfect with my eye color. It’s trimmed with black and golden feathers.
I grab it, make my way to the counter, and pay.
What else will I wear?
I have no idea.
Until I see another store.
And in the window, a black silk dress.
I won’t be able to afford it, but I can’t help myself. I go in.
It’s the traditional fitted cheongsam style, and the length is midthigh. But instead of the traditional high collar, it’s got a square neckline that’s low-cut and will show a bit of cleavage.
But what makes it even more perfect is its embroidery of yellow and blue that matches the golden feathers and blue silk of my mask.
I must have this dress.
It will be perfect for tonight, and for once, I want to buy something without looking at the price. I used to look forward to doing that once I was married to Penn. His trust fund would’ve supported us in a luxurious manner for all our lives.
But…it’s not going to happen. I make a decent salary as a junior editor for Lovely magazine, but rent in New York is not cheap. Most months, I live paycheck to paycheck.
But damn, I want the dress!
“May I help you?” the clerk behind the counter asks.
“Yes, the black dress in the window, the one with the yellow and blue embroidery. Do you have it in a size eight?”
