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“Harper Edwards.”
The young woman glanced down at the clipboard. “Um, I’m sorry but I don’t see your name on the list.” She glanced up again at Harper. “Do you have your invitation with you?”
“No, I didn’t bring it,” Harper said as she kept a tight smile in place.
“Well then, I’m sorry but you’ll have to step aside. There are other guests waiting.”
Harper clutched her small evening bag tightly. This was the last place she wanted to be and yet she had to fight to get in. It would be too humiliating to call Susan and have her come to the door. “I think you should check again. I’m Deputy Mayor Harper Edwards.” She refused to glance behind her and see who was waiting. This was humiliating enough. She was always in Susan’s shadow and normally she didn’t mind, but this was just pissing her off.
“I’m sorry, I don’t see—”
“Ms. Edwards,” Gina Ling greeted as she approached through the foyer. “Wonderful to see you. Thank you so much for coming.” She was dressed as a …something sparkly with wings, a fairy perhaps? And she practically elbowed the young woman with the guest list out of the way and brought Harper inside, hooking her arm through Harper’s. “I’m so sorry about your niece’s friend. It’s just tragic.” Gina never missed a beat. Not ever.
“Yes, it is.”
Gina smiled at her. “It makes your presence so much more meaningful. Thank you for joining us.” They stopped next to the young lady who was taking coats. She was dressed identically to the one with the guest list. “Payton will take your coat. Did you bring a mask?”
“No, but I believe my friend is here and has one for me,” she said as she shrugged out of her coat and handed it over.
“Well why don’t you use one of these until you find your friend.” Gina handed her a black half-mask that covered her eyes.
“Thank you.” She fastened the strings around her head.
“There now. Have a wonderful evening.” Gina said and then sailed across the foyer toward the door again, her wings flapping behind her.
Harper smoothed out her dress and took a look around. A few people lingered in the area, but the majority of the crowd had moved into the room on the left. She glanced up the stairs. That’s where she needed to go but it would have to wait. Too many people mingling by the door for her to climb the steps unnoticed. Once more people arrived, she could sneak up the stairs. Gina Ling needed to be otherwise occupied for sure. That woman had eyes like a hawk.
Harper walked across into the room and moved through the crowd, coming to a stop in front of the bar. “What can I get for you?” the bartender asked.
“Hey, Dave. Just a tonic water for me.”
“Harper, is that you?”
She smiled. “Yes. How are things? How’s Maggie?”
“Great. The school year is going well. We both have good classes this year.”
“That’s wonderful. Are you still teaching fifth grade?”
He put her drink in front of her. “Yes. Maggie’s teaching kindergarten this year for a change.”
“Nice. Well good luck with the crowd tonight,” she said as she picked up her drink and then wandered away. She stood off to the side and watched the attendees. Susan was in the far corner and although she needed to say hello to her, she just didn’t feel like it.
The room itself was done up nicely. Jack O’ lanterns had been used for centerpieces on all the tables, fake candles inside of course, along with black and orange tablecloths. Fake cobwebs shrouded the corners of the room and someone had added a couple of large spiders on the wall. Wafts of smoke rose from a big bowl of green punch at the end of the table. Assorted snacks were arranged on platters surrounding the bowl. Waitstaff dressed as witches and wizards mingled with the crowd, holding trays of offerings.
Several people greeted her, then she got dragged into a discussion about storm drains by one of the town councilors. She waved at Susan and got a nod in return. The mayor’s arm was linked with a man Harper didn’t recognize.
“There you are!” Dana wrapped her in a hug. “I brought your mask,” she said waving it in the air, the red feather dancing. “You look divine.” She took a step back. “That’s a serious dress. How come you don’t wear that more often?”
“Seems a bit upscale for Applebee’s,” Harper retorted.
Dana snorted. “True.”
“I think I’ll keep the black mask. I can blend in a bit more.”
Her friend smiled. “Suit yourself but you’re not successfully blending in with that outfit.”
“Neither are you.” Her friend was wearing a form-fitting red dress that displayed her ample cleavage. The black cape around her shoulders had a red satin lining. She had painted her face white and put fake blood drops on her chin. “You make a pretty sexy vampire.”
