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“Check her out,” I say after a minute, nodding toward the woman on the dance floor.
He follows my gaze, eventually landing on the woman who had momentarily captured my attention. I'm about to acknowledge her charm when Chris, in his usual straightforward manner, remarks, “She looks way too young, man,” he says. “She has to be like, maybe twenty-five? I’d be surprised if she'sthatold, to be honest.”
I click my tongue. “…Yeah, you’re right,” I subside.
I pretend to refocus my attention on my whiskey, but I keep wanting to look at her again. I imagine myself walking over to her, taking her mask off, and looking into her eyes…are they brown, green, or perhaps hazel?What’s her voice like?I then imagine putting my hands gently on her slender waist, then moving down to the sides of her hips. I imagine her delicate lips calling my name…and wonder what she tastes like when I kiss her. But the train of thought stops there. What Chris said about that woman’s age lingers in my mind like an unwelcome intruder.
Too young, I wonder,too young.
Chapter three
Emily
“Ilove this song!” Lily cries out, tossing her hands above her head, “Woo!”
I laugh. The music is so loud that I can barely hear the lyrics above the thumping bass.
“I’m glad you wanted to stay,” I practically scream above the noise.
I lose myself in the music, the rhythm carrying me away as Lily and I dance together. The lively beat courses through us, filling the air with an infectious energy. We move in harmony, twirling and swaying with effortless grace. Laughter bubbles between us as we share this moment, our smiles reflecting the pure joy of the dance. As we move together, all worries and cares melt away, and the world becomes a place of pure delight and rhythm.
But then my gaze drifts toward the man standing by the bar.
His mask conceals most of his face, but even so, there's an undeniable magnetism about him. The allure of the masquerade has shrouded him in an air of mystery, and I can't help but feel drawn to this handsome stranger.
Every now and then, our eyes meet across the pulsating dance floor, and an unspoken connection lingers in the air. It's like fate has woven a subtle thread between us—one that tugs gently at my curiosity and pulls me closer with each stolen glance.
My heart is pounding with a sudden rush of excitement, and I can feel my cheeks start to feel warm. With all my senses suddenly heightened, I feel a little overwhelming.
I take a moment to take deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. I glance down at my empty glass, a slight frown tugging at the corners of my lips. The lively dance has left me parched, and I could use a refreshing sip.
“Lily,” I call out, leaning in closer to be heard, “I think I'm going to grab another drink.”
She scrunches her nose beneath her masquerade mask. “What did you say? Anotherpink?”
I roll my eyes, realizing that the music is too loud for her to hear me. I hold up my empty glass to emphasize my point. “Do you want anything?” I add.
“Oh!” Lily cries. She does a spin with her arms high in the air, still caught up in the rhythm of the dance. When she faces me again, she smiles and shakes her head, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“No, I'm good! Go ahead and quench your thirst,” she says. “I'll be right here."
I return her smile, and make my way through the pulsating crowd toward the bar. The night is filled with laughter and music, and even though the party has been an unexpected adventure, I find comfort in knowing that Lily is here, dancing by my side.
I step up to the polished surface of the bar. But, as I wait for the bartender, I glance to my left.
Shit.
I realize that I'm now standing very close to the mysterious man I've been stealing glances at all evening. His presence is even more compelling up close, his mask adding an intriguing layer of anonymity.
Play it cool, I tell myself.
Usually, I don't strike up conversations with strangers, especially at parties like this. But tonight, wearing this mask, it's like I've got a boost of confidence. The masquerade makes everything feel different, and I feel braver because of the mystery.
I take a deep breath, the thumping music and ambient chatter fading into the background as I muster my resolve. With a touch of newfound bravery, I turn to the man, a warm smile curving my lips beneath my own mask. It's a night of mystery and possibility, and I can't help but feel that this encounter might be the start of something unexpected.
I clear my throat softly, trying to overcome the nerves that flutter within me.
“Quite the party, isn't it?” I call out; my voice is loud and steady but laced with a hint of curiosity.
