The Masquerade

She sighs, “But they only invited you.”

I responded, “The fine print says you may bring a ‘guest’.”That was enough to convince her, and I am thankful for it. My odd feeling might just be nerves. But it was strange how this package just magically appeared.

So we went shopping. We found our dresses and a mask for her to wear. We both chose red dresses. Mine was a mermaid-cut floor-length dress with golden beading and appliques. Hers was a red, floor-length, A-line dress that fades to black towards the bottom. I always feel out of place when I dress formally because I feel like I'm playing dress-up. 

Before I knew it, it was the night of the gala.

“Damn, you look hot! If I were into girls, we wouldn't be leaving right now,” Katie exclaimed, as she saw me leave my room.

I can't help but laugh, “Haha, you look sexy yourself.” Katie is boy-crazy still. She chases after romance, but it never pans out for her. I'm the opposite. I don't look for love. Victor, I loved and it nearly broke me. Now, I'm more career-driven. I figure love will find me at some point. I'm only turning 26 later this year, so I've got plenty of time. I date occasionally, don't get me wrong, but there's yet to be anyone that I'd trust with my life, especially after how things ended with Victor Van Clay. Until that day comes, I'm fine being a happily single loner. 

Katie and I hop into my car, ready to see what adventures tonight brings us, as we head over to the gala. I opted for no purse, since my dress had pockets. I snapped a few pictures of us outside and in front of the church. When we get inside, we are blown away. I take many pictures of the elegantly decorated interior. There were tables for dining and a dance floor. There was also a more intimate area, with small high-top cocktail tables. Guests were standing around them; I assume that's where we hang out until the hosts have us move to the dining area. I'd been to a few fancy parties, so I understood basic etiquette.

“This is just, wow,” she said.

“I know, right? Just stay cool and follow my lead,” I replied, to show the confidence that I lacked.

Katie scans the room, “Check out these guests, they're all hot!”

“Katie, they're just people like us,” I retorted, but I'm not so sure that they're all like us. I have this odd feeling that begins to creep into my soul.

“Eva, very sexy, beautiful people. No wonder they invited you. You fit right in.”

I roll my eyes, “Whatever.” She can be so over-the-top.

“Come on! No, you're one of the hottest people here. The sexiest woman, by far!” she says, as we move through the throngs of people.

I squeezed her hand, “You have to say that because you're my best friend.”

“That's bullshit and you know it!” she says, as she grabs herself a glass of champagne. I roll my eyes because there's no use arguing with her when she gets like this. I grabbed a glass of red wine and took a sip. “Oh, this wine is to die for!”

She took my glass from my hand, “If it is so good you'd die for it, then let me have a sip.”

I giggled, “I would not die or kill for it, but it's very good. It's beautifully balanced with flavors of peach and mirabelle plum, with soft oak notes, and a long finish. Quite good and very smooth, too. I'd say it's European, maybe from Austria or Hungary.”

“Eva, you know that I don't like red wines, but this one, I do like,” she said, as she took another sip before handing me back my glass. I clink my glass with hers as I smile.