Chapter 6

As Dan turned off the road, I realised we were there, the entrance to the drive was 8-foot concrete pillars with ornate steel gates wide open. On either side of the gates were ushers guiding cars up the drive. The drive seemed never ending with a row of cars in front of ours. Each car was asked for a copy of their invitation, which Clare happily provided. Our doors were opened by ushers and the keys taken from Dan for them to park the car. The doorway was almost half the size of our little house. The grandeur of the property was more than I could have imagined. Waiters were waiting at the doorway with trays of drinks for you to select from. Claire handed me a glass as I marveled at the hall as it opened up.

The entrance alone was almost as big as our house. I looked around slowly taking in my surroundings. There were security guards at the bottom of the stairs stopping anyone from exploring, along with on some doors off to the left of the hallway. The doors on the right were open and looked like they led into a large sitting area where a group of people had gathered. I followed the crowd through the hall not realising Clarie was already quite a way in front of me. To the left as I walked past the grand staircase, was the kitchen where all the waiters were entering and exiting with different entrees and drinks. On the right was a large open room with stands throughout and lots of security. I realised this was where the auction items were being held. There was a red rope blocking the room off and a sign stating it opened at 8pm and bidding closes at 10pm.

I looked around and could not see Claire anywhere or Dan. Slightly panicked I followed the crowd to the sound of the music outside the back of the house. I walked out onto a veranda filled with seating overlooking the gardens where the DJ and dance floor were located. There were what seemed like a hundred people already filled across the garden and various activities going off like fire dancers and fire breathers.

I found a table to the side that was empty and took a seat. I scoured the gardens and there she was, a bright red dress, mask and shoes, it was Claire right in the middle of the dance floor. I smiled watching her but became very conscious that I was now alone somewhere I knew no one else. Clare was so infectious she already had a large group of people around her dancing and the floor was starting to fill up nicely. I took a slow sip of my drink deciding whether to join her or stay where I was. For now, I do not want to move.

After several songs, Claire was still dancing up a storm. I took the last sip of my drink and was ready to find a way to leave and get home when he appeared. Talk, dark, handsome, sharp black suit, crisp white shirt, jet black, smooth solid block black mask with finite detail you could only see as light hit it. My breath caught in my throat as I looked up at him.

“Do you mind if I join you?” The voice was smooth and enchanting.

I gestured to the seat across from me unable to find my voice. I tried to clear my throat, “Of course, feel free.” my voice still came out shaky.

He smiled and took a seat opposite me. His gaze was fixed on mine. I looked over to the dance floor to still see Claire dancing, I quickly scanned the area around me unsure what I was looking for.

“I haven’t stolen the seat from your date, have I?” he asked.

I shook my head, “No date, although I am a plus one, I'm here with my roommate.”

He smiled, seemingly pleased with my answer.

“I don’t mind moving, if you’re date would like to come and join you?” I said nervously.

“What makes you think I have a date?” He smirked.

For some reason his gaze flustered me, and my mind was foggy, I could not think of an answer.

“I am here alone tonight, no date you need to move for.” He smirked again, almost as if he knew he was influencing me.

“I was actually about to call a cab and head home.” I blurted out.

“Leaving so soon? The party has barely started.” His expression changed to disappointment.

“My roommate kind of abandoned me for the dance floor down there and I don’t know anyone else here. In all honesty I was feeling a little out of place.”

“Which one is she?” he asked intrigued.

“The one all in red.”

“I see, yes, she does seem to be the life of the dance floor currently. But to be honest with these masks, does anyone really know who anyone else is unless they came together?” he smiled again.

His smile was infectious and put me at ease. “I guess not.” I agreed.

“Ok, what if I showed you a different side to this party?”

I tilted my head intrigued.

He stood up from the table and held out his hand for me. “Join me on a walk?”

Every instinct in me wanted to go with him but my lack of confidence was screaming it was a set up.

“Why me?” I asked.

“Why not,” he answered.

“Well, I guess I cannot argue with that type of reasoning.” I laughed.