Scarlett looked up at me. “I get the feeling that our moment in the room is going to be the best part of tonight.” She straightened my bow tie. “And the end of it.”
“Keep your eye on the prize, baby,” I said, urging her into the waiting elevator.
“I would,” she said, stepping on. “But then I’d run into a pole or a wall, because I’d be staring at you all night.”
“And here I thought the prize would be cake.”
She laughed as we were whisked down and then whisked away.
* * *
The Ballroom welcomed us in with a red-carpet spread. It was two stories of art-deco influence. Booths lining the walls reminded me of speakeasy coves. Plume arrangements were set all over the place, and lights that flowed down like champagne bubbles shimmered from the ceiling. A sixteen-piece orchestra was on stage, already greeting guests with their jazz.
Nine hundred guests, at least, drifted close and around each other—enough space to give room but not enough to make it feel roomie. An attendant took our coats and then gave me a ticket to claim our things at the end of the evening.
Scarlett was handed a glass of champagne. I took the rougher route and opted for whiskey.
“I have to go see a man about a dog,” the waiter said. “Twenties slang for a whiskey.”
A few photographers hustled, taking photographs. Scarlett and I pulled together when one approached us.
“I’ll have to get a copy fromMati,” she said. “I’d love to have a picture from tonight to frame.”
Only a few people I didn’t know stopped Scarlett. I knew most of them from attending so many of her parents’ parties. Names were iffy, but I remembered all of their faces.
Rocco and Rosaria were already on the dance floor. Carmen, Dario, Mitch, Mick, and Violet were all crammed into a booth, laughing over champagne and whiskey. Maggie Beautiful touched Scarlett’s shoulder and gave a hint of a smile as she passed. Aberto had a hand to her back as they moved toward Scarlett’s parents.
No more wildflowers, but the situation had unnerved her. Maggie Beautiful was never what one could call stable, but for a while I’d had hopes for her. Aberto was as stable as they came. But she itched to throw caution to the wind and do something reckless. It’s almost impossible not to live with someone like her, someone who hides nothing, and not know her impulses.
Cerise and Livio came in next. He and I stared at each other. Scarlett might have forgiven him, though she kept her distance, but it wasn’t happening with me. Cerise pulled him in another direction, and Romeo and Juliette took their place.
“This is some party! I feel tipsy already.” Juliette said, almost out of breath, as Romeo whisked her toward Rocco and Rosaria.
Guido emerged from the crowd and nodded at me. All clear so far. I returned the gesture.
The building was full of Fausti men, but most of them kept their distance, only present to keep a subtle eye on the place. Everett had hired enough security to make it close to impossible for someone not on the guest list to get in. Not to mention the people he had invited. He was an oilman with plenty of recognizable people on his Rolodex, governors, mayors, and congressmen included.
“Can we just have a good time tonight?” Scarlett whispered in my ear, standing on her toes, even with the heels. “Let’s not think about all that could go wrong. This actually seems pretty fun.”
After she lowered, I bent down and gave her a kiss on the mouth. She sighed, whether in bliss or acceptance, I wasn’t sure this time. But for her, I’d make an effort.
Once dinner was out of the way, we took to the dance floor, making our own rhythm as we moved to the music. It was as though the band in the suite had followed us into the ballroom, coming alive.
Enjoying our night didn’t feel like much effort after a little time had gone by. It felt natural. It felt like us.
Cameras started flashing as Scarlett, Chiara, Cerise, and a few other dancers dominated the dance floor. Each dancer took a minute in the spotlight, among cheers and whistles, and then fell into line flawlessly. Halfway through, Scarlett grabbed me again and I attempted to follow her steps.
“Hot Feet” started to play, and everybody in the place seemed to be on the dance floor.
“Hot feet!” went up in a roar at the end.
“I have hot feet!” Scarlett said, fanning herself and laughing. “And a hot face!”
I leaned in closer, inhaling the scent of her perfume and sweat. “You need something cool to drink.”
She nodded, real enthusiastic, her eyes bright and her face flushed. “Yes, please,” she whispered in my ear.
Guido stood close, examining the crowd, but he seemed to have ants in his fucking pants. He enjoyed music. I told him to stay with Scarlett while I went to get us something cool to drink. She’d have him dancing in no time.
