Page 14 of Enzo

I give them a polite nod and move away, sliding a finger between my bow tie and collar.

No matter how richly these people are dressed, everything feels strange.

Eventually, I find a quieter spot away from the crowd and stand there, observing everyone, the champagne untouched in my hand.

I decide to walk around, taking in the atmosphere, looking out for Luca Valizar, but it’s apparent now that I wouldn’t know him even if he walked past me. I look around aimlessly at the sea of sequins, feathers and exquisite masks and costumes.

I can’t see anyone’s faces. How do I even begin to find Luca? No one even knows what he looks like.

Everywhere I look people are in groups or couples. I’m sure I know some of these guests, but it’s hard to tell when their faces are hidden.

I thought this would be interesting—mixing a masked ball with business and having a short stop before visiting Mama, but half an hour later I'm already bored.

I see couples laughing together, touching each other's hands, and I realize that I'm the only one who’s here alone. I begin to doubt the wisdom of coming here all by myself.

I’m here to do business with Luca. That’s my purpose.

But I still don’t feel any better.

Why does being single bother me so much suddenly? I've spent months telling myself it didn't.

I thought Matteo and I were the last holdouts, and now he's met Elizabeth. Mama with her get-togethers is where I felt it most, the lack in my life that's never bothered me as much.

Until recently. Now I clearly see that I’m the only one standing outside that circle.

“Hey.” Someone bumps into me. I turn around. It's a woman.

She has a European accent.

For a few seconds I’m speechless, mesmerized by her outfit. Black and silver sequins cover an elaborate halterneck top and a long, figure-hugging skirt that flares dramatically at her feet. Her midriff is completely bare.

Then I notice the diamonds at her throat, ears and fingers.

Not just diamonds. Serious diamonds.

She’s wealthy.

“Hello.” She has an Austrian accent.

Then she lifts her mask away.

Bright blue eyes meet mine. Perfectly straight nose. Deep red lips.

I nod and force a smile.

“You won't take your mask off?” she asks, her voice dangerous, seductive and sensual.

“I don't see the point of coming to a masked ball maskless.”

She smiles, revealing perfect white teeth. Then she traces her finger along my lapel.

“You are a handsome man,” she purrs. “Very handsome, if a little shy.”

Another blinding smile.

I nod, then take a sip of my champagne. It tastes refreshing, and I savor the bubbles as they go down my throat.

Why me? I wonder.