Page 23 of Enzo

“With you holding my things, I could also have a glass of champagne.”

“Wouldn't you need someone to feed you?”

I reach for a glass of champagne and huff out a breath at my friend. “I only have two hands. It severely limits me.”

“Shame you're not an octopus.”

“That's exactly what I thought!” I blink at him a few times. “Funny you should say that. In this situation it would most certainly help to be an octopus.”

“Except octopuses wouldn't be guests at a masked ball at the Doge's Palace.”

“No, but what if they could?”

He looks at me, but I can’t tell if he’s surprised, or shocked, or something else. What I wouldn't give to rip off that mask. It's infuriating but even so, I like the sense of mystery. Of having to work harder to guess what he's thinking.

“Why don't we go and find one of those tall tables again?” He gestures at a few empty tables behind me.

“That's a fantastic idea.”

A little fizz of excitement pops in my heart. This evening has become so much more interesting. So much more fun.

Not only am I standing here inside the Doge’s Palace eating the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted, but now I have someone to share it with. Someone who doesn’t seem to mind that I talk too much, or that I have no idea what I’m doing here.

For the first time tonight, I don’t feel so out of place.

He leads, and I follow, being overly protective of my canapés and champagne now that he’s holding my clutch and my mask.

I take in the sights and sounds around me.

Music drifts through the palace, mixing with the laughter and conversations. Masked guests move around us. Everywhere I look there’s gold and art and glittering chandeliers.

It's all so overwhelming. I've never experienced anything like this before and now, as I follow the Mysterious Masked Man, the surrealness index of my evening has shot right up.

“Oh!” I gasp with relief, setting down my napkin of canapés and my glass. “This is better.”

“Good.”

“I'm sorry,” I say, “I'm really, really, hungry.” I start eating. “Want to try some?”

“No, thank you.”

He has no idea of what he’s missing.

Imagine turning down this scrumptious food when it's being delivered to you in such abundance.

When I've devoured everything, and taken a sip of my champagne, I realize we’re engulfed by silence again.

“This is an adventure for me.”

He pauses a while, like he’s not sure what I mean. “An adventure?”

“Coming here.”

The way he looks, like he truly belongs here, in a tux that looks expensive. I do cheap, and vintage, and I love going to thrift shops, so I know when something is not from any of those places. I might not have Kiki’s eye for discernment, but I know what he’s wearing is designer, and probably costs the earth. Just like the mask he’s wearing.

“I’ve never travelled before.”

His brow creases. I bet he’s travelled. I bet he’s travelled all over the world.