Page 27 of Enzo

I open my eyes and realize that he’s even closer now, and looking at me. I catch a whiff of his cologne. I like it. It's sea-breezy and fresh and cool all at the same time.

“Would you mind helping me to peel it off? I don't have a mirror on me and I don't want to go to the washroom. The queue will be long, unless I went into the men's washroom. I did that once when I was at a concert with my friend and—”

“Okay. Tell me what to do.”

“Help me peel it off. That way my eyelashes will look the same.”

“That's true,” he agrees. “Might balance your eyes out a bit.”

“There's a corner here, somewhere.”

He puts his hand on my face and then tilts my chin up at him. “I don't want to poke your eye out.”

“Then don’t.”

This makes him chuckle.

“But I'll forgive you if you do and I promise not to sue you. I don't have much money. I'm just a kindergarten teacher.”

“So you’ve said.”

He catches the outer edge of the lash and gently peels it away. I blink a few times.

“What do you want me to do with this?” He holds the line of lashes between his fingers.

“You could keep it as a souvenir.”

He makes a face.

“I was joking.” I swat him lightly across his arm.

“Something’s happening.” He looks behind me and I turn around. One of the event staff seems to be ushering the guests onward.

Mysterious Man glances at his watch. “Dinner is being served.”

“Then maybe I should rush to the washroom now.” I look around for someone I can ask. Better to go now than later.

“Will you wait for me?” I reach for my clutch and mask.

“Of course.”

Chapter 6

ENZO

What just happened?

I've been hit by a whirlwind or a tsunami or something. I stand there shell-shocked, looking at her as the last glimpse of bright yellow disappears into a forest of plumes and decadent costumes. I hesitate, wondering whether to wait for her here, or to wait inside the banqueting hall.

This stranger, this vision in the brightest yellow in a flash of chaos and color, has now vanished as quickly as she came.

She noticed me.

Of course I noticed her.

I'd have to be blind to miss her in that yellow dress. She was standing alone at one of the tables, enjoying the canapés and champagne. Not caring who was around, and not the slightest bit interested in working the room.

I'd completely forgotten about Luca Valizar. I purse my lips, looking around, feeling a little annoyed. I came here hoping to meet him, to catch a glimpse of him, to maybe hear his arrival being announced, but this woman stole my attention.