Page 29 of Enzo

“Business is good.” I glance over my shoulder for the last time.

“Who are you looking for?”

“No one.”

“You were talking to someone earlier.” He motions with his hand, as if he can't place her. “That young thing in garish yellow. She wasn’t even wearing a costume.”

“I’m not wearing a costume.”

“At least you have a mask.”

“She looked ravishing, in my opinion.”

I catch the shock in his expression before he quickly hides it. “Are you with her?”

“Shouldn't you wait for your wife?” I change the subject.

“Gloria is saving our seats.” He ushers me inside. I glance back at the entrance in dismay.

The guests at Caspar's table have removed their masks, and they’re exactly what I'd expected—CEOs, investors, a European politician I recognize but can't immediately name, and the kind of people who talk about where they're summering as if everyone owns three homes. He makes introductions and I shake hands with growing irritation.

The last thing I want is to be stuck here with these people.

Caspar's wife gets up and comes over to me.

“Enzo. How delightful!” She has crepey, sun-tanned skin, and brown bouffant hair, and kisses me on both cheeks excitedly. “I’m so happy that you’re sitting with us. How splendid!”

“Nice to see you again, Gloria.” I kiss her hand, lightly.

Not all the chairs are taken, but even as I sit down, I wish the woman who was excited about the canapés and who wondered if the paintings were dusted, was here.

I miss the laughter, the curiosity, and the complete lack of pretence. And I’d rather sit beside someone who makes me feel alive than a bunch of people who technically would be useful to me, but would bore me rigid.

I sit down next to Gloria, leaving a few empty seats next to me. I look around the sea of tables, looking for the woman in yellow.

I don’t see her.

***

MOLLY

When I finally come out from the restroom, my mysterious masked man isn't there.

A stupid little ache twists beneath my ribs.

He said he'd wait for me.

Maybe he couldn't wait to get away from me.

I look around me and the place is empty. Everyone has disappeared. I turn back and wonder if I somehow left the restroom through a different door, but no. This is where I left him.

I take a few steps forward, looking around, disappointment coursing through me. I really believed he'd be here when I came out.

That’s when I notice a man standing at the far end of the hall.

At least, I assume he’s a man.

I move towards him, wondering if it’s wise. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a long black coat which falls almost to his knees. While everyone else tonight seems determined to glitter, this man looks like he’s trying to disappear.