Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Music blared throughout the space which was coated in muted colored lights that flashed in time to the beats the DJ spun. The thumping rhythm was intoxicating the second the bouncers waved us through the doors. We wove our way through throngs of people dancing in masks, dressed in everything from ball gowns to cocktail attire to fishnets and corsets. It was this beautifully chaotic mixture of fashion that sent my mind whirling with ideas that made my fingers itch for my sketchbook.
But I’d left it at home, having grabbed a Lyft here since I knew both Zoe and I would be drinking tonight, and tonight wasn’t about work anyway. Tonight was about pure, undiluted and much-needed fun. Still, I couldn’t help basking in the glorious array of fashion happening all around me.
“You made it!” Echo’s voice rang out over the music as Zoe and I climbed to the second level, heading to a handful of private lounge sections the Reapers had rented out for the night.
“We’re here!” I called back, accepting her quick hug while smiling at her husband Sawyer over her shoulder. He grinned back, looking very dapper in a black suit and mask to match.
A pang of something hit me as I waved to the rest of the group hanging out in the booth—which included Anne and Jim, and Persephone and Cannon—among several other couples that Echo introduced us to.
All of their outfits complemented each other, the couples’ having clearly planned and coordinated to not double up on colors that another couple was wearing. And not one of the men looked unhappy to be there. Hell, even Cannon, who was terrifying on a good day, was smiling at his wife, both of them wearing glittering blue masks that made them look like the real-life version of Cinderella and Prince Charming.
I hadn’t even been able to get Dennis to try a tapas place in Charleston, let alone a full-blown masquerade party.
He didn’t think I was worth the work. A weight sank atop my chest, threatening to steal the infectious joy of all my new friends.
But these guys weren’t acting like being here tonight was work. They were having a great time, only further solidifying the thoughts in my mind of if he wanted to, he would.
Right. He was the asshole. And I was here with people who actually wanted to be around me, who found my company enjoyable. That’s what mattered.
I shoved thoughts of him from my mind, settling into a cushioned horseshoe-shaped seat next to Anne and Jim, Zoe flanking my other side.
“I’m so glad we all had the night off,” Anne said, clinking her soda water against my cranberry and vodka. “We needed this, right?”
I nodded, smiling at her. She was doing remarkably well, considering we were at a night club with at least half of us having drinks. I knew not all recovering alcoholics would want to put themselves in this sort of environment, but I also was thrilled she wasn’t denying herself a good time just because temptation was here. Jim slid an arm around her, the two smiling at each other with that newlywed dust all over them—not that many people knew they’d eloped. I’d been privy to the intel because she bought her dress at my shop.
“Holy shit,” Jim said, eyes going wide as a very gruff-looking man wearing a phantom mask approached our table. “You actually came.”
I startled slightly as I noticed the man in the phantom mask was none other than Ridge, Jim’s best friend and Sweet Water’s resident grumpy tattoo artist.
“Figured I might find some new clients here,” he said, his tone low and rough as he nodded to whoever he knew in the group.
“Uh huh,” Jim said, flashing him a knowing look I didn’t understand.
“Has nothing to do with—”
“Can I get by please?” Lyla’s voice sounded from right behind Ridge, and it wasn’t until he turned around that I saw our favorite Sweet Water chef had just arrived.
Ridge didn’t budge, just stood there looking down at her for a few moments that made me shift in my seat with unease. I couldn’t tell if he was going to argue with her or if he was going to scoop her up and throw her over his shoulder, whisking her away from prying eyes. Which there were quite a few pairs of single Reaper eyes on her, especially in her stunning white dress and feathery mask that made her look like a freaking angel.
To her credit, she stared right back at him, folding her arms over her chest in defiance.
Finally, Ridge grunted and stepped to the side, allowing Lyla to pass through and take a seat next to Zoe.
“What did I miss?” Lyla asked.
“Not much,” Zoe said, motioning to the party. “Dancing. Drinks. It’s all just starting.”
“Great,” Lyla said, selecting a drink from the offering spread on the table before us. “How are you, Luna?”