Chapter 6
Chapter Six
TARA
L ooking out the window of the bus that picked us up from the wharf, my heart sinks as I spot the long lines of masqueraders entering a building. We’ve arrived at the Dome.
Truth be told, I’m not looking forward to going in there and having a chit-chat with strangers. I’d rather spend my time with Romeo. Alone.
I wish I had the guts to invite him to spend a few minutes with me in the bedroom on the boat. I even spent the whole time in there hoping he’d walk back in. Of course, he didn’t. He was working. And I have no clue why I’m suddenly pining for a man I just met. I don’t even know what he looks like behind the masks! I guess the sexy, carefree feeling exuded by the Masks On members has rubbed off on me.
Now that we’re at the event, I very much doubt that I’ll have the opportunity to hang around with Romeo again. Besides, why would he want to spend more time with me? He already said he doesn’t mix business with pleasure.
And as for maybe—just maybe—going out on a date one day? Well, he lives here in Sydney, and I live a seven-hour drive away in Moonstruck Cove. What would be the point of that?
A hand on my shoulder makes me look up, and I find Romeo standing next to me. “We’re here,” he says.
“Yay!” I fake my excitement.
“Enjoy yourself, okay?”
I nod, and he leaves the bus first.
Soon, I’m getting off, and I glance around for Romeo. Why are the butterflies in my stomach still fluttering like crazy for him?
It’s been a long time since I felt this way towards a guy. Ten years, to be exact. But Romeo and Mason couldn’t be any more different from each other. One is gentlemanly and decent, and the other is a scheming liar. Was a scheming liar, I should say. Like Odette said, Mason has grown up. I don’t know him well enough anymore to make any kind of judgment about the man he’s become.
I have no desire to get to know Mason again, though. What he did still hurts me to the core. He hasn’t even tried to apologise…
I shake my head. The last thing I want to do tonight—this weekend—is think of Mason.
As I walk towards the Dome, I see Romeo chatting with another guy wearing a shirt that says Security . He doesn’t look my way at all. Would it be hypocritical of me to say that I’m disappointed he hasn’t tried to flirt with me again? Yes. At the same time, I respect that he’s being very professional. How’s that for being conflicted?
Anyway, it looks like this is the end of our short time together. I should now focus on enjoying A Musical Night in Masquerade.
My heart feels heavy with disappointment. Maybe we’ll still bump into each other again later?
I shouldn’t expect it.
I enter the Dome, recorded music filling the air with a lively melody. Elegant decor adorns the walls of this massive room with a circular ceiling, and a stage is positioned right in the middle for the multi-act concert later. Guests in elaborate masks and costumes are milling around, and the place gives off an air of mystery—and fun, which I should be trying to have.
Navigating through the bustling crowd, I follow the directions to the adjacent exhibition hall where the dining area is located. “Feel free to sit anywhere you want,” the person checking my VIP ticket says. “And enjoy the night.”
“Thank you,” I respond, feeling the nerves creep in. I have no idea what to expect, so I’m just going to commit to making the most of it.
The tables are filling up with what seems like groups of friends. Is there a table for single attendees?
I go to a table where the guests don’t seem to know each other. I sit down, exchanging pleasantries with the people around me. They all seem nice and rather nervous as well.
Just as I start to relax into the conversation, a man in a dark green domino mask like Robin’s from Batman and Robin sits next to me. Apart from the mask, he’s not in a costume—unless he considers his navy blue button-up shirt and jeans ensemble a masquerade outfit. He gives me a warm smile.
“Hi there,” he says, his voice smooth and inviting. “I’m Arpi. And might I say, you look absolutely stunning tonight.”
I offer a polite smile. “Thank you, Arpi. I’m Juliet.”
He gives me a cheesy grin. “Juliet. So, why’s a beautiful lady like you attending an event such as this all by your lonesome?”
I fidget with my mask, trying to keep the conversation light. I’m getting cringey vibes from him. “How do you know I came by myself?”
“Well, I saw you sit by yourself, and you didn’t tell me this seat next to you is taken.”
He has a point. “I’m just here to enjoy some good food and amazing music,” I say casually.
Arpi chuckles, his gaze lingering on me a little too long for comfort. “I hope I can add some excitement to your evening.”
I let out a small laugh, feeling the tension rise in my chest. “That’s very kind of you. But I’m fine. I’m really just here to enjoy some food and music.”
“Really?” he asks with scepticism. “Well, that’s okay. I came by myself, too. It would be good to have someone to chat with for the night. Where are you from?”
“New South Wales.” I hope he takes the hint that I’m not willing to give him any more details about myself.
“So am I, and it’s a big state, isn’t it?”
“It sure is.”
He laughs. “Okay, I get it. You want to remain anonymous. That’s fine. I won’t push.”
That earns him a smile from me. “Thank you.”
Arpi turns his attention to the guy sitting on his other side, and I breathe a sigh of relief. With the woman next to me also talking to someone else, I’m left sitting quietly while we start getting the first of our three-course meal. I totally don’t mind. I feel more comfortable this way, where I can just relax and observe the goings on in peace while I enjoy some delicious food.
I’m constantly looking around for Romeo, though. But amidst the sea of masks and costumes, he’s nowhere to be seen. Disappointment tugs at my heart, but I push it aside.
Arpi turns to me again and says something inaudible, the loud music drowning out his words.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you.” I point to my ear as I shake my head.
He leans in real close, his cologne overpowering my senses. “I said, did you enjoy your chicken?”
I nod as I move away. “You?” I ask out of inherent politeness.
“Mouthwatering,” he answers, his gaze falling to my lips.
Ugh ! If we were at any other event, I would have told him off. But we’re at a masquerade party where some people are looking for a one-night stand, so I can’t blame him for trying to chat me up.
“Juliet,” he continues, “do you believe in fate? Because I have a feeling that our meeting tonight was no coincidence.”
I can’t help my bark of laughter. Man, that was tacky. Maybe Arpi isn’t used to picking up women. He probably only came because he thought he might get lucky tonight.
I decide to be frank with him. “I’m sorry, Arpi, but I’m not looking to hook up. I won’t be offended if you decide to switch seats so you can talk to someone else. I don’t want you to waste your time on me.”
His jaw drops, and then he flashes me an embarrassed grin. “I see. No, I don’t mind sitting here with you. I promise to behave.”
Thankfully, Arpi keeps his word throughout dinner. We talk about our favourite music, food, places we’d like to visit, and I don’t hear another flirty come-on out of him. I’m relieved! He’s actually being quite a good companion for the night.
“You know what?” he says as we finish dessert. “I’m having such a great time. Would you mind taking some pictures of me? I’m gonna show it to my friends. They’ll be jealous that I got a ticket and they didn’t.”
“Sure.”
He pulls out his phone from his pocket and hands it to me. I take a couple of photos from the table before we move to another area with better decor.
Arpi strikes a pose, flashing his most dazzling smile for the camera. “Make sure you capture my good side,” he teases.
I snap a few shots, each time with him posing even more dramatically. “You’re a natural in front of the camera,” I say with a laugh. The tension I felt around him earlier was gone, and I have to say, I am enjoying his company.
Arpi takes the phone. “How about we take a selfie together?”
I hesitate for a moment, but…why not? I’m wearing a mask anyway. No harm in having a picture with a new, albeit temporary, friend. “Sure,” I agree with a smile.
We stand side by side, both striking silly poses for the camera as laughter bubbles between us.
“Want me to send these to you?” he asks when we’re done.
Much as I’ve relaxed, no way am I going to give my phone number to a stranger. I grab my own phone and open the camera app. “Let me take one of the two of us.”
Arpi chuckles. “Okay, then.”
I grin for the camera as we pose together. I appreciate that he’s not pushing for my contact details.
The background music stops, and an announcement blasts through the speakers. The first of the musical acts is about to start, and we’re reminded to make our way to the Dome. We’ve been so busy taking photos that we almost forgot about the concert.
“I hope we still find a place close to the stage,” Arpi says as we hurry to the location.
“I hope so, too.” I’m not a fan of the first three acts, but I’d love to see the Glowing Devils up close.
And at least I’m having fun tonight, even if I’d prefer to be with Romeo.
But that’s not to be. Such is my love life—and I’m used to it always being a disappointment.