7. 8 Weeks Earlier – Halloween
7
8 WEEKS EARLIER – HALLOWEEN
JOSIE
‘ R idiculously skimpy outfit? Check,’ I announce when Abi answers my call.
‘You managed to find one okay? What did you choose?’
‘The angel.’
My friend lets out a snort of amusement.
‘I figured the bumble bee would have been well-used?’ My tone is mock-inquisitive, knowing full well she met her hot as fuck girlfriend when she wore it last. ‘You have an obscene amount of fancy dress costumes, by the way.’
I glance down at the white satin fabric which barely covers my goosebumps. The car’s heater hasn’t kicked in yet.
‘You find a mask, too?
‘Yes, the white one with silver. I’ve given myself a silver manicure to match. And I got the wings,’ I add, anticipating her next question. This isn’t my first rodeo. Well, it is … ‘Tell me again what’s expected.’
I put my ancient yellow Beetle in gear and pull away, following the instructions on my satnav.
‘You just need to carry around a tray of drinks looking sexy and being completely discreet. Have you ever been to one before? A play party?’
‘No.’ More from lack of opportunity than lack of interest. I never knew something this exotic could happen in my boring English town, and I’m thrumming with anticipation for the night ahead. At twenty-two, I thought I’d tried every opportunity this place had to offer. I’m always on the lookout for new ways to seize life, seize colour. Have fun. ‘It’ll be fine though. I’m … interested to see what goes on.’ That’s almost a lie. More accurately, an understatement. I am so ready to immerse myself in a new world of exploration and … freedom. It is a little bit terrifying, too. ‘Is this where you met Camila?’
‘Kind of. I was working at a different party when we met — different hosts.’
I pull up to a traffic light. ‘Working,’ I reply, firing air quotes with my fingers, even though she’s about six thousand miles away in Argentina and can’t see me.
‘I got my shift in …’ she giggles, hearing the double entendre fall from her own lips. ‘So, here’s the tea: the dom tonight, Apollo, and his partner, Cinders, enjoyed attending sex parties so much, they’ve started hosting now, too. They’re newbs to hosting, but they’re cool — doing their own thing, finding their way. I’ve worked for them once before, they’re very open and supportive. It was a great experience.’ I can tell by Abi’s voice that she enjoyed it. She’s gone all husky and reminiscent. ‘Thanks again for filling in for me. Cinders was so relieved that you’re up for it. And don’t forget they know me as Bee.’
‘It’s no problem.’ Truly it isn’t. I was fucking delighted when Abi, phoned me to see if I could waitress at late notice. ‘In fact, you galivanting with Camila is totally my gain. I need the money to cover my extortionate rent .’ And to add to my savings. To cover my outgoings. To prove I’m not a failure.
‘Yeah, your landlady’s a real fucking tyrant.’ Abi had jumped on the chance to study with her professional artist girlfriend abroad and sub-let her flat to me for dirt cheap. I’ve known her since we studied art together and she’s a great friend. ‘Payday aside, you never know, you might get inspired. Shift ends at midnight, then you’re free to wander around … join in, if you want.’
‘Maybe. It’s been a while. Would be good to blow off some cobwebs. Explore a bit.’ I wonder what it’ll be like to observe others like that. A flash zips through me as I consider what it’d be like to have a voyeur myself. To have someone watching me? Heat creeps up my neck — that could be a turn on. ‘I’m not so sure if I’ll be brave enough to do anything.’
‘Don’t rule anything out,’ Abi chuckles. ‘I didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to study art in South America, but here I am.’
I grin. ‘You’re living the dream, babe.’ What I’d give to do a trip like Abi, but there are so many reasons I can’t.
I can picture her mischievous eyes glint as she says, ‘See where the night takes you. No pressure.’
My satnav pings up another instruction. The postcode Abi gave me is for a property in a nearby village. I turn off the main road, leaving the streetlights of the town behind, and head past fields and fences illuminated only by my weak headlights. A light rain starts to patter on the windscreen.
‘You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. And don’t forget the major rule …’ She pauses to add dramatic effect. ‘It’s masquerade, and discretion is paramount.’
‘Got it.’
‘Oh, and make sure Apollo pays you when you get there. It’s cash in hand. You won’t want to disturb him at the end of the night. You can stay as long as you want, and it’s safe to crash there. Okay?’
‘I can do this. I won’t let you down. One last thing though …’ I switch the wipers up a speed and turn up the volume on my phone so I can hear Abi over the rain. ‘It’s Halloween. Will there be … sweets?’
Abi cackles at my question; she never did understand my sweet tooth.
‘Hey,’ I retort playfully. ‘I’m missing out on my usual trick-or-treat door duty back at Mum’s … I might get sugar withdrawal.’
‘Josie,’ she sighs dramatically. ‘There’s going to be so many treats, you won’t know what to do with yourself. I’m almost jealous.’
‘Except, you’re having hot sex with an Art Master in Argentina, so …’
‘That’s why I said almost . Speaking of …’ There’s a woman’s voice in the background calling out, “ Abigail,” in a rich, sultry accent, and Abi says, ‘Gotta go.’
I hang up the call and concentrate on the dark journey ahead, twisting along country lanes and whizzing through puddles and the litter of fallen leaves. The Autumn rain drums a steady beat on the roof, accompanying the cheesy pop playlist that’s trying to brighten up my dreary journey.
It almost feels like a weight being lifted as I drive further away from Oldton, further away from home. This chance to try something new; it’s a gift, and my heart races in time with the tree-lined hedgerow flashing by.
I slow down and turn off the road through an elegant archway. Cypress trees flank the sweeping drive like sentries, their uplighters showing the way.
‘Whoa,’ I breathe out softly as a huge Georgian mansion comes into view. The red brick facade is lit up dramatically, the sash windows shining. Large white marble steps lead to a grand entrance which glows enticingly through the murky weather.
I spy a van parked off to the side and pull in next to that, hoping I’m in the right place. It crosses my mind, now, that I should have asked Abi a few more pertinent questions. Where am I even going now I’m here?
Using the rear-view mirror, I pull my mask into place. Almond shaped peep holes still allow me to see, despite it obscuring half my face. Securing it at the back of my head, I tease my hair out around it, and then finish the look with a swipe of lipstick the same red as my hair.
A glance at my phone shows it’s time to go in, so I take a deep breath, slip on my silver stilettos and grab my bag. I don’t need much: my phone, some make up … I leave behind my pocket-sized support sketchbook which usually comes everywhere with me.
Out of the car, I sling my wings on, the pure white feathers moving in a rhythm of their own. Quickly, I cross the drive and climb the steps to the entrance, which boasts a formidable, shiny black door with a brass knob in the middle. I shiver, my flimsy costume offering no protection against the drizzle that seems to be set in for the night.
I press the bell, chiming a dramatic ding-dong, and a delicious rush of adrenaline surges through me.