6. Maria
The gala, with its shimmering chandeliers and elegant guests, continues to astound me. I can’t believe I’m here, feeling like a character from one of those classic romance novels I used to read as a teenager on Long Island. Nathan’s warm hand on my waist during our dance lingers in my mind, and I can’t help but wonder if he might be developing feelings for me.
It’s so wrong, but the thought sends butterflies into a frenzied dance in my stomach.
“Maria, you’re doing an excellent job tonight.” Nathan’s eyes twinkle with sincerity.
“Thank you,” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant while my heart races. “It’s been quite the experience.”
“Indeed, it has.” He looks around at the bustling crowd of important people.
As we make our way through the room, chatting and laughing, I feel like I’m on top of the world. All my worries about fitting into this high-class environment slip away, and they’re replaced by a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Maybe I’ve been dreaming too small my whole life. Maybe this is the kind of place I belong, in an important room surrounded by important people.
“Ah, there she is!” Nathan exclaims, spotting a famous singer across the room. “I’ve been wanting to introduce you two. She’s a good friend of mine.”
“Really?” My nerves suddenly spike. “That’s amazing.” Nathan seems to know everyone that I adore.
“Come on,” he says, leading me towards her.
“Oh, okay,” I stutter as I trail behind him.
“Maria, this is Elizabeth Cordella.” Nathan grins big once we reach her side. “Elizabeth, meet Maria, my incredible assis— date tonight.”
I bite the inside of my cheek and try not to read too much into the fact that he almost slipped and called me his assistant.
“Nice to meet you, Maria,” Elizabeth says warmly, extending her hand.
“Likewise,” I respond, accepting her handshake. My nerves start to get the better of me, and I before I know it I’m talking without thinking. “I love your song ‘Dangerous Games.’”
A brief silence follows my statement, and I realize my error. Elizabeth doesn’t sing that song; another pop star does.
I feel my cheeks flush with heat. Did I seriously just do that? Confuse Elizabeth with another sing that looks like her?
“Uh, thank you.” Elizabeth’s smile is cool and distant.
“I’m so sorry,” I stammer, mortified. “I meant the song ‘Drunk Love.’”
“Thank you.” Her smile is polite, but it’s obvious she knows I’m just trying to cover my tracks.
I feel like I’m withering from the inside out. Everything was going so well tonight, and then I had to go and put my foot in my mouth. Nathan must be so annoyed right now.
“Excuse me for a moment,” I say to Nathan and Elizabeth, needing to get away from the situation. “I need to use the restroom.”
“Of course.” Concern flickers across Nathan’s face, but I ignore it.
As I walk away, I grimace at having embarrassed both myself and Nathan in front of his famous friend. My earlier confidence crumbles, replaced by a heavy sense of shame.
I beeline for the bathroom, but the adjacent powder room is full of people. Since I really don’t feel like being around anyone, I backtrack and look for somewhere else to hide.
I slip into the coat-check closet, the perfect refuge from the bustling gala. The scent of leather and expensive perfume fills the air as I stand amid the rows of coats, feeling like a fish out of water. I take a few deep breaths, trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment.
Maybe I should just leave?
No. I can’t do that. Nathan’s date disappearing halfway through the evening would look terrible. I can’t do that to him.
So, I just need to suck it up and go back out there. First, though, I need to de-stress. And the best way to do that is always to call my sister.
Pulling my phone from my purse, I tap on Kelsey’s contact. After several rings, it goes to voicemail. Sighing, I decide to record a voice note instead.
“Hey, Kels,” I whisper into the phone. “You won’t believe this, but I’m on a date with my boss at a fancy gala. I thought I was doing well, but I just made a complete fool of myself in front of Elizabeth freaking Cordella. It’s clear now that I’m out of my league. I don’t belong in this world, and everyone knows it.” Tears fill my eyes. I feel like such a loser.
“I just wish—” I stop at the sound of hushed voices coming from the other side of the door.
It’s men, standing in the hallway right outside the coat-check closet.
“This better work, or else we’re dead,” one of the men says.
I freeze. What the heck are they talking about?
Curiosity piqued, I tiptoe closer to the source of the conversation, careful not to make a sound.
“Are you sure he’s going to be here all night?” The same man asks.
“Positive,” another replies. “It’s his charity, after all. We’ll grab him when he leaves.”
“Good. Man, this better go smooth. I can’t afford to go to prison again.”
My heart skips a beat as I realize they’re talking about kidnapping Nathan. Fear courses through me, but I know I can’t let anything happen to him. I slip my phone into my pocket, anxious to warn Nathan about the dangerous situation unfolding.
The men’s voices fade as they walk away. I don’t know when they’re planning on making their move, so I could have only minutes.
Slipping out of my hiding place, I weave through the crowd, searching frantically for Nathan. My earlier embarrassment pales in comparison to the fear I’m feeling now.
“Please be safe,” I whisper to myself, determined to reach him before it’s too late.
Finally, I spot him across the room, deep in conversation with a group of well-dressed attendees. As much as I hate to interrupt, I know it’s necessary. With nausea winding its way up my chest, I stride over to him, trying my best to appear calm and composed.
“Excuse me.” I tap his shoulder lightly. “Can I have a word with you, please?”
Nathan turns to me, his surprise quickly replaced with concern as he sees the urgency in my eyes. “Of course. What’s going on?”
“We should go somewhere more private,” I whisper, glancing nervously around the room. He nods, leading me to a secluded corner by a grand, ornate mirror.
“What’s wrong?” His voice is soft, worried. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I overheard something… dangerous.” I take a deep breath before blurting it out. “There are men here planning to kidnap you, Nathan.”
His eyes widen with shock, and then narrow in anger. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. They were talking about grabbing you when you leave later tonight.” My hands shake as I realize just how dangerous this situation is.
And now I’m involved as well.
“Damn it,” he curses under his breath. “We need to get out of here. I don’t want you caught up in this mess.”
The protectiveness in his tone warms me, but I find myself more focused on his safety. “Nathan, I’m more worried about you. We need to make sure you’re safe first.”
“Then let’s go. We’ll exit through the back so they don’t see us leaving.” He grabs my hand, and together, we make our way towards the back exit. If anyone notices the urgency in our steps, they don’t look suspicious. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a look at the men, so I have no clue who they are. They could be anywhere in this room, watching us from any angle.
As we slip through the door, leaving the gala behind us, I can’t help but ask, “Do you have any idea who those men might be?”
Nathan shakes his head, his jaw clenched with fury. “No, but I’m going to find out. No one threatens me or the people I care about.”
He’s considering me someone he cares about? I’m flattered, and it’s too bad he’s not saying this under more favorable circumstances.
“Let’s walk a couple of blocks before trying to find a cab,” Nathan says, glancing around at the quiet, dimly lit street. “Just in case they’re still watching.”
“Good idea.” I nod.
His fingers stay laced through mine as he leads us further away from the venue. The night breeze hits my face, and I shiver at its chill.
“Are you cold?” His tone is filled with concern. Before I can reply, he shrugs off his suit jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. It’s warm and smells like him, a comforting mix of expensive cologne and something uniquely Nathan.
“Thanks,” I murmur, pulling the jacket closer around me. I feel a little safer now, wrapped in his scent.
As we continue walking, I notice a pair of men a short distance behind us. They seem out of place, dressed all in black, their faces shrouded by the shadows. My heart starts to race.
“Those guys back there… do you think they’re following us?” I ask Nathan, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Maybe. Let’s not jump to conclusions, though,” he says, although I can see the tension in his jaw. “We’ll turn the next corner and see if they follow.”
“Okay.” I nod, my stomach churning with anxiety. I’ve never been good at handling high-pressure situations, and this is definitely one of them.
We make our way to the corner and take a sharp turn, slipping into the shadows of a narrow alley. Holding our breath, we wait to see if the two men will follow.
“Maybe we’re just being paranoid,” I whisper, my fingers tightening around Nathan’s hand. “I mean, lots of people walk around at night, right?”
“Right,” he says, but his voice lacks conviction. We both know the odds are against us.
And then, as if to confirm our worst fears, the two men turn the corner and continue to follow us. Their steps are slow and deliberate, their eyes never leaving us.
“Run!” Nathan shouts, pulling me along with him as we sprint down the alley. My heart pounds in my chest, my breaths coming in ragged gasps as we try to put distance between us and our pursuers.
“Where are we going?” I manage to ask between breaths.
“Anywhere but here,” he replies, his grip on my hand unyielding.
“We should call the police,” I say, terrified of what might happen if we can’t outrun these men.
“First, let’s make sure we get away from them. Then we’ll figure out our next move.” His voice is filled with determination, and I find it oddly comforting. At least someone seems confident in this situation.
“Okay,” I say, focusing all of my energy on keeping up with him. Together, we race through the dark streets, praying that we can escape whatever danger is lurking in the shadows behind us.