Isabel and I started dating when we were eighteen, freshmen in college. We never really had to dance the dance. It just happened.
It’s different with Evianna. It’s a slow burn, slow and steady. I’m not even sure if I’m ready to date. I want to be, so that’s a step forward, but it still hurts so much to think about Isabel.
Except when I’m with Evianna. Nothing hurts when I’m with her.
Twentynine.
Evianna
The Halloween masquerade party is being held on Halloween, a Friday this year. Nick and Cecelia take Bria trick-or-treating in the early evening while I go out in search for a costume. I procrastinated big time. Bria is planning on spending the night at Cecelia’s tonight, because the party is expected to take over and go very late. I have plans with Violet and Marcus, and I’m not sure if I’ll stop by the party yet or not. Seeing all of the friends that Nick made with Isabel might be too weird. I heard it’s fancy—it’s a masquerade, after all—and that’s not exactly my scene.
I spend my afternoon at a costume store, along with everyone else in Seattle. It seems as though we’ve all procrastinated until the very last minute. The only costume left in my size that is not completely slutty is a Mary Poppins costume.
The irony is not lost on me.
I buy it reluctantly, thinking that even if I do go to the party, at least it’s a masquerade, and perhaps Nick won’t even know it’s me. Besides, he might find it funny.
I don’t go home after getting my costume. Instead, I go straight to Violet’s. Marcus is there, too, and we watch scary movies until nine, and I decide, after mulling it over, that I will go to the party. I will wear a mask. Nick might not even notice me. I just want to see what the fuss is all about. Even Violet says she’s heard of Nick’s parties from friends. It’s funny to think about, because I can’t see Nick in that type of atmosphere. But then again… it was mostly Isabel, so maybe that’s why.
Violet helps me change and lends me a black hat and a pair of flat oxfords for the costume. She even does my hair, pinning it back into a low chignon before securing the hat. I top the look off with red lipstick. The costume fits pretty well for a packaged costume—a white blouse with a black midi-skirt. Once everything is assembled, I resemble Mary Poppins fairly accurately.
“Whoa,” Marcus says as I come out. “You’re like the hot version of Mary Poppins.”
“I know. Isn’t she beautiful?” Violet gushes. I try not to find it weird that her boyfriend just called me hot. “You should wear red lipstick more often, Evi. Really brings out your green eyes.”
“Duly noted,” I say, gathering my things. “Thanks for your help,” I say as I leave.
“It’s a masquerade ball, Evi! That means when you’re masked, you’re not yourself. You’re anonymous.”
“And?” I ask, wondering what her point is.
“And… if both you and Nick are wearing a mask, the rules say you can’t hold it against anyone the next day. Take advantage.”
“Got it,” I say, trying not to think of all of the things I want to do to Nick Wilder anonymously. Whoa. Did I really just think that about my employer?
I leave quickly, and as I drive over the bridge, I realize that I’m nervous. When I pull onto the street, there’s a valet in front of the house.
“Hi,” I say, rolling down the windows. “I live here. Is there room to park—”
“Evianna Halle?” the valet asks, and I nod. “Mr. Wilder kept your spot open in the driveway. Go on in.”
“Thanks,” I mutter. That was nice. I didn’t even tell Nick that I was coming. He never really invited me, but I had helped planning aspects of it, so I think we both just assumed I might show up at some point. I do live here, after all.
I park, and I notice there are people walking around the backyard. I hope I locked my door.