Senior Year Box Set

I came out and found everyone gathered in the living room, eating cheese and drinking wine.

“Dude! I see why they cast you to play James Bond,” Kevin said.

“No, the son of James Bond,” Cindy corrected. “You look nice.”

“Thanks.”

“Seriously, man. You look good. That outfit suits you,” Kevin said.

“I’m supposed to get a picture,” Scarlet said. “Put on your mask.”

I did as I was told and posed for her.

“What are you guys doing tonight?” I asked.

“I asked around while I played today and got a couple of suggestions. We’re going to Le Tip Top for dinner and then to La Rascasse to dance. The folks in the casino said the ‘real’ clubbing experience doesn’t start until midnight. They’re open until five a.m., so don’t expect anyone to be up and ready to go in the morning. I’m not going to stay too long because I play poker again tomorrow,” Ashley shared.

“Maybe I could meet you there after my shindig. I like to dance,” I suggested.

“If you call your mom and get permission …” Scarlet said sarcastically.

I knew when I wasn’t wanted. I just gave them a tight-lipped look and headed to the door. Paul followed me out.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to be your security tonight? I’m not sure Fritz would be too pleased with me going out and partying, especially after that time in LA.”

“I’ll give you a direct order so you can claim it was my own fault if something happens. I want you to watch over my guests tonight, and you can’t be in two places at once. I’m sure there will be security at the ball, and you would just spend time in the parking lot all night. Go have a good time,” I said.

“If you decide you want to come to the club, give me a call, and I’ll come get you.”

“Apparently, I’m not allowed.”

“Since when do you do what your mother tells you?” Paul asked in mock disbelief.

I wanted to say, ‘since I got the feeling that I wasn’t welcome,’ but bit my tongue instead.

“My dad says you have to pick your battles,” I said and then added, “If the ball is lame and I want to bail, I’ll call you.”

My car was waiting for me, so I allowed Paul to walk me out and put me in the back. I told the driver to hold on when I saw a stretch limo pull up across the street at the hotel where Lord Harry Smyth and his group were staying.

Sure enough, the four guys I’d had breakfast with came out with four women. It was easy to identify the engaged couple, as Oliver and his fiancée were arm-in-arm. They made a cute couple. I remembered that one of the guys had referred to her as Cordelia. I saw Beth, Harry’s sister, who I’d met in the UK. She looked well put-together for tonight’s event in a full-length silver gown. I spotted the girl who Harry had on the side. She was in a cute dress, but you could tell it wasn’t something she was used to wearing as she tugged at the hem.

The final girl held back, and she caught my eye. She moved as though she were floating, reminding me of a graceful swan in her vintage Oscar de la Renta gown. She wore a jeweled tiara on her head and held a delicate black lace mask in her grasp. My breath caught when she smoothed her hands over the hundreds of Swarovski crystals sewn onto her dress, and I shook my head.

My pulse quickened. I wanted to meet her. If I had to go to an annoying old-folks’ fundraiser, I might as well find someone to talk to and possibly dance with. Who knew, I might even flirt with her.

Before they had all loaded into their limo, I told my driver to leave.

◊◊◊

The soirée was what I was now calling it because what else would you call an event like this, held at a Monégasque mansion? When we pulled up, a footman stepped forward and opened the door. Behind him stood a group of attractive young women with tablets in their hands. When I stepped out of the car, one of the women approached me with a smile. She looked at me like I was a long-lost relative who she’d just discovered had a vast inheritance waiting for her.

“Mr. Dawson?” she asked, and I nodded. “Welcome. Please come this way.”

I noticed that my picture was prominently displayed on the tablet. They’d obviously done their homework.

The young woman led me to a magnificent foyer. They must have used a whole marble quarry when they put this room together. A grand staircase led to the second level, and an enormous antique crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling. Next to the stairs were a couple of tables. The girl brought me to one to sign in and left me in the capable hands of Kristine.

“Good evening, Mr. Dawson. I understand you have a check from Mr. Feldman.”

I made a play at forgetting where I put it as I searched my pockets and acted pleased when I found the envelope in the inside pocket of my tux. Kristine just looked at me patiently, which reminded me of what Grace Davenport had said. I might not be as funny as I thought I was.

“Before you go in, there are some rules. Please wear your mask at all times, and tonight is supposed to be anonymous. To that end, everyone has been given fanciful name tags to wear.”