She took the cup from Pierre and passed him her cash. “I’m sorry, okay? Love makes you do stupid things. You of all people should know that.”
It seemed we were back to Summer speaking her mind. “I was only off track for a few months. Julian has changed all of that.”
“So you see? No reason for us not to be friends.”
“I can think of a few.”
I started toward the door, and she was right with me. “But why? Let bygones be bygones. Let stupid high school behavior stay in high school.”
We were back out in the sunshine, and the foot-traffic was already picking up. I squinted in the light a second before a click brought me back to my companion.
“Did you take my picture?” I frowned as she looked at the back of her camera.
“I’ll send it to you.” She turned the device toward me, and I saw my face bathed in sunlight. “You should think about broadcast news. The camera has always loved you.”
“It’s kind of rude to take someone’s picture without permission.” As if rudeness ever stopped her from doing anything.
She shrugged. “Send it to Julian. I know he’ll like it.”
I was ready to jog up to my favorite spot on the levee and then down into Jackson Square. “Look, we’re in this class together, so I know we’ll be in the same place a lot. I’d appreciate if you’d give me some space. And stop taking my picture without permission.”
She held her hands and the camera up. “Sorry! I was just trying to make amends.”
Suppressing the urge to growl at her, I took a deep breath. “Apology accepted. I’m willing to try and let it go. I just… need space right now.”
“You got it.”
We stepped out on the flagstone, and after about five steps, Summer was still right beside me. I stopped walking abruptly and so did she.
“You’re going this way?” Her voice was meek.
“Yes,” I snapped back.
A pivot on her heel sent her west toward the square. “I’ll head over this way then.”
“Thank you.”
Turning back toward the river, I headed up the hill toward the wrought-iron bench where I had the best view of Algiers Point. It seemed my Saturday morning ritual was in danger of derailment by a very unwelcome intruder.
We’d see how this played out.
Anna’s Private Blog: Mardi Gras Madness
Mardi Gras season in New Orleans always started twelve days after Christmas, after Epiphany, which meant the building sense of excitement ran from January until Fat Tuesday, whether it was early February or late March.
Lucky for me, this year it was early February, which meant I’d see Julian again very soon. We celebrated Mardi Gras along the coast as well, since the tradition actually began in the U.S. in Sterling. Still, nothing compared to the big business of New Orleans carnival.
My Saturdays in the Quarter were becoming more and more crowded and festive by the week. I hated to miss the big day in the city, but we had events of our own in Fairview and Dolphin Shores.
The “secret” Kyser-Brennan krewe had a huge masquerade ball planned, and Rachel insisted we go to Bourbon Street to find masks for it. We spent a day sipping hand grenades and laughing at the trashy shops lining the street as we explored different options.
With the help of much back-and-forth photo-texting with Julian, I got a gorgeous black mask with silver glitter fanning across the nose and out from the eyes. For Julian, I bought a velvet eye-cover that had tiny silver studs sprinkled over it. He’d look more like Zorro than a reveler.
Secretly, I hated masked balls. The thought of all those creepy eyes peering out from behind masks sent a nervous shiver to my stomach. It helped that I’d bought the masks we’d be wearing—at least I’d be able to keep up with Julian in the sea of “strangers.”
So even though we’d only been back at school a few weeks, once again Rachel and I were headed back to the coast for a weekend of festivities. Starting mid-November, college had taken a backseat to social activities, and I wasn’t complaining. I couldn’t wait to see Julian again.
“I bought a floor-length baby blue satin dress online,” Rachel said as she studied the road. “It should match the mask I got, but I’m afraid I’ll look like Cinderella.”
Rachel’s mask was silver with white accents and feathers. “I love your mask. I think you’ll look gorgeous even if you are a Disney princess.”
She laughed. “So what are you wearing?”
“Probably that black dress I had for prom.” My actual prom dress had been a short, Tiffany-blue chiffon that I adored, but I’d had a back-up just in case.
“Black?” Rachel’s brow creased. “You know Mardi Gras is supposed to be colorful and festive.”
“Yes, but the store was doing a two-for-one sale, so Mom picked it up. We can’t really afford three formals every year.”
“Sorry. I bet you’ll look gorgeous in it. I can’t wait for the ball.”
I didn’t say I could.
* * *
SCAD wasn’t technically out for the holiday, so Julian was only in town for the weekend. Still, it was a whole weekend together. After Rachel dropped me off, and I did the required catch-up with the parents, I hopped in the Civic and headed straight to Hammond Island.
It was strange to be so welcome now in the giant mansion on Peninsula Avenue. I pulled into the circle drive and saw Mr. Kyser’s Audi, Julian’s Beemer, and a new Lexus I didn’t recognize. Somehow I’d managed to forget all of the Kyser children would be at the ball. That meant Jack… and Will.
I’d only closed my car door when Julian appeared, trotting down to greet me with a kiss. “I’m thinking about playing hooky on Monday. Staying one more night.”
The wind pushed his shiny dark hair around his face, and I couldn’t help returning his grin. Julian’s happiness was always contagious. “I love that idea!”
He leaned in close and kissed my nose on the way to whispering in my ear. “Will’s inside. Want to jet?”
I was just about to say yes when the sound of a car horn almost made me jump two feet in the air. A voice was calling out, and I looked over my shoulder to see Lucy in her bright, yellow Cabrio pulling in behind me. The top was down and she was waving.
“Or not.” Julian dropped his arm to my waist and smiled back at his sister.
“Anna!” She hopped out of the car, bouncing over to us. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need a second opinion on my dress.”
Pressing my lips together, I looked up at Julian, who only shrugged. Lucy caught my arm and pulled me away. “You two can snuggle on the dance floor. She’s coming with me.”
I followed her inside, through the short entry hall and into the enormous kitchen. Julian was right behind us. The only person in the room was the one person I hadn’t wanted to see, but despite how our last encounter had gone, Lucy didn’t even pause.
“Hello, Will.” Her tone was light, but not exactly happy.
Her oldest brother blinked up to us. When he saw Lucy holding my arm and Julian right behind me, he actually sneered. Then he shook his head and left the room.
Lucy kept going toward the staircase in the living room. “Ignore him. We are going to have a blast tomorrow night. Just you wait.”
Lucy had a dozen ball gowns in assorted colors and styles. The one she’d bought for this year was strapless silver with green and purple tulle wrapped tightly over the body, going down into almost a mermaid style.
“What do you think?” She turned in front of the mirror looking over one shoulder at her reflection. “Too Ariel?”
Julian had stayed downstairs, and I was flopped on her bed watching the fashion show. “Your hair’s not red. Are you planning to sing?”
“No!” She started to laugh.
“Then I don’t think anybody will see Little Mermaid when they look at you. It’s gorgeous.”
She gave me a huge smile. “Thanks. I really loved it too, but you know. Sometimes I can be off.”
> “I have never seen you ‘be off’ when it comes to fashion.”
She caught her silky hair up in a make-shift up-do. “What are you wearing?”
“Black, floor-length. It was one of my prom-dress possibilities from last year.”
Her nose wrinkled. I was clearly new to the whole Mardi Gras social scene. “You need to wear something colorful. Here, borrow something of mine.”
A stubborn knot of inferiority formed in my throat. Mardi Gras balls were not world-changing events. “Won’t people recognize it?”
“Of course not. A few drinks and everybody forgets everything.” She went deep in her closet and came out with a flowing, bright green chiffon dress. It had clusters of fabric roses in the same material over one shoulder, but it was otherwise strapless.
“Here.” She held it against me. “Go try it on. Your eyes will absolutely glow in this.”
I stepped around the screen and quickly slipped the dress on. Hopping out, I went over to let her zip me up, then I turned in front of her three-way mirror.
My breath caught. “Oh my god.”
Lucy bounced, clapping her hands and squealing. “I’m giving it to you! This dress has never looked that good on me.”
For just this one moment, I decided it was possible she could be right. I’d never worn anything so fine, and it did make my eyes glow green.
“Have your hair straightened tomorrow, and you will look amazing.”
“How can I get it out without Julian seeing it?”
She ran up behind me and squeezed the top of my arms, putting her chin on my shoulder. “He is going to flip when he sees you tomorrow night. I hope you make it to the ball.”
* * *
We did make it to the ball. Mom was ecstatic at the dress, Tamara was more than happy to work me into her schedule so she could hear all about college life, but all of it was a torturous blur as I waited for the day to hurry up and end. Suddenly I wasn’t feeling so skittish about the masquerade, I only wanted to see Julian—or more accurately, him to see me.
I borrowed a pair of Mom’s heels and some red lipstick. She smoothed my hair down and helped me get the mask in place, and then hiccupped a breath.
“Oh, Anna!” Another sniff, and I looked over my shoulder.
“You okay?”
Shaking her head, she snatched a tissue to dab her eyes. “You’re just so grown-up and beautiful.”
“Mom…”
We didn’t have time to talk because Julian was downstairs with Dad. I gave her a quick peck and scampered to the door. “Come on! I can’t wait for Julian to see me.”
My date was dressed in the standard Mardi Gras tux, which is black tails and white accessories, and as predicted, his jaw dropped when I appeared at the top of the stairs. I’d have enjoyed it more if I weren’t so afraid I’d catch my heel on the hem and tumble the rest of the way down.
“Wow.” Julian’s low murmur sparked an excited flutter in my stomach, and with a trembling hand, I held the rail until I finally made it to the bottom.
Dad looking equally shocked, and now I was starting to feel awkward and self-conscious. “Guys! I know I’m wearing a mask, but it’s just me. Anna.”
Part of me hoped Dad would add Banana for the first time in… never. But I was ready for anything to cut the tension.
Julian was the first to snap out of it. He pulled the cloth mask I’d bought for him out of his pocket and held it over his eyes. “Okay, hot stuff. Take a good look at this. I’m your date. Right here.”
Blue eyes twinkled at me from behind black velvet, and I laughed. “I’m not forgetting you.”
He dropped it and caught my hand. “Back by…”
Dad shrugged. “You guys have been setting your own curfew for almost a year now. Just be safe.”
Stepping forward to kiss Dad’s cheek, I took Julian’s hand and followed him out to the waiting Beemer. Before I got in, he pulled me close against his chest. Our noses were a whisper apart, but he didn’t kiss me. Everything in me was humming, but he only looked in my eyes.
“You are gorgeous tonight.” His lips lightly touched my cheek. “I don’t want to smear your lipstick or I’d kiss you good.”
“I hate red lipstick now.”
He chuckled and kissed my other cheek. “I don’t. You look hot, Hazel.”
I gave him a quick hug, and we were on our way.
* * *
The civic center was decked out with purple, green, and gold feathers, balloons, wreaths, and streamers. A live band was playing in the background, and everyone was masked and either milling around, chatting and having refreshments, or dancing. I wanted to dance, but first I wanted to find Rachel and Lucy.
Rachel would be looking for me in that black dress, but Julian’s sister knew what I was wearing. Other than the two of them and my date, I’d have a hard time figuring out who anyone was.
“I’ll grab us some drinks. Don’t wander off.” Julian kissed my cheek, right next to my ear and took off for the bar.
I stood for a few moments twisting my hands and wondering why I hadn’t gone with him, until a female dressed in a long, flowing purple dress approached me from the side.
“Anna?” Her mask was gold with matching purple and green detailing. “I thought that was you. It’s me, Summer.”
I recognized the voice, and did my best not to frown. “Hi, Summer. Yeah, I recognized your voice.”
Brown eyes flashed up and down my outfit. “You look really good. I wasn’t expecting you to go all out for this.”
“Umm… thanks?” Summer had not lost her ability to be completely inscrutable. “You look good too. Who’s your date?”
She shrugged. “I came with my cousin. We’re all old neighbors, so you know. They let us in.”
“Your cousin?” Conflicted emotions pushed back and forth in my chest. “You mean Casey? Casey Simpson?”
“The one and only! Or I don’t know. I guess there could be other girls named Casey Simpson in the world.” That high, dumb-blonde note was back in her voice, but I stopped myself. There was no reason to be angry with her. So what if Casey Simpson, Jack’s ex-girlfriend, the girl he’d broken my heart over, was here. I was with Julian now.
“That’s great. I hope you guys have fun.” I willed myself to mean it.
Summer’s cousin hadn’t knowingly done anything to me, and anyway. If she were here, maybe she would recognize the change in her ex-boyfriend. Maybe she could help him and get me off the hook with Lucy.
“Hey, I see you’ve found a friend.” Julian was back, handing me a clear plastic cup of wine.
“Hey, handsome.” Summer stepped forward and hugged him, and my eyebrows shot up at her boldness. “How’s art school?”
“Summer? I’m good. Thanks.” He appeared as surprised as I felt. “How’s… your college?”
“Didn’t Anna tell you?” She shook her head. “We’re in the same photojournalism class this semester.”
“Yeah, I heard.” His eyes flickered to mine then back. “How’s it going?”
“It’s fun. I’m enjoying seeing her again.”
The band started a slow song, and Julian caught my waist. “Well, good seeing you. We’re going to dance.”
He pulled me out onto the floor, and I couldn’t have been happier. “What’s gotten into her?”
“I don’t know!” I couldn’t help it. I started to laugh. Then I laughed more, dropping my head on his shoulder. “You should’ve seen your face.”
“She’s never even spoken to me, much less grabbed me around the neck like that.”
I straightened up then and leaned close so our lips barely brushed. “Don’t get used to it, Mister.”
He caught my chin and lightly kissed me back. “Don’t worry. I’m ready to take you home now.”
Heat flared low in my stomach. “We’re supposed to stay at least a few hours.”
“Longest hours of my life.”
We finished our dance, and went back to the crowd, where I
soon spotted Lucy in her mermaid dress. She went on about how perfect her selection was for me, and soon Rachel joined us. She was gorgeous and only slightly reminiscent of Cinderella.
“I guess balls bring out the princess in all of us.” She teased, and we danced to the live music and chatted while the guys hung around the sidelines, drinking and talking.
The night continued pretty much like any other dance I’d ever attended. I only caught sight of what I thought was Jack once. It was nearly impossible to know for sure, since all the guys wore the exact same tuxedo in various sizes. Still, at one point, I was certain the male I thought was Jack danced with a tall, slim model-type girl in a long, gray gown. It was strapless and flowing and perfectly elegant, and with a bitter twinge, I acknowledged that Casey, with all her status and social confidence, really was more Jack’s type than I’d ever been.
When he’d come to find me that day after his birthday party, after I’d watched him kiss her and then slip his hand down the front of her dress, he’d said she knew their kind of life and what to expect from his family. I was so stupid, all I knew was to be miserable because I’d lost him. I had no idea how twisted events were going to get starting then.
Lost in memory, I didn’t notice a tall, slim man approach me from behind. He lightly touched my waist, and I jumped. He smiled, and his blue eyes seemed strangely familiar. I wished I hadn’t had that last glass of wine, because my head was too fuzzy. He motioned toward the dance floor, and I scanned the crowd for Julian. He wasn’t anywhere to be seen, and I wavered, trying to find a reason to say no.
Whatever fear I would’ve normally felt didn’t register through the haze, and I set the Dr. Pepper I had switched to on a nearby table. It was just a friendly dance, after all.
“I… I need to find my date.” My eyes blinked too fast, and the guy put his hand on my waist, touching my lips lightly with his finger.
“Shh,” he whispered.
My chest tightened. It wasn’t attraction, but it wasn’t alarm either. It was mysterious. It was just like a masque—strange and unexpected. Whoever this person was, he was confident and handsome. We were at the Kyser-Brennan Mardi Gras ball, so I knew that meant he had money and connections.
Mosaic (Dragonfly #4) Page 12
