Page 10 of Moonlit Colorado

I stiffened when the door swung open and a woman in a strapless black dress walked inside. Her mask was far more elaborate than mine. Glittery red, with large jewels set around the edges of the mask and downy, red-dyed feathers. It didn’t look like a homemade craft project either.

She tugged off the mask as she approached the other sink. Her eyes were bloodshot. Her hands shook, and her chest moved rapidly with shallow breaths.

My own breath hitched in sympathy. “Are you all right?” I asked.

She inhaled sharply, head turning. Then her features smoothed out, and she tried to smile, though tightness remained at the corners of her mouth. “Didn’t realize someone was already hiding in here.”

I almost denied it, but I was totally hiding. “I guess it’s that kind of night.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

She was probably in her twenties, like me, but she looked tired. Exhausted, even. Which didn’t fit with her perfect makeup or the diamond drop earrings hanging from her earlobes. Her waist was cinched tight, and her breasts nearly spilled from the top of her dress. But the most memorable thing about her was her hair. It was a vivid red that glowed in the bathroom lights. My hair had red tones to it, but hers was like neon.

Ms. Scarlet, I thought, since I didn’t know her name. She was beautiful. But she didnotseem happy to be here.

Ms. Scarlet washed her hands. Then opened her purse and glanced inside, closing it quickly before she froze, as if she’d gotten lost in thought.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I asked. Maybe I was being too nosy, but it was obvious she was anxious.

She opened her mouth, pausing for a long time, before saying, “My date stood me up.”

“I’m sorry. That stinks. Do you need a ticket to the party?” I reached for my purse.

You’re just looking for an excuse to bail, a scolding voice said in my mind. But if this woman needed the ticket more than me, Piper would understand. I could bum around in the lobby listening to the string quartet until Piper and Hanson were ready to go.

“That’s nice of you, but I’m covered.” She licked her lips. “Just not sure I feel like staying. I haven’t decided yet.”

“You can still have a good time without a date,” I pointed out.

“Yeah. But have you ever felt like you’re just…questioning everything?”

I sighed. “Oh, wow. I’ve definitely been there. I told my friend I’d have fun tonight, but instead I’m hiding in the bathroom.”

I’d come to this party for Piper, but part of me had agreed to it because I did want a night forme. Just like Piper had said yesterday when she’d talked me into this.

Ms. Scarlet’s gaze had gone distant, like she was lost in her head again. In a way, it gave me courage. It was always easier for me to step out of my comfort zone if I was doing it for someone else.

“How about this,” I said. “We both put our masks back on, go into that party, and have a good night.”

I made the first move, picking up my mask and tying it on. But one of the ribbons snapped away from the mask, and the whole thing fell off.

“Dang it,” I muttered. “You’re kidding me.”

Ms. Scarlet stared at the broken black mask in my hand. Her gaze moved to the door. To me again.

Then she nodded once, like she’d made some decision.

“Take this one.” She picked up her bejeweled mask and held it out.

“I can’t do that. This looks expensive.”

“Not everything that shines is a real diamond.”

“Unlike your earrings?”

“Oh sweetheart, those aredefinitelyfake.” She smiled, and her hands weren’t shaking anymore. Her eyes were brighter too. “Hold still. I’ll tie it for you.”

“But—”

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