Reflection in the Mirror

Too late I realized I'd spoken out loud. My mask stung my cheeks, making me grab the ends to soothe the heat. My mind snapped out of its fog in time for me to see the two men staring at me in stunned silence.

For once I was glad their faces were half-covered in masks.

What the hell, Jenna?!

"Um, I mean, I chose the dark red because the dress only came in that color," I said hastily, feeling confused and mortified.

Alessandro leaned forward, "But you said a boy--"

"Only in that color?" Masquerade interrupted, touching my wrist, "Are you certain? The dresses I have are every color under the sun. You can pick any one you wish."

His fingers caressed my wrist gently. I knew he wasn't expressing sympathy for my lack of color choices. I wished I could forget anyone else was here. My heart longed for a moment alone with him. We could talk about anything and nothing, could do anything and nothing. Who would be there to stop us?

Di