This will go beautifully with your black dress. Wear your hair up and paint your lips red. Bloodred. I’ll pick you up at six.
As I walk out of the district, a tiny masquerade shop catches my eye. In the display case is a striking black mask, satin with black feathers and a large crystal jewel fanning out from one side.
It was made for Skye. I don’t know when she’ll have the chance to wear it, but within two seconds, I’m in the store making the purchase. The salesperson wraps it for me and then nods to a display of plain masks.
“You get one of those for free with your purchase.”
“Oh?” I take a quick look. They’re simple masks in various colors. No embellishments, just a covering for the eyes.
I have no plans to take Skye to a masquerade, but if I do, I’ll need a mask as well. I choose the black one.
An hour later, my phone dings with a text. From Skye.
I love the pearls, Braden. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome, I text back succinctly.
But there’s so much more I want to say.
…
I’m in and out of meetings for the next twenty-four hours. Finally free, and eating takeout at my New York residence, my phone buzzes.
It’s a Boston number, but one I don’t recognize.
“Black,” I say.
“Hi…uh…Braden?”
“Yes? Who’s this.”
“Tessa Logan. Skye’s friend.”
My heart punches my sternum. “Is Skye all right?”
“Oh, yeah. She’s fine.”
I sigh in relief. “Good,” I say, hoping I sound nonchalant. “How did you get this number, Tessa?”
“Well…I kind of kiped Skye’s phone for a minute, found it, and memorized it.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I have one of those minds for numbers. You know?”
Not really, but I don’t say so. I’m not sure what to make of Tessa calling me. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Actually, there is. Skye and I went to the local pet shelter tonight. I adopted a dog. Anyway, Skye saw this little puppy. She was so sweet and lonely, and she adored Skye and Skye adored her. But you know Skye’s place doesn’t allow pets. Skye was just beside herself about the whole thing. She asked me to adopt the puppy, but I had already picked out a dog. That’s why we were there, to pick her up.”
“I see.”
“I told her to call you, but she wouldn’t.”
“Why?”
“Well…I thought…if you could adopt the puppy and keep her until Skye has a better place, maybe…”
“Tessa—”