Page 5

I enjoyed my work, but lately even my evenings seemed to follow a schedule: dinner, a few emails, something familiar on television, and bed at a respectable hour. I missed getting dressed up because I felt like it, dancing to music I loved, and staying out later than I'd planned because I was having too much fun.

The beautiful dress hanging in my closet deserved an outing, and so did I. For a few hours, I could wear a mask and pretend I was someone who didn't have to be sensible about every little thing.

"Besides," Taryn continued, "you might meet someone interesting."

"I meet interesting people all the time."

"Yes, and one of them asked you to coffee last week. You told me yourself you wanted to go."

I sighed. "I also told you why I turned him down."

"I remember. You don't date anyone connected to work." She studied me for a moment. "I understand the rule, but I think you're being awfully hard on yourself."

"It's a good rule. I've seen workplace relationships turn into disasters, and I have no intention of creating one here."

"Then keep the rule. I'm not asking you to change your mind about Cillian."

Her matter-of-fact response surprised me.

Taryn knew how much I liked him. I'd confessed it over dinner after he'd asked me out, admitting that refusing his invitation had required considerably more restraint than I cared to acknowledge.

She'd listened without judgment, although she'd pointed out that the security assessment wouldn't last forever.

"Come to the masquerade with me," she said. "Wear the beautiful dress. Dance with somebody who doesn't work anywhere near Harbor & Main. You can worry about Monday when Monday gets here."

I looked toward the window, where another group of costumed tourists passed beneath the orange garlands.

A night of music and beautiful clothes sounded wonderful. At the Grand, I wouldn't be responsible for the guest list, the catering, or whether every important person was pleased. Someone else could take care of that while I danced.

"All right," I said. "I'll go."

Taryn grinned and reached for her phone.

"Excellent. I'll send you the ticket information. And don't worry about transportation. I'll arrange a rideshare so neither of us has to drive."

"You're remarkably organized when you're trying to lure me into something."

"I learned from the best."

She rose from her chair and headed toward the door, pausing before she left.

"Oh, and Everly? Wear the gold heels with that dress."

I laughed. "You're not going to let me make any of my own decisions, are you?"

"Of course I am. You can decide whether to wear your hair up or down."

After she disappeared down the hallway, I returned to my paperwork with a smile.

I hadn't attended a masquerade since college, and the thought of spending Halloween at the Grand was unexpectedly exciting. I could imagine a ballroom full of masked strangers and the wonderful possibility that no one would ask me for a thing.

The dress was waiting in my closet. I'd purchased it after seeing it displayed in the window of a little boutique near the waterfront, then brought it home and wondered where on earth I'd ever wear it.

Now I had an answer.

I opened the photograph on my phone and studied the fitted ivory satin, delicate gold embroidery, and small white feather wings.

My mother would undoubtedly approve of the angel costume. She'd probably suggest a shawl over the neckline, which was precisely why I hadn't asked her opinion.