the beach, snatching up his clothes and walking off.
FRIDAY NIGHT ARRIVED in a flurry of excitement. The first party of the summer and a whole day of activities and sessions had to be canceled, so everyone could get ready. Ivy and Delilah marched around the ballroom in red and black gowns, barking orders.
They were stressing about nothing in my opinion. Our plans came together spectacularly. Kelli came through with the decorations that fell off the fence of cheesy and landed square on bold and elegant.
Black and red were our colors, and they came through in the red and black rose centerpieces atop checkered tabletops. A photo area made of a heart-shaped vine arch was near the entrance. Hanging from the ceiling were club, diamond, heart, and spade lanterns. The last items to handle were setting out the name cards and food.
Hazel delivered on her part. The buffet table would hold sun-dried tomato risotto, lemon chicken, grilled steak, and all their accompaniments. For dessert she came up with chocolate and red velvet cupcakes. Our signature drink was a silver autumn blossom we renamed painted roses. The underage had to drink them without the gin.
“We really pulled this off,” I said. Kelli and I were circling the tables, dropping name cards and making sure everything was perfect. “Sorry I couldn’t help out the last few days.”
“You don’t have to apologize. You didn’t plan for a Neandertal to throw you in a pool. You got us a great band despite what happened. I listened to Purely Pink last night and fell down a two-hour-long rabbit hole. How did you get them?”
“I searched the best local bands and found out they played an event at the villa two years ago. I called and they jumped at the chance to play for us again. The first time was great exposure. They’re hoping to wrangle more gigs out of the community.”
“They’ve got me as a fan.”
“Belle? Belle,” Ivy called. “The band is calling from the front gate. Show them in and help them set up.”
“Ma’am, yes, ma’am.”
I saw her eye roll from across the room. She told me she was glad I was okay along with everyone else, but a concussion didn’t mean she suddenly liked me.
I carried out my orders and rescued the band members from security. They got to work setting up while I helped put the final touches on the buffet. At the strike of nine, guests began trickling in. Being fashionably late didn’t work when your room was upstairs and there was nothing else to occupy your time.
“Welcome, everyone, to our Wonderland.” Delilah towered above us in her natural place on stage. “Find your seats, help yourself to the buffet, and enjoy.” The band kicked off with her final word as cue. I chose Purely Pink for their fun island sound and the entire song they sang devoted to oranges. From the head-bobbing and hip-shaking, I chose well.
The trickle became a stream. Twenty minutes after nine and the ballroom was full, plates were heaped with food, and my fellow captives searched out their tables.
I had it on good authority—Kelli’s—that Delilah placed my seat at the back nearest the photo op. I switched it on the spot, bouncing Lukas and Tyra, and putting me and Zion with her, Carter, Nathan, Preston, Mila, and Hazel.
Zion and I joined them, earning a glare from Delilah that peeled me like a grape, and appreciative looks from Nathan and Preston that had me as naked as one.
I didn’t have my usual setup to make my own dress, but that was no excuse to settle for ordinary. My black halter gown had a red collar and long back skirt that showed off the short, white pants trimmed in red. Down the back of my skirt was a cascading shower of hearts, and for my stockings, I special-ordered one covered with little axes.
Off with their heads.
Nathan whistled. “Damn, girl. Is it your solemn duty to make every person in each room you walk into feel like they’re wearing a trash bag?”
I sat where I placed my card—between him and Preston. “Nope. It’s my solemn duty to get everyone wondering who my designer is, so I can collect potential buyers as I tell them it’s me. Never too early to build my fan base.”
“Smart.”
On Nathan’s right was Carter, Hazel, and Zion. On Preston’s left was Delilah and Mila. I thought it was a pretty good arrangement, but Delilah kept looking around, shooting me suspicious looks.