ls, her eyes wide-eyed at her surround

th enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, a large event hall just below the twin grand staircases, towerin

this makes me believe the Sebastians are even more impressive. They’ve gathered New Y

ays, I always spent them alone in the apartment. I had nowhere t

r cocktail dress that partially exposes her back, a silver mask, and stylish messy plaits for her blonde h

to my white half-masquerade, ice blue evening dress from Burberry, and a pair

ut so they don’t try to intimidate us, we’ll meet them first, okay? They

mother right now. Can we skip that? I’m sure Any

tly avoid them

yes. “Fine, but the last time we were at his pa

the captain of the Princeton soccer team, her sister is attending a prestigious music sc

t like I can change my parents overnight. Please, I reall

ump. “I just hope A

s really thoughtful, b

. But as if he already knows where they will be, we fin

ing dress and a red mask, Phillis Stevens, wh

be, we find them flocking together in a crowd at one corner: her young-looking mother in an all-bl

ts out as if I’m not there. She lowers her

ard I saw his best friend leave your

nostrils flare up. “What

efore you say anything, we’re here to meet Julian. He will be our professor next semeste

’t expect him to

s just as tall as his father, so I’m n

ng you, Phil. This is what he’s le

?” Lora’s

ra and then throws a malicious gaze

er cared who your friends are, but that’s rude. Ladies...” He brings his attenti

Stevens,” Lora

ls.” Kristoff

,” I say after taking us far

conversation is useless to them.” Kristoff snatches two champagne flutes fr

hat is her problem?” L

drinks. “It’s better to just stay away. Anyway, let’

ew professor by his f

o excited. He must be ecstatic to meet t

o see him, but can we ea

gives me a tender gaze.

s a little more about t

buffet and relish various world-class dish

limelight?” Lora asks. It’s the most intr

a top composer to being a

s. “He’s great, but he’s secretive. H

drink. “If he hates this place so

ust me. He never m

ng an ornate brown mask approaches Kris

yfriend’s face. “Adam! Holy

a brief hug.

our friend, Lora McQueen,” Kristoff says. “T

eeing his picture alongside his o

cially you.” He looks at me. “I had no idea Krist

um... It’s a pleasure to meet y

stoff’s shoulder. “Julian’s already here if you’

nts next term. I just want to in

. Julian could be an authoritarian, but he’s cool. You’ll

ecause he’s your bro?”

lot as kids. But in terms of music

chuckle. I’d never met another Sebastian before. I expected th

But if I do, I’ll tell him you’re looking for

stoff grins, cle

Adam winks at Lora. “Anyway, I’d like to as

wiggles her shoulder and casually extends her hand to hi

” I comment as I watch Lora

s his arm around my waist and p

gle.

“I’d rather not ow

m still getting used to walkin

my feet. “They loo

m to me. I should thank him ag

he fluffy white fur coat around me. “How about we go outsi

nder a winter moon and a picturesq

sweet smile.