Masked Desires

Three men were huddled over a table in the far corner of the bar area, where they conversed, laughed and enjoyed their drinks. Like they’d just stepped off the stage of a Shakespearian play, they sported costumes that were stylishly dated for a Masquerade ball, capes and all. Neither one of them appeared to be in our age bracket. In fact, they looked like cougar bait. That made me feel old.

The one Allison had her eyes on, a smooth cocoa brother with a wavy fade, snapped his attention our way. The two men at his sides―one looked Latin and the other white―followed suit.

Uh-oh. I fidgeted uncomfortably under their steady gazes. Allison, on the other hand, flashed a megawatt smile, assumed a provocative stance and stuck her voluptuous chest out for their scrutiny.

“Looks like they’re going to a Masquerade too.” The words slid off Allison’s tongue like she’d just tasted something scrumptious. “One of every flavor. A yummy man swirl.”

Oh goodness, trouble!

Mischief played in Allison’s steely blue eyes. No doubt about it, I was about to be yanked into an awkward, uncomfortable situation. I started getting the jitters. The pounding beneath my chest grew faster at the sparkle in Allison’s leer and the developing interest from the beautiful young men across the way.

Desperate to get out of the building before Allison made her move, I inched closer to the exit. “Let’s go ahead and get our cab, Ally. Running late, remember?”

Her white gloved hand caught me by the wrist. “Trying to run off on me, honey.”

“I’m trying to go hail a cab. You cussed me out for making us late and now you wanna set us back further?”

“They are worth the set back.” Her eyes glued on the handsome gents, she murmured, “Besides, the party doesn’t jump off until we arrive anyway.”

“No girl, I see what you’re ‘bout to do, and I’m not comfortable with it.” I tried to sound stern and serious, but the alcohol sailing through my system made my voice waver and slur. Dang, I’m a lightweight.

“Uh-huh, right, let’s go see if they’re going to the same ball.”

“Please don’t do this,” I begged as I was pulled across the cream tiles to the bar area. “Allison, don’t…”

The closer we got to the threesome, the hotter they became. By the time we stepped onto the carpeted area, I wasn’t resisting anymore. What’s the use anyway? Allison was going to drag me into the mix one way or another.