I sit back sipping a cognac and smoking a fine Cuban cigar. I need a break and need to unwind. I try to think but so many choices remain undecided. I look into the fire and I am mesmerised by the sights and sounds of the crackling embers.
I then notice the globe next to the fire place, I decide to spin it and then I plant a finger on as it slows down, and I look down at my finger, Paris, France. An interesting choice, I lift my finger off the globe and head to the phone. I call my travel agent and arrange a trip. In a month's time it shall be at hand.
I sit back and finish my cognac and cigar, when a phone call comes through, I pick it up.
"Hello."
"Bill, it's me Jack, how are you doing my friend?"
"Not too bad man just booked my holiday to Paris next month."
"I'm glad I called you Bill."
"Why is that Jack?"
"I got an invite to a masquerade ball; you know Venetian masks, the whole deal, which is in Paris. Anyhow the wife isn't keen as it is only one ticket. I hear there might a female celebrity or two there."
"Thank you my friend."
"You are welcome, just promise you shag some sexy thing at that event."
"I'll do my best."
"Yeah you can come through anytime and I'll give you the details."
So about a week later I head to toward Jack's house. I entered his house and we sat down to catch up.
"So how are you, how's the wife?"
"She is not here, gone shopping."
"Anyway here is the invitation."
"This should be fun, thank you man, for this."
"Have a drink for me my friend."
"Will do, listen, I must go see my travel agent. So take care and send my regards to the wife."
"I'll do that and in case I don't see you have a good trip."
I headed to the travel agent and finalised my trip, a week is left before I head off for some fun.
(Day of Departure)
I settle down into the business class seat of the plane, sipping a martini and enjoying the vast space of this Airbus A380 aircraft. The flight was rather uneventful and soon I land in Paris. I check into the hotel, which coincidently is the same location as the party.
I check into one of Paris' finest hotels and make my up to the room. I slide the key into the slot and open the door and head inside, room is opulent there is the usual furnishings, couch, flat screen TV and a panoramic view of Paris.
I sleep away the jet lag and soon I am fresh the next day. I decide to explore Paris and enjoy the sights. After a while there is time to get ready for the party. I speak to reception and soon receive the mask which will grant me entry and when the time comes close I get myself ready. A suit does quite nicely black with white pinstripes.
The mask is gold in colour; it covers all but the mouth and chin. I soon arrive outside the party and make my way inside. I head straight to the bar and get myself a stiff drink. The throng of people move about as the soft music enchants everyone within the venue.
I then hear a distinctly British voice say "Excuse me," to my left and see a woman in a dazzling floor length black dress, and wearing a silver mask with feathers atop either side of the mask. Her hair is ornately tied up. I move away as she heads to the bar. There is something about her, I feel the need to do something right now, and I do. I step in next to her and say "Excuse me but I must say that you are gorgeous."
"Why thank you, you are rather dashing yourself."
"Very kind of you to say."
"You must drive the girls crazy."
"Well, I try."
"You are doing well."
"Well would you like to dance?"
"Hmmm, why not."
I took her hand as we headed to the dance floor. I drew her in close as we slow dance through the music playing.
"I take it you're not a local"
"You would be right, and I take that you are not either."
"Yes that would be correct; my name is Bill, by the way."
"Emily."
"It's most certainly a pleasure to meet you."
"The feeling is mutual."
We continue to dance as the night winds away. Song after song our eyes remain fixed upon one another, her sky blue eyes are intoxicating and almost impossible to look away from them. A few sparks of conversation flare up now and then throughout the night. As things go, the night begins to wind down.
"It would seem it is time to go Emily."
"Out of curiosity, where you staying?"