by Gerald Lopez
“If I’m wearing a jockstrap, does that mean you are too?” Gabriel said.
“Yes, it does.”
“Sexy,” Gabriel said.
Bart looked at him and laughed. “Don’t let your mind wander, we’ve got to get you dressed and ready.” He fixed Gabriel’s costume, so it looked the same as his, except for the addition of a gold belt he found in the pile, instead of a leather one like he wore.
“Where do we keep our wallets?” Gabriel said.
“No worries, your fairy godmother thinks of everything… two wrist wallets to go,” Bart said, as he picked up two velcro wrist wallets, handed one to Gabriel, and wrapped the other one around his wrist. “My friend Frank and I discovered these wallets are great for using when we go to the beach. They’re waterproof too. He gave me his for you to use, and he said you can keep it, since he has another one. Oops, you need shoes too—or rather sandals.” He picked up his brown, leather Birkenstocks and put them in front of Gabriel’s tanned feet. “With your tan skin and dark hair, you look like a Greek statue come to life—which is appropriate for a museum costume ball.”
“Thank you, Jeremy. And it is oddly appropriate.” He put on the Birkenstocks, then reached into the bag he’d brought with him and pulled out two gold laurel leaf crowns. “Courtesy of my uncle.” He lifted the two crowns, so Bart could see them, and put one of them, with its attached hair combs, on Bart’s head. “Would you mind?” He handed Bart the other laurel leaf crown.
Bart put the laurel leaf crown on Gabriel’s head and looked at him. “That is perfect on you… as if you didn’t already look like a Greek God.”
“You look incredible yourself, Jeremy. I could sit here and admire the two of us all night, but we have somewhere to be.” Going back to the bag, he took out two gold masks with handles and handed one to Bart. “Thank you for the costume and jockstrap. Does it all disappear at midnight?”
Bart chuckled.
GEORGE retrieved Gabriel’s turquoise blue, modern retro Mustang, brought it to the front of the resort, and got out while holding the door open until Gabriel was seated in the driver’s seat. Joe, opened the passenger door for Bart, and closed it as soon as he got inside.
“Enjoy yourselves at the ball,” George said.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said, after paying George.
“Thanks,” Bart said.
Once they were on the road, Bart couldn’t help but look at Gabriel’s attractive bare leg, so he commented on the car to keep his mind occupied.
“Gabriel, I love your car, and the color is so unique.”
“Thanks, it was a splurge, but I couldn’t resist. Are you looking forward to the masquerade ball?”
“I think I am, actually,” Bart said. “I’m curious about who I’ll see there.”
“You won’t actually know many of them, though, will you? Because of the amnesia you’re suffering from—I take that back. Uncle Marcus and Aunt Lisa will be there, and you’ve become reacquainted with them.”
“You’re not worried about your uncle telling your dad that I was your date tonight?”
“No, those two hate one another,” Gabriel said. “Besides James, Uncle Marcus was the only other person who ever tried to help me when I really needed help in my life.”
“I’m glad they were there for you,” Bart said.
“Well, James was; and Uncle Marcus tried his best, but nobody could go against my father and win. Not back then… and not now.”
Things were silent for a moment, then Gabriel laughed. “God, I can be such a downer sometimes. Sorry about that, Jeremy.”
“Gabriel,” Bart said. “If you wanted to escape from your family, could you do it? Could you and James go somewhere they could never find either of you?”
“No. Besides, I could never ask James to uproot his life for me. He’s worked too hard to get where he is… and he loves the island resort he manages. It’s the place he loves most in the world. Ah, who knows—my father and Uncle Orion can’t live forever.” He patted Bart’s knee. “I like you… a lot. The museum is around the next corner. I think the look of it will surprise you.”
They turned the corner, then turned again into a long driveway, that ended in front of an immense round fountain, that had different color lights illuminating its various sprays of water. Across from it were more than a dozen low steps leading up to a three-story high, square building clad in silver metal with an entirely glass front. People in costume were making their way up the steps as Gabriel stopped the car in front of a valet.
Once they were out of the Mustang, Bart and Gabriel walked to the stairs, where Bart stared at the building in front of him.
“It’s amazing!” Bart said. “The building is so modern it looks like something from outer space.” He felt Gabriel’s arm around his waist before Gabriel’s hand discreetly rearranged his costume.
“Your costume opened a little too much on the side,” Gabriel said. “It’s fine now.”
“Thanks for looking out for me,” Bart said. “I’ll return the favor one day.”
“Hello. Funny seeing you two here,” A female dressed as Li’l Bo Peep in a short pink satin and lace shepherdess dress, and carrying a hook said. She stood next to a man dressed as a lamb, wearing skin tight white spandex and fur. “The two of you look so cozy. Whatever would poor Reese say? ”
“Hey, guys,” the lamb said.
That was when Bart recognized them and spoke. “ I didn’t recognize you two at first. Hi, Julia… Simon. You two look really great. Love the platinum blonde hair, Julia.”
“Thank you, I wanted to try something different,” she patted her wig, which was piled high on top, and featured long sausage curls on the sides. “Hi, Gabriel.”
“Hi Julia… Simon,” Gabriel said.
“What brings you two here?” Bart said.
“We like a good party,” Simon said, and smiled.
“It’s a good place to schmooze with possible customers for my spa and hair salons,” Julia said. “What brings you two to the party?”
“I heard Gabriel’s original date couldn’t make it, and kind of invited myself along. Plus, I wanted to see if being here would bring back any memories.”
“You used to like the museum,” Simon said. “I remember you came here a few times when you were in this area before. Shall we go in?”
Simon and Julia walked ahead, while Gabriel and Bart followed behind.
“Here we are, two Cinderfellas at the ball,” Gabriel said to Bart in a whisper. “I’m glad you twisted my arm to convince me to bring you,” he said sarcastically and winked.
Bart laughed, before he was captured by the shimmering terrace in front of him. The cement looked like it was inlaid with sparkling diamonds. Between that and the dizzying array of costumes, he didn’t know where to look. Gabriel guided him by the back of the arm into the glass entrance. Inside the lobby there was a dazzling tree sculpture completely covered in glass mirrored mosaic pieces. Glittered fleur-de-lis ornaments covered in mirror pieces and featuring dangling crystals hung from the tree’s branches. The tree sculpture started on the ground floor and rose to follow the curving staircase to the third floor.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Gabriel said.
Julia leaned back toward Bart and Gabriel, and pointed to the left side of the room. A woman dressed in a silver baroque costume was walking around the room. The most interesting thing about her costume was her skirt which held drinks.
“What has she got under that skirt?” Bart said.
“I think she must be in the center of a round table on wheels,” Julia said. “The table must have a hole in the center. That’s my guess.”
“They’re called strolling tables,” Gabriel said. “My father had several of them at one of his birthday parties. And you’re right—it’s a round table on wheels with a hole in the center. The table is covered to look like an extension of the server’s costume. I’ll get us some drinks.”
“I’ll join you,” Simon said
.
“Make mine non-alcoholic, Please,” Bart said.
“Will do,” Gabriel said.
When they left, Bart spoke to Julia. “Reese has nothing to worry about. I just wanted to come to the ball, and Gabriel had an extra ticket.”
“And Gabriel’s father wouldn’t go after you like he would James, if he’d come as Gabriel’s date,” Julia said. “I sort of feel sorry for poor Gabriel sometimes. But such is life. We’ll have fun tonight seeing the movers and shakers of this town doing their thing. New advantageous friendships can be formed at functions of this sort.”
“You’re a good businesswoman, aren’t you, Julia?” Bart said.
“I try my best. It’s not always easy, especially now when I’m in the middle of expanding my business.”
A band started to play in the corner of the room, and Julia took Bart’s arm and pushed him forward. “That’s funny. The band’s playing the song “Face to Face” by Siouxie and the Banshees.”
“What’s funny about that?” Bart said.
“It’s the song used during the masquerade ball scene in the film Batman Returns… and we’re at a masquerade ball right now,” Julia said. “Let’s dance. As a newbie to this function, maybe you’ll bring me luck, Jeremy.”
They went around the corner, and Bart was surprised by how large the space had become; a curving glass half wall had blocked most of it from view. He and Julia joined a small crowd of people dancing in front of the band. Julia smiled broadly at Bart while she scanned the room. She was nothing, if not smooth, in the way she worked the place. The band had changed to a different song by the time Gabriel and Simon found them and handed them drinks. They left the dance floor and Julia and Simon excused themselves to go mingle. Gabriel and Bart threw their empty drink cups in a nearby trash can, then found a corner to lean against and talk.
“I’m not sure what to do now,” Bart said.
“Mix and mingle, dance, go for some snacks—your wish is my command,” Gabriel said.
Bart was lost and clueless. He’d gone there as Judge Haymond had suggested, but had absolutely no idea what to do next.
Chapter 34
New Insight
BART AND Gabriel were still talking when a couple dressed as the Cheshire Cat and The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland walked up to them.
“Good evening, Judge and Mrs. Haymond, “Gabriel said to the couple. “I was hoping I’d see you both tonight.”
“Are you two enjoying yourselves?” Mrs. Haymond said, while fluffing her tail out with her hand.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Bart said. “But it does feel sort of strange being here with amnesia. It kind of makes me unsure of myself.”
“That’s never a good thing,” Judge Haymond said.
“You’ve got to see the strolling table, Mrs. Haymond,” Gabriel said. “May I escort you there?”
“Why certainly,” Mrs. Haymond said. “We’ll be right back, Lester.”
Once they had walked away, Judge Haymond stood close to Bart and whispered in his ear. “You’re the only new person here tonight, and it’s my understanding that’s not going to change. So, what you need to do is keep an eye on things and see if anyone starts acting strangely, or if they seem like they don’t belong. Did you come with Gabriel?”
“Yes, Sir,” Bart said. “He asked James first, but he refused.”
“As Gabriel knew he would,” Judge Haymond said. “Gabriel must have another reason for bringing you… and for giving us time to speak alone.”
“I know,” Bart said. “He’s also been making inquiries as to my whereabouts.”
“Interesting,” Judge Haymond said. “Stick by his side. I have a feeling he’s more of an ally than an enemy. But be sure to watch your step around him. This isn’t so easy, is it? Finding the right person or persons is proving to be difficult. They could be right in front of us and we wouldn’t know it.”
“Hello, Jeremy,” A man dressed in red and gold, wearing a large round hat as part of a Persian King costume said. “It’s me, Marcus Kristoff.” He turned and waved someone over.
“Being dressed as a king suits you well, Marcus,” Judge Haymond said.
“Hello, everyone,” Lisa, who was dressed in red and gold as a Persian Queen said. “Don’t all of you look handsome.”
Gabriel and Mrs. Haymond returned, each carrying two drinks. Mrs. Haymond handed one of her drinks to her husband, then turned to Lisa and spoke. “Oh, my word, I almost didn’t recognize you with that beaded headdress, fancy necklace, and skin-tight dress, Lisa. You look so sexy.”
“I love your Cheshire Cat costume too, but I was just thinking the boys would win for sexiest costumes in our group. No offense to my husband or the judge.”
“None taken,” Marcus said. “I have eyes to see the truth.”
“Here, Uncle Marcus,” Gabriel handed him a drink. “You’re the true royalty in this room… as are you, Aunt Lisa.” He handed Lisa the drink he’d brought for Bart. “Your drink is non-alcoholic, Aunt Lisa. I’d brought it for Jeremy, and he likes his drinks non-alcoholic, the same as you do.” Turning to the judge and Mrs. Haymond, he smiled. “And I always did think of you two as colorful and zany characters.” Everyone laughed, and Mrs. Haymond kissed Gabriel’s cheek. He smiled, then looked at Bart. “Sorry, I’ve given our drinks away, care to come with me to get some more.”
Bart nodded, then went with Gabriel. The band started to play a slow tune, and Bart stopped to listen a moment. Gabriel put an arm around Bart’s shoulder and spoke. “Are you OK, Jeremy?”
“Yes, I just love this song. I wish we could dance to it.”
“I told you that your wish was my command,” Gabriel said, leading him by the hand, up the winding stairs to the third floor landing.
There was only one other couple there dancing, so Gabriel put his arm around Bart’s waist, held his hand, and began to dance. Bart gave in to the urge to rest his head on Gabriel’s firm shoulder.
“Are you sure this is alright?” Bart said.
“I have a feeling it’s what we both need right now,” Gabriel said. “What’s this song, I don’t recognize it?”
“It’s from The Scarlet Pimpernel musical, and it’s called ‘You Are My Home’.”
“I like it,” Gabriel said.
The song ended, and they made their way back down the stairs in time to see Julia slap Marcus hard across the face in front of Lisa, who slapped her back.
That was it,” Bart thought. That was what the judge was talking about earlier. He quickly walked after Julia, who’d gone outside onto the terrace. She had tears in her eyes when he caught up with her.
“Are you alright, Julia?” Bart said.
“Yes, thank you. It was stupid and the whole thing was my fault. I’m glad you’re here, I almost forgot to tell you that the trip to Jacksonville has been postponed until Monday.” She wiped her eyes with her finger.
“Good, that gives us tomorrow to recover from this party,” Bart said. “Besides, I forgot to talk to James about giving Reese and me the time off—don’t hate me, I’m sorry. Things have just been so crazy lately.”
Julia smiled. “I understand, believe me.” She rubbed her cheek. “Does it look bad?”
“It’s noticeable, but you can act like it’s blush or something.”
“Thanks,” Julia said. “I guess it wasn’t very businesslike of me to get into a fight with the wife of one of my major investors. Being the honor-bound husband of course, Marcus had to defend his wife, and I had to defend my good name with a well placed slap.”
“We all make mistakes,” Bart said. “Just go back in there and hold your head high.”
“Thanks, I’m going to do just that.” She kissed Bart’s cheek and headed back inside as Gabriel was coming outside.
Bart was about to say something, when Gabriel put his arm around his waist. “Time to go,” Gabriel said.
“It’s still early,” Bart said, walking with Gabriel toward the steps.
“Ma
ybe, but you found out what you came here to find out… and I’m in the mood for a swim.”
Chapter 35
Evening Swim
BART WAS slightly nervous as he got back into Gabriel’s Mustang; and he sat quietly until Gabriel spoke. “Why so quiet?”
“How else am I supposed to react when someone is being so cryptic with their comments?” Bart said. “Especially, when I can’t even remember that someone.”
“That makes sense all the way around,” Gabriel said. “I remember the Jeremy of old and our conversations. I remember liking him, despite the fact I shouldn’t. Before we spoke, I thought of us as enemies; then I remembered the story. The love story involving a childhood friend turned lover named Bart. That’s when I realized that I had no competition for James’s love. Not as long as there was a Bart and a Jeremy, who were still a couple.”
“Where are we really going, Gabriel?” Bart said.
“To the beach for a swim, just like I said,” he patted Bart’s leg in an attempt to reassure him. “I’ve always enjoyed swimming at the beach at night. It’s so peaceful.”
The rest of the ride went by in silence. Gabriel turned down a road, passed some houses, then turned right into a sandy clearing surrounded by wild brush and trees that acted as a makeshift parking lot. There was only one other car there. After parking, Gabriel got out and went around to Bart’s side. Bart had made no move to get out.
I could lock the door, but all Gabriel had to do was use the clicker, Bart thought. This was a strange situation, but the judge told me to stay by Gabriel’s side, and he thought Gabriel was more of an ally than an enemy. Then why am I so nervous, Because I feel like the guy can see right through me and knows what I’m up to. That’s why.
Gabriel opened the passenger door and offered Bart his hand. With a smile on his face Bart took his hand, and the two walked across the street to a rough entrance among the tall bushes and scattered trees.
“This area is used more during the day and mostly quiet at night. When people do come, they usually give each other space. There’s a well-worn path through the bushes to get to the beach, and there’s enough moonlight tonight that we won’t need a flashlight to walk it.”