She was so busy trying to find her lost heel, fishing her hands under the pile of fabric, that she barely noticed the door behind her opening and closing. She found the shoe somewhere on the top step and slipped into it as someone said, “Est-ce que je peux vous aider ?” Can I help you?

A man in a dark mask with golden swirls around the eye holes and two very pronounced, arched eyebrows that made it look like he was perpetually questioning everything—stood in front of her. He took her hand and lifted her to standing. “il n’y a pas de mal.”

She wasn’t sure what that meant, but she was too flustered to care. “Thanks,” she said, brushing her skirts off and scanning the area. Now she was outdoors, and it was chilly but not unpleasant, and somewhere out there, hopefully, a man was waiting for her to make a thirty-year dream come true.

*

She rushed down the steps and onto the balcony, looking around. Once she was on the balcony, she realized just how big it was. It stretched on like a football field and was full of statues and garden sculptures and fountains. Sure enough, there were several couples, sitting on benches or the edge of fountains, making out. Not one of them was Luc. In fact, all of them seemed very young.

Because people your age don’t do silly things like this, a little voice inside her said, her spirits threatening to plummet, but she pushed that away. Make this night unforgettable!

She walked up and down the marble squares, still searching. He’d seemed so sincere. Had he really just led her out there to tease her? What kind of adult man did that?

No. He will be there, Diana. And you WILL make this night unforgettable!

She continued to waffle between hopelessness and excitement as she rounded a massive fountain with a Greek statue of a naked man and woman embracing in the throes of passion. It only served to make her more eager to see Luc. Not that she cared much about passion, but the attention Luc had paid her had awoken something in her . . . she missed the company of men. She had to admit—she really did.

Maybe he’s running late. Well, I don’t care. I’m waiting here until he comes, and I will not feel guilty about it. I am going to make this night one to remember.

She walked to the edge of the balcony, listening to the sound of the crickets, which was met only sporadically by waltz music every time the door to the inside opened.

In a Greek tragedy, this would’ve been where the heroine threw herself over the side in despair. She walked another few steps and stopped when she saw a half-empty glass of champagne, sitting abandoned on the marble railing.

It shouldn’t have concerned her. After all, the champagne was flowing, and flutes were everywhere. Someone had probably just left it there.