Memories of a Life That Never Happened

Chapter 22 - Diversion

The dusky room was teeming with smiling, glittery people. Now and then, a visceral cackle rose over the clatter.  

Theo observed his parents on their way back. They simpered and waved like the celebrities they were. Nicholas was clutching Carolina's upper arm. Dragging her, Theo decided. She nipped along, trying to keep up with him. Midway, she lifted the hem of her dress a bit to avoid stumbling. Her earrings flailed wildly as she moved with the short, quick steps of a Geisha. 

Back at the table, Nicholas checked his watch.  

"Dinner's about to start. Any minute now." With an eyebrow lifted in amusement, he examined each of the faces around the table. 

"Can you tell us already who'll be performing tonight?" Alan rubbed his hands together. "I hope he's ultra-famous. What's the point in attending a party if we can't gloat about it later?" 

Nicholas laughed. "I'm afraid I have to disappoint you, Alan." He wiggled the knot of his tie, tightened it. "See, I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to. The artist, all staff members and even myself, we're all bound by a watertight non-disclosure contract." 

"What if someone refused to sign it?"  

"It's quite simple, really. He or she would not be part of my team. Once they are, they become mute. Not a blip about what goes on inside these walls. Not even after everything has been taken apart and stored." 

"Why not?"  

"It's a precaution," Nicholas admitted. "I don't want people snapping photos and then selling them to the tabloids. All of my guests love to say they've been here. What they've done here... not so much." 

Leo drummed his fingers on the edge of the table. "If I were a celebrity, I wouldn't give a rat's ass if someone took pictures of me. Even if they showed me passed out on booze."  

Theo snorted. "That's why you're not even twenty and already doesn't have much of a reputation to uphold."  

Because Mica giggled at his comeback, Theo felt especially clever. He did not laugh, though, since both Leo and Nick awarded him a chilling sneer. They did not seem to find his remark the least bit funny.  

Mica looked around. Wild animals threaded around the tables, filling them with a few rushing latecomers. There were no more empty seats as far as she could see, save for the two between Abel and Nicholas.  

A man in a disturbingly realistic eagle apparel bent over the party master. "Sir, it is time."  

When Nicholas nodded and excused himself, Mica followed him with her eyes. He straggled to the marquee center, stopping every few feet to shake hands with people she recognized. There was that Oscar-winning actress giving him a peck on the cheek. A bit later, Nicholas received a vigorous hug from a balding man, who Mica heard someone on the table behind her say was the French president. Alone at last, the lights dimmed further and a spotlight washed the host in a white glow.  

"My dear friends." Nicholas' voice boomed as he spoke into the microphone. "I'd like to start by thanking all of you for coming, for sharing this very special night with me."  

Applauses and whistles exploded throughout the room.  

Nicholas bowed. "I hope you're as excited as I am. Nothing is more gratifying to me than stepping into the New Year alongside family and friends. I ask all of you to, please, take your seats now and I hope you enjoy the little surprise I planned for us. Let the show begin!"  

There was another round of applause and more whistles as Nicholas paraded back to his seat, waving.  

Then, the lights went off. Except for the soft glow from the hundreds of candles, the room was now dark. A bittersweet melody filled up the air, snaring every single person there. Spotlights focused on both doorways and a dramatic brume crawled into view. Before long, dozens of ballerinas tiptoed into the room from either entrances.