Here, an explanation is needed. Every month, in the evening, we gathered at my place as a company: Me, Ella, Damiano, Sara (this month we volunteered to invite Mia, but we hadn't managed to suggest it to her in person) and played "Monopoly." It had become a tradition. Damiano brought wine, Elizabeth brought the game, and Sara brought fruits. So we sat until someone won, or until each player's strength completely gave out.
— No, this is our tradition, — I objected and shook my head for more effect. — We will show up at the game and demonstrate who they are dealing with.
Both nodded rhythmically.
— Then at six, near the café, so we can get there in half an hour. The earlier we arrive, the better we can study the territory, — I smiled.
All this reminded me of some cheap detective novel, but I was still having fun.
— Addio-o-o! — sang Damiano, escorting us to the door.
— Right at six, — I shouted back to him, and he just flashed two thumbs up and grinned.
The invitation had a note about the dress code that should be followed. Only black, white, and red. It seemed someone was taking "Monopoly" way too seriously. I put on a corset, black straight pants made of light material, and a black blazer. I love black because it's a base, a foundation, a core, call it what you want, but this color goes perfectly with everything and beautifully contrasts with my green eyes. I reminded myself of Louis, who was sprawled on the bed watching every step I took. I wish I could be in his place right now.
Ella and Damiano still weren't here; of course, I rushed and came ten minutes earlier than necessary. When almost fifteen minutes had passed, they finally showed up.
— You look fabulous, black cat, — the guy must have already invented a million nicknames for me. Creative nicknames are his passion. Although often they are not creative at all. He approached me to hug and tousle my hair, something he loved to do. Lightly pushing him away, I couldn't believe my eyes:
— What’s this? Did you wear a tuxedo?! — I changed the topic, making him blush slightly with satisfaction while pinching the fabric of his new outfit.
— Well, first of all, yes, I wear tuxedos, and secondly, we don't even know where we are going, so let them think I'm this wealthy man, — he puffed out his shoulders.
— You will knock them out! — said Ella, who was dressed like a queen herself. She chose a long white satin dress for the evening with a big slit on the side, red over-the-knee boots, and as always, complemented the look with her favorite curls.
I didn't struggle much either and did a light curl for my hair, which Dam adjusted; I didn't even put on much makeup, just accentuated my lips with red lipstick. We were still discussing our guesses about the mysterious invitations when a taxi pulled up.
In front of us appeared a large house. The mosaics and carvings on its facades were impressive; it seemed this mansion was more than a hundred years old. Although why "seemed"? It probably was. Nearby was a small garage and a huge pool. At the entrance to the house, we were greeted by a smiling butler and he checked our invitations.
Inside, everything looked more than luxurious. Golden chandeliers, large mirrors.
— Wow, — that was all I could say. I instantly forgot all adjectives. And what adjectives could describe this place? I felt like I had stepped back into one of the halls of Versailles.
— How cool it would be to paint this! — Ella was about to jump with delight.
— Girls, remember, we need to be alert, — Dam seemed to pull me out of hypnosis.
— Yes, you are right, — I looked down and nodded briefly.
— Calm down, — Ella wouldn't back down and shot us ambiguous glances. — We already know who invited us here and why, — she smiled broadly at me, causing shivers down my spine and arms. If it weren't for Mia, who appeared at the door, I would probably have suffocated my friend.
The girl in a black dress with a nice weave on the back turned around and saw me:
— Adelina? — she was surprised and rushed to us, slightly sliding on the tiles.
I see you're playing today, — I smiled at her and hugged the girl.
— Ella, Dam, this is Sol, my childhood friend, — I introduced her.
— Just call me Mia, — flicked the ballerina away.
— And this is Elizabeth and Damiano, my best friends.
They formally shook hands. Ella clearly looked unfavorably at Mia, but she seemed not to notice it. And I was very grateful to her for that. We didn't even have time to think about what to do next when the butler approached us and asked us to follow him.
— Don't even think of being jealous, — I spoke just loud enough for Elizabeth to hear, and I managed quite well.
— Pfft! Who do you take me for? — a feigned indignation appeared on her face, I smiled at her and went on. It's nice when someone understands you.
We were led through a corridor into a small lounge and asked to wait. The furniture was no less luxurious: burgundy upholstery, tufted puffs, and carved wooden legs made their appearance even better. On the right wall stretched a marble fireplace, and I immediately headed to one of the two armchairs by it. To the left of the door, there were bookshelves, and in the middle, a large window. We all sat down and started waiting. It seemed like an eternity passed before someone knocked. The butler entered, and behind him... was Sara! I breathed a sigh of relief.