Chapter 3

A short drive from the Main Street, the Capulet mansion was abuzz. Loren Capulet was throwing out directions to the servants while holding a conversation with Parker Escalus, the mayor’s and police chief’s son, as they were walking around the formality hall, where the Capulets held all their parties.

“. . . but Lloyd Montague is in the same bind as I am, and he has the same penalty. The two of us are too old for this war; I doubt it will be hard for us to keep up the peace.”

“You are such honorable men,” said Parker, clearly kissing ass, “and it’s sad you’re enemies.” He paused. “What do you say to my proposal?” he asked for the umpteenth time.

“How many times do I have to say this? She is too young. She’s only just turning seventeen. Wait until she graduates from college.” The Capulet patriarch turned to the servants decorating and instructed them all.

“Younger girls have been married and made happy mothers.”

Loren shuddered at the statement. His only daughter being spoken of like her sole purpose was his pleasure and to provide him with an heir. “I told you not yet!” he said a bit too forcefully for the son of the people who held his punishment in their hands. “But, you may try to charm her. My permission comes after her decision. She is the one you should be asking. Tonight, for my daughter’s birthday, I am throwing a Halloween party. I’ll add you to the guest list. You will have your chance then.” Parker was filled with excitement. He excused himself and dashed home to prepare. Loren called for a servant.

“Yes, sir?” the servant asked.

“Go and confirm the attendance of these people.” He handed the servant a list of names. He then said in a hushed voice, “Invite more beautiful women, too. Hopefully, that will get Parker off my back.”

And your daughter’s, thought the servant as he was shoved out the door. Unfortunately for the servant, the list was on an electronic device. “Find the people on the list? Find the people on the damn list?! I can’t even read the damn list! I’ll never get done and then boss’ll never forgive me.” The servant went on to fiddle with the device, pushing buttons and hitting it. He was so focused on it, he failed to noticed the two boys he was about to walk straight into. “Sorry,” he apologized, not realizing that he had walked into Romeo and Ben Montague. “You teenagers know technology. How do you work this damn thing?” He shoved the device into Romeo’s chest.

Romeo clicked away and then read aloud, “‘The Martino family, the Anselme family, Vitrurio’s widow, the Placentios, the prestigious Escalus family, all Capulet relatives, and all the students of Verona High apart from the Montagues.’” Romeo was overjoyed. This meant his beloved Rosalie would be there. “What is this list for?” he asked the servant.

“My employer is throwing a costume party tonight for his daughter’s birthday.”

The Montague boys know exactly who this was. Juliet Capulet, the last of the Capulet mainline, was the only person in all Verona with a birthday on Halloween. “Where’s the party?”

“At the mansion, of course. Thanks for your help,” the servant said, and dashed off to carry his message to the addressees.

“Every beautiful girl in Verona will be there,” Ben pleaded to Romeo. “C’mon, we gotta go. Mercer’s got an invite! And plus, you can compare your temptress to other hot girls.”

“Pfft. That’s impossible. There’s no comparison.”

“Just go and see. The others might be easier, if you know what I mean.” Ben nudged Romeo with his elbow.

“Fine,” Romeo gave in. Ben made a gesture of victory. “I’ll go. Not because of some other girls, but to see her.”