Please remember this is a work of fiction and nothing based here has anything to do with the real Steve Perry!
A Love’s Masquerade
Steve was pulling into his driveway after a long day of business meetings and errands. He pulls the car in the driveway then shuts off the engine. Steve gather’s his briefcase and heads towards the front door.
“Brrr. There’s a chill in the air tonight.” He says to himself as he unlocks the front door.
Steve looks up at the night sky “Hey I think you forgot I live in California not Alaska.” Steve says shaking his head as he steps inside his house.
Steve picks up the mail and thumbs through it as he set’s his briefcase down. Kitty come’s pitter pattering from the kitchen when she hears the sound of the briefcase on the floor. She weaves in and out Steve’s legs purring contently like a woman welcoming home her lover. Steve reaches down to pet her.
“Did you miss me?” Steve chuckles. “Okay let’s see how finiky you are today Kitty.”
Steve still thumbs his mail then places it on the kitchen counter as he then reaches down to pick up kitty’s dinner dish. He goes over to the cupboard and gets out a can of cat food. He looks at the label and then looks at Kitty.
“Shredded chicken in a savory sauce. Sound good to you Kitty.” Steve says as he opens the can.
The sound of the can opening was magic to Kitty’s ears as she leaps onto the counter waiting patiently as Steve begins to place the food in her dish. She eyes him cautiously watching him place the food in her dish and then contently looks at Steve. He pet’s Kitty before setting the dish down. Kitty jumps off the counter. Steve goes over to the refrigerator and grabs a beer as he sits on a stool by the counter and goes back to his mail.
“Electric bill, telephone bill, credit card statement, cable bill…..hmmmmm what’s this?” Steve says opening the neatly written envelope.
Steve pulls out what was inside the envelope. It was an invitation. Steve opens the card and reads the message inside.
You are cordially invited a Halloween Masquerade Ball.
Place: The Chandelier Ballroom
At the Beverly Hills Hotel
Sponsor: Arista Records.
Time and Date: Saturday Oct. 25 8:00 p.m.
Steve this masquerade ball is for charity and we hope to see you there.
Please send back the enclosed RSVP if you plan to attend.
Reguards,
Clive Davis
“Masquerade ball now who would I go as?” Steve asks himself. He opens the rest of his mail and then see’s that he has messages on his answering machine. He rewinds the machine and lets it play back.
Steve goes the refrigerator as he begins to decide what he will have for dinner. Steve begins to get dinner going as he thinks about the Masquerade ball. Just who would he go as that is if he wanted to go at all. Steve begins to think about Halloween when he was just a child.
“Okay Steve say cheese.” Mary said as she snapped the picture. “Oh what a cute little pumpkin you are.” Mary smiled.
“Can we go now?”
“Yes we can go now. Here is your Halloween bag. Remember Stephen don’t eat any candy till we are home and I can inspect it.” Mary tells him firmly.
“I know open candy we throw away.” Steve sighs as he stands by the door in his pumpkin outfit.
“Oh you are a cute little pumpkin.” Mary says.
Steve checks the fish in the oven as he begins to make the salad as he smiles thinking back.
“I don’t know Stephen going alone with your friends trick or treating.” Mary says as she fixes his costume.
“Awww mom please my other friends don’t go with there mom’s anymore.” Steve pleads.
“I guess you’re all grown up to let your mom take you.” Mary smiles looking at Steve. “There all finished. Now for your wig.” Mary says putting the bright colored wig on.
“Thanks mom.” Steve says with a hug.
“You’re my funny little clown.” Mary says as she kisses his cheek.
The fish was almost done and well the salad needed dressing and dinner was served. Steve picks up the invitation again as he just stares at the words. “It could be interesting and well masquerade balls can be fun.” Steve told himself as he places the invitation down and takes the fish from the oven. During dinner Steve decided that he would go “What could happen? Some newspaper would report I left my domain to join the public.” Steve chuckles.
“Gosh they really think I hide out don’t they?” Steve says looking at Kitty who just stares at him.
“I know what your thinking there Kitty.” Steve says taking a sip of wine. “A man who talks to his cat can’t be all sane.” Steve laughs.
Kitty just moves her tail as she just looks up at Steve. Steve finishes dinner. Clearing the table Steve thinks about what costume he could wear. Who could he go as? Steve fills out the RSVP card and gets it ready for the mail.
“I can decide later who I will go as I have a few days.” He tells himself.
Steve leaves the kitchen and sits down on the couch as he flips the dials on the tv. He stops at VH1 .
“Oh man it’s been a long while since I’ve seen that video.” Steve comments as Separate Ways plays.
Steve watches the video as he drifts off to sleep. She was beautiful her mask covered her eyes. She stood right there only a few feet away. Steve could feel her presence. She smiled as she looked at Steve. Her lips glossy in color shimmered in the ballroom light. Steve smiled back as he moved towards her. She adjusted her mask as he stood in front of her. “Can I have this dance?” Steve asked her. “Why yes.” Her voice moved in the air. Steve took her hand as he led her to the middle of the ballroom to the dance floor. Her hand fit so perfectly in his as he placed his hand on the small of her back as he felt her hand on his back also. Together they began to dance like the night would go on forever. Her perfumed fragrance seemed to dance around Steve as he just looked at her eyes through the mask. Greenest eyes he has seen, most beautiful eyes he ever gazed into. She giggled and looked away as she felt his gaze rake over her mask. Steve smiled as he watched her slowly bring her gaze back to his. “Tis a wonderful evening.” She softly spoke. “It is now.” Steve softly said. “So tell me who is the Phantom of the Opera? Who is this man I dance with tonight?” She asked. “Tis better to have things left a secret and not give it away too soon.” Steve told her. “So you are a secretive man a hidden man?” she speaks back. “People think I am but I am not. Tell me who is this woman I dance with?” Steve asks. Just then the clock bell chimes midnight and she glances towards the door and runs off. Steve reaches out his hand for her “Wait who are you?” Steve shouts as she disappears out of the ballroom. Steve runs following her.
Kitty jumps on the couch waking Steve. “Wow” that was some dream.” Steve says running his hands through his hair as he looks at the tv.
“I guess that settles who I will be. If you dream it become it.” Steve says turning off the tv as he goes off to bed.
The sun light shown bright as it came through the bedroom window. Steve sleepily glanced at the clock. “5:30 I have a lot to do today.”
Steve swings his feet out of the bed as he yawns then wipes the sleep from his eyes. Crossing the floor to the bathroom Steve runs the shower as he then unclothes and gets in. Steve was still thinking of the Masquerade Ball. He needed to find a costume. Being L.A. there were many places to go and look. Steve had his breakfast club thing in the morning and a meeting or two then he could go and find that costume.
“Hmm Phantom of the Opera.” Steve says to himself as he dries off.
Steve gets dressed as he maps out his day in his mind. He could not forget to find a costume for the masquerade ball. Steve grabs a muffin and then grabs his keys. He goes into his office and grabs his planner with phone numbers just in case he was running late and need to call anyone.
Pulling out into the street Steve heads for Java’s to meet with the guys his breakfast club group. The traffic on the expressway was just awful as he turns on the radio waiting for traffic to move. His window was rolled down and he was observing the cars on either side of him as traffic was at a stand still for the moment.
“I swear it’s getting worse. Takes longer to get any where these days.” Steve comments as he taps his hand on the steering wheel to the beat of the music. Glancing to his left he notices a very attractive woman in the lane beside him. She glances over and give a friendly smile and Steve smiles back. “Hmmmm now that is something for these eyes to see this morning.” Steve says in his mind. Steve casually glances over again “Married! Well that is one lucky guy.” Steve says as he notices the wedding band on her finger.
Traffic begins to move at a more steady pace. Finally Steve merges into the right lane getting closer to his exit.
This morning was something else with the traffic on the expressway. Steve pulls into Java’s finding a place to park. Locking the car doors Steve walks towards the doors of Java’s. He spots the guys right away. Heading towards the table.
“What took you so long?” Sam asks.
“Traffic what else in California. It was awful this morning.” Steve says.
The waitress comes over to the table “Can I get you anything?” she asks Steve.
“One coffee sugar no cream.” Steve replies.
“Okay be right back.” She says leaving the table.
“They are getting younger all the time in here.” Bruce comments.
“College kid probably.” Randy responds.
“So what’s happening today Steve?” Darrell asks.
“Meetings then I have to find a costume for this masquerade ball I got an invitation to.” Steve tells.
“Oooh decided who you will be?” Sam asks.
“I thought Phantom of the Opera maybe.” Steve replies.
The waitress comes back with the coffee “There you go.”
Steve smiles “Thanks.”
“Phantom of the Opera? It would be neat to go as Spiderman or the Riddler or even the Joker or how about the Penguin?” Darrell says.
Bruce chuckles “Spiderman.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” Darrell says.
“You and your comic book hero’s.” Randy comments with a laugh.
“Me in tights I don’t think so.” Steve smiles and chuckles.
“Now that would be something.” Bruce laughs.
“This I gotta see.” Sam laughs.
“This you will not see.” Steve says back laughing.
Steve has been meeting with these guys for many years and if for some reason they couldn’t get together it was unusual. The day didn’t start off right unless they all met for coffee at Java’s. Steve had been a regular for so long thatthe people who visited the place didn’t give him a second glance. Steve liked that he was just an ordinary customer to the people there and by those who stopped in for coffee. Steve and guys usually talk and have coffee for about an hour before the day really begins with Steve. Steve and the guys take there bills and walk to the checkout to pay.
“So Phantom of the Opera you think?” Bruce asks.
“If I can find the costume.” Steve comments back.
“Is this a fancy party or what?” Darrell asks.
“Some charity thing.” Steve says as he pays the bill. “Anything to help raise money.”
“All in the name of charity.” Randy says.
“At least you know your helping.” Sam remarks.
“Meet you guys again tomorrow?” Steve says walking to his car.
“Same time.” Darrell says.
“Same place and time.” Sam, Randy and Bruce say together.
“I’ll try and be early.” Steve says getting into his car.
“Sure Steve whatever you say.” Sam says playful.
“Hey traffic was murder today.” Steve says with a laugh.
Steve had 2 meetings this morning and then he needed to find that costume. Steve had to make his was across town to meet with financial adviser and then he to meet with his attorney. “This should be fun.” Steve says to himself as he is stopped at a red light.
Steve glances over to his left. In the car is a beautiful lady. She glances over and smiles as she then looks ahead. Steve flips the radio dial. He glances again at the lady in the car. She turns her head again and smiles at Steve who in turn smiles back. The lady in the car takes notices of who Steve was. She looks again at Steve who noticed her glance. She mouths the words “I Love You” as Steve smiles back at her. The light changes as Steve moves through traffic. “Man you need to date more. Checking out ladies at the stop light.” He says to himself as he chuckles.
Steve’s meeting with the financial advisor went smoothly. It was meetings like this Steve dreaded but hey he needed to know how he was financially. On his was to his attorney’s office Steve thought about the Masquerade Ball. It was for charity and well who know’s It cold be fun. Steve met with his attorney on some business matters and gotten things squared away. Now all he needed to do was find that costume.
Looking at his watch Steve saw it was almost lunch and decided to have lunch at his favorite restaurant downtown. It was a great place that served European cooking. Steve pulls into the parking lot finding a place to park. He turns off the engine as he exits the car locking it. Once inside the restaurant Steve is seated by the hostess. She leaves a menu and pours some ice water.
“The waiter will be right with you.”
“Thank you.” Steve says opening the menu.
Steve thinks back to the first time he came here as he stares at the menu.
“The food is great and you will love it. Trust me.” Steve says with a slight smile.
“I hope your right Steve.” She says.
“I asked you to come and see my part of the city and this is part of my city.” Steve says to her as he looks into her eyes.
“I’ve never really been this far from Bakersfield. This is special.” She says as she pushes her hair behind her shoulder as she glances over the menu.
“Never been to L.A.?” Steve questions.
“Never had a reason to come this way.” She smiles.
“Now you have a reason.” Steve says moving close to her in the booth as he kisses her.
“Excuse me sir are you ready to order?” The waiter says breaking Steve from his thoughts.
“Oh yes sorry. I’ll have the shrimp curry over wild rice with a garden salad and a red wine vinegarette.” Steve says handing back the menu to the waiter.
“Anything to drink sir?” the waiter asks.
“Mineral water with lemon.”
The waiter leaves the table. After a few minutes the waiter returns with the mineral water.
“There you are sir.” The waiter says setting down the glass.
“Thank you.”
Steve enjoys a quiet lunch as he still thinks. “Should I go as the Phantom of the Opera. That was a silly dream of sorts.” Steve comments as he finishes his mineral water.
The waiter comes back with the bill and clears the table. Steve hands the waiter his credit card as he then waits for the receipt. Within a few moments the waiter returns.
“Please sign here and this is your copy sir.” The waiter tells Steve.
Steve signs the receipt and takes his copy along with his credit card. Leaving the restaurant Steve pulls into traffic and to a few costume shops he knows downtown. So far Steve had been to 3 costume shops with no luck. There were 2 more and he was hopping one of them had the costume he was looking for.
“Hi welcome to the Costume Palace can I help you?” the young lady asks.
“Yes you could. I am looking for a Phantom of the Opera costume for a masquerade ball I will be attending.” Steve tells her.
“We did have one let me go and check. Feel free to look at our many other costumes while you wait.” The lady directs.
Steve browses around looking at the many costumes. He see’s a Spiderman costume and chuckles “Yeah right me in tights I don’t think so.” Steve continues to look through the racks of costumes. After a bit of time the woman comes back out.
“You are in luck we do have the costume you are looking for. Do plan on buying or would like to rent this costume?” She asks.
“Rent if I could. After the masquerade ball I don’t plan on wearing it again.” Steve tells her.
“Okay let’s take this to the check out counter.” She says walking towards the counter.
She hands Steve a paper. “Please fill in your name and address with telephone and sign the bottom of the form. This is our rental agreement. If for any reason this costume does not come back in tact or has been ruined or ripped it is the store policy that the renter must buy the costume.” She says as she puts the costume in a box.
Steve fills out the paper and hands it back. She glances over it to make sure everything is filled out. “This is a current address?”
“Yes it is. Lived there for 15 years.” Steve comments.
“Okay.” She turns around and opens the filing cabinet as she files the paper and then rings up the rental amount on the cash register. “That will be $35.”
Steve pulls out his wallet and pays the lady. She takes the money.
“This is your receipt with your rental number at the top. Be sure when returning the costume you bring this receipt.” She instructs Steve.
“How long is the rental on this?” Steve asks.
“The costume needs to be back on the 26th. After the 26th there will a ten dollar late charge.”
“Thank you.” Steve says leaving the costume shop.
Well at least he finally found the costume for the ball. Now all he had to do was be there. After all it was for charity anyway. Steve gets home and looks the costume over. He places it back in the box.
The Masquerade Ball was taking shape and the day was getting closer than Steve really wanted. Who would be there was the mystery of it all. People all dressed up and well unless you recognized a voice you had no clue who was who. Steve had a light day on the 25th. He could just take it easy. Steve checked the invitation again to see what time it was.
Kitty weaves through his legs as she just contently sits down and looks at him. Her ears perk up as she hears her name.
“Well Kitty I better get in the shower.” Steve says going upstairs.
Kitty just contently sits patiently as she then pitter patters down the hall slinking out of sight as she goes into his office. Steve showers. He looks into the mirror “I guess I do need to shave I don’t think the Phantom of the Opera had the starting of a beard.”
Getting ready Steve puts on the costume. He does something that sparks back a memory of Halloween.
“Hey Steve you hold this toilet paper roll and I got this one and we will string it all over Mrs. Hadden’s trees and lawn.” Alan says.
“Think she will see us?” Steve whispers.
“Mrs. Hadden never see’s anything.” Alan comments.
“What are you guys doing?” Johnnie whispers loudly.
“Shhhhhhhhhhhh. You want us to get caught.” Steve says.
“Sorry.” Johnnie says.
“We going to string this toilet paper all over Mrs. Hadden’s lawn.” Alan says giggling.
“Can I help?” Johnnie asks.
“Yeah you can be look out. Let us know if anyone comes or if Mrs. Hadden comes outside.” Steve tells him.
Johnnie keeps watch as Steve and Alan string the paper all over the lawn and trees in front of her house.
“Psssssssst someone is coming guys run.” Johnnie says as he walks away.
Steve and Alan drop the rolls and run down the street. Steve’s heart was pounding as they make to his front yard. Alan soon comes.
“Think they saw us?” Alan asks.
“Nahhh.” Steve says doubled over laughing at the thought.
“What so funny?” Johnnie asks coming towards Alan and Steve.
“Imagine Mrs. Hadden’s look in the morning.” Steve says.
They all begin to laugh. Steve hears the front door open.
“Okay boys I think your mom want’s you home. Steve time to come inside.” His mother says.
Steve snaps back to reality when he see’s the time. “I better get a move on.”
Steve puts the costume on except for the mask he can put that on before he enters the ballroom. He goes downstairs and finds his keys and the inviation. Turning the lights out Steve leaves the house locking the door.
The parking lot was getting full when Steve pulled in. Taking time to find a place to park he finally finds a place and turns the car off. Getting out of the car and locking door Steve makes his way across the parking lot to the front doors. Before he goes in he puts his mask on. He walks inside and hands the hostess his invitation and walks into the ballroom. The room was decorated perfectly for Halloween. The band was playing some music as Steve scans the room seeing if he recognizes anyone. It was hard with everyone in costume.
“Looks like a big turnout for the Children’s Center.” A English voice speaks.
“Great success.” Steve comments back.
“Phantom of the Opera great costume choice.” The English voice says.
Steve looks “Let’s see your suppose to be Paul Stanley of Kiss.”
“You know Kiss.” The English voice says.
“Pretty good group.” Steve comments.
“Seriously though I’m Eric Clapton.” He says extending his hand.
Steve shakes it “Steve Perry.”
“I think this a celebrity party not sure. I did meet Stevie Nicks she’s Cinderella. Then there is Ted Nuget he’s Spiderman.” Eric says.
Steve chuckles “Somehow Spiderman fits Ted.”
Eric laughs at the comment “Yeah all the swinging he did in his shows.”
Steve mingles meeting a lot of people in the music business as well as the movie business. The crowd grows quiet as someone tapes the mic on the stage where the band was.
“Good evening ladies and gentleman I’m Clive Davis and I want to welcome you to the Halloween Masquerade Ball to benefit the Children’s Center here in L.A. Mingle have fun there is plenty of food and drink so let’s make this a spooktacular night for the Children’s Center.” Clive Davis then exits the stage to join the crowd on the floor.
Steve goes over to the bar to get a drink.
“What can I get you?” The bartender says.
“Oh make it a slow gin fizz.” Steve tells him as he looks back at the crowd.
The bartender places the drink in front of Steve “There you are a slow gin fizz.”
“Thanks.” Steve says taking his drink as he walks around the room.
It was a great party so far. Steve had talked with people he had seen in a while and it was great to catch up on what was going on in the music world.
“So Steve tell me do you miss the music?” Don Henley asks.
“I miss the music and performing. Do I miss the days on the road well not that much. How do you guys manage to keep it together? That new song Whole in the World is great.” Steve comments.
“We take breaks from each other for like 5 or 6 years . You really like the new song?” Don says with a chuckle.
“Sometimes that helps. Yeah it’s a great song sounds like the classic Eagles to me.” Steve comments with a chuckle.
Everyone looks towards the stage as they hear someone tap on the mic again.
“Excuse me everyone but we are so happy to announce that we have raised over $75,000 dollars for the Children’ s Center. We want to thank all the contributor’s big and small. Enjoy the rest of the evening.” Clive says leaving the stage.
The crowd applauds the efforts and Clive’s words. Steve stands off to the side of the room as he finishes his drink. That fragrance was incredible intoxicating. Steve sense smelled as he scanned the room to find out where it was drifting from. He looked over to his right and there stood Marie Antoinette. His senses couldn’t let go of that fragrance as he walks towards her. She see’s him walking her way and lowers her head a little trying not to catch his glimpse. He stops in front of her.
“Looks like the Children’s Center did well tonight.” Steve speaks.
She glances up adjusting her mask “Yes they did well tonight.” The soft voice spoke back.
“Can I refill your glass?” Steve asks her.
“Well I really shouldn’t.” She softly speaks.
“One more won’t hurt unless you’ve had your limit tonight.” Steve says with a smile.
She could only see his smile for the mask covered the rest of Steve face. “I guess I could have one more. White wine.” She speaks.
“I’ll be right back.” Steve says slowly taking the glass from her hand.
Steve walks towards the bar “One white wine and another slow gin fizz.” Steve tells the bartender.
Steve glances over at her as he waits for the dinks. He walks back over to her. “Here you are a white wine.”
“Thank you.” She speaks softly.
“Are in the music business?” Steve asks.
“No I’m not.” She responds.
“Movies?” Steve asks.
“No. Don’t you love Halloween?” she says softly with a smile.
“It is a fun time of the year.” Steve tells her.
Her fragrance once again danced upon his senses as he breathed in. It captivated his mind and senses. Through her smile he could tell she was a kind person with a good soul. Steve set’s his drink down on the table near by.
“Would you like to dance?” he asks.
“That would be nice. But I have to worn you I’m not a good dancer.” She giggles.
“Don’t worry I’m not a good dancer either.” Steve smiles.
She sets her glass down on the nearby table and takes Steve’s extended hand as he leads her to the dance floor. He places her hand in his as his other hand is placed against her back as they begin to dance. Dancing a while Steve looks into her eyes.
“Tell me who I dance with tonight?” Steve asks.
“I can not give away my idenity till after the masquerade has ended.” She softly speaks with a smile.
“So then I dance with Marie Antoinette then.” Steve smiles.
“It is an old tale that one does not reveal themselves till after the masquerade has ended. Leaving the night to remain a mystery until the masquerade is over.” She speaks looking into his eyes.
“Sounds fair.” Steve says.
“I dance with a man who loves music am I not right?” she asks.
“I do love music and you know this how?” Steve asks her.
“By the way you dance. It is like the music we dance to has always been in your soul.” She replies.
“Music has been my life for many years.” He tells her.
“I can feel that the music that made you happy has also stabbed you in the back.” She says softly looking away from him briefly.
Steve looks at her “Yes it has. Have we met somewhere sometime?” Steve asks her.
“Oh no.” she says.
“Are you sure?” Steve asks.
“Oh yes I am sure. I have never danced with someone quite like you. Tell me are you as mysterious as the Phantom?” She asks looking back at Steve.
“Some people would say I am mysterious but I’m not.” Steve replies back as you both continue to dance.
The music stops. Steve holds her a little longer in his embrace as he slowly releases his hand from hers. The band plays another song.
“Tell me you are not ready to stop dancing?” She says
Steve smiles at her “My dear we can dance all night if you like.”
She giggles as they once again begin to dance.
“Something tells me that you yearn for the music that once made you happy but you are afraid to embrace it.” She speaks.
“You have a way about you that intrigues me.” Steve tells her.
“I peak your curiosity.”
“Yes you do. Let’s break tradition and reveal ourselves to each other why wait for the Masquerade to end.” Steve speaks looking at her.
“Oh no we mustn’t break tradition. If that happens bad luck will fall upon you on All Hallow’s Eve.” She softly replies.
“I want to know who it is I dance with tonight.” Steve asks.
“After the masquerade everyone will be revealed. Once revealed will I like who I have danced with or will I not know who it is I have danced with.” She softly begins.
The clock begins to chime 12 midnight. She looks at the clock and then slips through Steve’s embrace as she runs through the ballroom.
“Wait.” Steve says following her as he runs slightly to try and catch her.
Once out the doors Steve looks around the parking lot. She was gone. It was like she vanished into think air. As Steve turns to go back into the ballroom he notices a mask her mask on the ground. Steve picks it up. He can still smell the sweet unforgettable fragrance on the mask her fragrance that brought his senses alive in the ballroom. Someone walks across the parking lot and Steve stops him.
“Did you see a woman running? She was dressed like Marie Antoinette.” Steve asks.
“Sorry no woman ran out here and I have been in the parking lot for the past 15 minutes.” The man says.
Steve goes back in the ballroom. He walks in as a picture catches his eye. He walks over. That painting was her the woman he danced with tonight. Steve begins to read what was inscribed on the bottom of the painting.
Julie Marie Swanson
The belle of the ball
1949-1979
The mask slowly fell from Steve’s hands as it glided gently to the floor and suddenly turned to dust as a wind came and blew the dust away blowing Steve’s hair slightly. For once again Julie Marie Swanson was The Belle of the Ball.
Thanks Pat for the great story!
