“Are you okay?” It’s like she has something to say, but she’s not sure if she wants to.
With a deep breath, she sits up straight and turns her head to face me, plastering a fake smile I know all too well on her face.
“I am, yeah. Sorry, I was just thinking… but we have all the things to do, so no time for all that. Towel. Off. Show me the hair.” She swirls her finger around at my head before just ripping the towel away, leaving my damp strands to fall over my eyes. “Ooh, short. I like it, it’s funky and brave. Okay, go sit at the vanity, and we’ll get this styled, our makeup ladies will be here real soon.”
“You’re doing my hair?” I’m confused, because Stefano said there were people coming to do that—not that I need someone else to do these things for me, because I’m a grown-ass fully-capable woman. I was even thinking of sending the hair lady away when she arrived, but I like Lina. She gives off good vibes, so I move over to the vanity with Lina close behind.
“I am. I insisted because I wanted to meet you and have an actual conversation with you before the party starts. And Marco finds it hard to deny his baby sister anything, so he agreed. I did a course at college and the family helped me open a salon, but it basically runs itself with all the staff, so I barely get an opportunity to actually do hair anymore.”
“Whoa, slow down. I’ve had too many of these cocktails to follow.” I laugh, watching her in the mirror as she fingers my hair, head cocked to the side like she can already see her handy work.
“Sorry, I’m nervous. It’s not like Marco ever brings any women around and when you’re a Mancini, trust doesn’t come easy. Hence my limited circle of friends. Which now includes you.” Her grin is infectious.
“I’ll drink to that.” Holding up my fancy martini glass, I jump out of my skin when Stefano comes in, another cocktail in hand for Lina.
“Grazie, Stefano.”
“Prego, Madelina.”
I need a personal translator for these people with all their Italian going on.
“I thanked him and he said ‘you’re welcome’. Don’t worry, we’re not plotting your demise.” Lina giggles at what I'm guessing is some kind of mob joke.
“To new friends and new sisters.” I like the idea of having someone new in my life that I can hang out with.
We could even stay in touch once my contract with Marco is over.
Nope… no, I can’t do that. That goes against everything I know I should be doing. When a contract terminates, being friends with their family after the fact isn’t something I can allow.
“Let’s get to it then.” She claps her hands together in excitement, like she’s about to play with her favorite toy.
Fun times.
* * *
“Oh my God! You look unbelievable, River!”
Lina, in all her sparkling golden glory, isn’t wrong. She did an amazing job styling my hair, it’s got more volume than I’ve ever been able to do myself, and the longer strands are in cute swirls framing one side of my face. The red diamond drop earrings are all the jewelry this outfit needs. It feels like I’m wearing nothing, yet I’m fully covered from neck to feet in red silk. The high neck is adorned with crystals, which flow out like raindrops to barely nothing at the bottom of the fishtail skirt. My arms are covered in a soft, sheer, red material, also dotted with crystals, and the side panels around my waist match. The slit that reaches mid-thigh is needed or I’d be walking like a penguin all evening with how fitted the dress is. It shows every curve and I love it.
My red satin Jimmy Choo’s are decorated with a delicate crystal chain around my ankle, with more crystals dripping down the line of my heel. They’re like jewelry and shoes all at once. For the first time today, as I stand in front of the floor-length mirror, I feel like I might actually have a good time this evening. I mean, who wouldn’t when they feel like a fucking goddess?
Though I’m certainly not the only goddess in this room; Lina is like an actual Greek Deity. Without makeup, she was already stunningly beautiful, with it, she’s like a whole new woman. Fierce and ready to take names in her floor-length golden gown.
“And you are breathtaking, Lina. Honestly, your brother is going to flip his shit when he sees you.”
She blushes and waves away my compliment. As the oldest sibling in my own family, I completely understand how difficult it is to walk that fine line between protecting and allowing them their independence. Although, I’m probably erring on the side of too much protection still, but that’s not a today’s me problem.
“You know what, I really like you. Please don’t let my brother’s macho bullshit scare you away. He can be intense, but he has a good heart.”
I try my hardest not to scoff at her statement.
“I like you too, Lina. And don’t worry about me, I can handle your brother.” With a sip of my cocktail, I give her a friendly wink.
“I don’t know, River. His grumpy meter has been on high alert lately. It’s his first year organizing the Christmas Eve party.” My brows furrow at that little bit of information. It’s like I’m starving for more when it comes to this man.
“Is it, really?” He seems so in control, I’m surprised he hasn't been planning since birth.
“Yeah, our great-grandparents started the tradition and until last year, my parents were hosting. But with your wedding coming up, it’s now Marco’s responsibility.”