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“You may look at Gianni and think he has it all together but you’re his foundation. Without that, he’s nothing, so always be honest with each other. That’s the only way you’re going to last. People can respect honesty. It’s the lies that destroy bonds.”
My eyes dipped to the ring on my finger, wondering how much Gianni shared with his father. Ross smiled as if he could read my thoughts.
“I don’t know what happened. I asked, but he told me it was nothing to worry about. He’s private in that way, but I know my son.”
“We figured it out. Married people argue,” I recited what Gianni had told me the night before.
“Take it from someone who’s been married a long time. It won’t be the last,” he replied, gently rocking Serenity as she rested against his chest, trying her hardest to stabilize her neck. “People think marriage is about love, but it’s not. Are you committed to doing the work on the days love isn’t enough? I was blessed enough to meet a woman who was.”
“Thanks. That was really good advice.”
“I have plenty more in the vault if you ever need it,” Ross winked before kissing Serenity’s cheek. “Enjoy your time out. You don’t have to rush back.” He stated, walking down the hallway, likely going to find Xora.
I rushed out the door, confused at my heart softening toward Ross. These people were starting to rub off on me. Maybe because I never experienced it from my father, but his words felt like a warm hug when you needed it the most. I hopped in the car to pick up Skylar praying she had a sitter because I desperately needed a drink.
We made small talk on the way to the boutique where Solana was waiting for us. Sky didn’t know much about her because Solana rarely partied unless somebody accompanied her. That didn’t help ease my nerves about this adventure.
“Hey!” She smiled, meeting us on the sidewalk. “Ready to do some shopping?”
Skylar defaulted to me, but all I could offer was a quaint smile. “Yup,” she replied, looping her arm inside of mine. Solana walked ahead, allowing Sky to remind me to be nice.
“Solana! Looking as gorgeous as always!” The woman greeted her with a warm hug the moment we walked inside.
“Hey, Nadine.”
“Where is that fine cousin of yours? I haven’t seen him around lately,” Nadine asked, causing Solana to chuckle.
“One is taken, and the other is married, so is there another cousin I don’t know about?” I spoke up because both of them were accounted for, even if Sky didn’t want to admit it.
Sky used her hand to shield her face while Solana snickered at my response.
“This is Gianni’s wife, Hailo,” Solana replied, “And this is.”
“Skylar,” she interjected, fearing how Solana would describe their relationship.
“You’re Macklen’s date? You have a child, right?” Nadine asked, purposely trying to undermine Sky.
“Girlfriend,” Skylar replied with a pinch of attitude that made me proud.
“Well, what can I do for you ladies today?” Nadine asked quickly, changing the subject.
“These two beauties need a dress for the gala,” Solana spoke up while Sky and I exchanged a series of glances.
“You came to the right place.”
“Of course. Show us what you got,” Solana replied, accepting the champagne one of the employees offered her.
Nadine walked to the counter and returned with a notebook. It had various dress silhouettes, and she asked questions about our style. I knew what I would’ve worn if I hadn’t just pushed a baby out of my vagina, but today, I had no idea. Thankfully I wasn’t alone because Sky was just as confused but for different reasons. She caught a glimpse of a few price tags and began to panic about how much everything would cost.
“Have you guys discussed colors for the gala?” Solana asked.
“Gi said to pick whatever I wanted, and he’d match,” I spoke up.
“Mack said the same thing.”
“That sounds like them. No worries, we’ll figure it out.”
Nadine returned with glasses on her face and measuring tape draped around her neck. Despite her lusting after Gianni and Mack, it didn’t take long to realize why Solana had come here. She was the best at what she did. Nadine transformed into a magician, making it impossible to select a dress.
