And then, on a mannequin behind Mia, I spot the dress. Mesmerized, I make a beeline directly to it, and I’m speechless. The dress is a Sofia Tolli. It’s a light ivory with a strapless neckline. It has the most precious detailing on the bodice and train that it literally sparkles like diamonds and has a scalloped lace highlighting the sweetheart neckline. The dress is straight through the hips, and the tulle train features hand-beading coupled with the prettiest lace appliques. It’s elegant, stunning, and breathtaking all at the same time, and the only thing I can do right now is pray they have my size.
***
My dress will be delivered to the hotel later this afternoon. I feel like a little girl right now—a princess—and I can’t wait until Michael sees me in my dress.
“We have to go back to the hotel now,” Gina says.
Mia chimes in. “Yeah, we do.”
“Why?” I ask. “I thought we could all hang out and check out Vegas. Maybe we could hit a blackjack table somewhere.” I wink at the girls.
“Nope, we can’t,” Gina replies. “We have things to do today, right, girls?” she asks, trying to get Gina and Francesca to agree.
“Yes. Yes, we do,” Francesca says, and it’s obvious she finally gets what Gina was referring to.
Disappointed, I say, “Okay then.” I turn toward Darius. “Can you take us back to the hotel?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replies. Michael rented two SUVs when we arrived so we would have some form of transportation while we were in Vegas. Taxis aren’t safe, and my future husband is all about keeping us safe.
“Darius, please don’t call me ma’am. You make me feel old. Just call me Zaira. Please,” I say.
“I’m sorry, ma’am—I mean Zaira.” He blushes and then heads toward the parking garage where we left our SUV. The other two men stay with us girls while we wait for his return.
A few minutes later, Darius comes back. We all get in the car, and he drives us off. I’m feeling really disappointed. I wanted to hang out with the girls some more. I’m not having a bachelorette party, and Michael will be hanging with Vince and Alex in their suite. Oh well, maybe Mia will hang with me tonight.
When we arrive back at the hotel, I’m deserted and left on my own. Mia and Gina rushed off to their own little powwow, and Francesca said she needed to check in with Domenic. So here I sit, alone in this beautiful suite. Michael is in the conference room with Ricco and his brother—I guess discussing business. I turn on the TV and flip through the channels, looking for something to watch and trying my hardest to hold back my tears.
About an hour passes before Michael and the boys emerge from the conference room. Michael walks over to me and kisses me on the cheek.
“Hello, beautiful,” he says with a smile. “Did you have a fun day shopping? Did you find a dress?”
“I did,” I reply, and tears well in my eyes.
He looks at me concerned and then says to Ricco and Alex, “Gentlemen, Can I have a minute alone with my bride?”
“Of course, bro,” Alex says. “I’ll see you later. Party starts in two hours. My suite. You better be there. We have plans for you.”
“I’ll be there,” he replies, shaking his head at his brother’s excitement. What is it about the bachelor party that the guests are more excited than the actual groom? Michael appears as if he is dreading it.
“I’ll be right outside if you need me,” Ricco says.
“Thanks, man.” Michael sits next to me on the couch and takes my hand in his. “What’s the matter, darling?”
“It’s nothing,” I reply, and he gives me a look that tells me he’s not buying it. “Really, Michael. It’s nothing.”
He’s still not buying it, and suddenly, realizing I am going to have to voice my thoughts, they seem petty and ridiculous.
“I just didn’t want to be alone tonight,” I say
“Who says you’re gonna be alone? You have the girls to hang with tonight.”
“Well, that’s what I thought, but they all have excuses and basically left me.” I glance down at my hands. I feel like crying, and the last thing I want to do is cry right now. “I know. I’m being emotional and ridiculous. It’s just that I don’t remember any of my girlfriends which I’m sure I have.” I’m trying to be optimistic here. I don’t want to ruin Michael’s night and have him worrying about me.
“Oh, sweetheart. Have faith in our sisters. I have a feeling you won’t be alone tonight,” he says.
“Really, you think they might have something planned after all?” I ask.
He holds up his hands. “I’m pleading the fifth.” Pulling me into his arms, he says, “I have some time before the party tonight. Got any ideas on what we can do?”
