When she stepped back to survey her work, she smiled and said, “You look amazing.” When Aria hesitated to get up, Corinna asked, “You okay?”
“I like him. I like Alex. He’s been sweet and friendly, but yeah, you’re right. I’ll admit it. There’s something there.”
“And that’s a good thing, honey. Areallygood thing. You don’t have to make any big decisions now. I know you’re worried because his career brings him all over the world, but for these few weeks that he’s here, just spend time with him.”
“Yeah, I think I will. I think I want that.”
Aria hugged her tightly, thanking her for the help. As she grabbed her clutch and added lipstick, her debit card and her ID, she quickly moved toward the door, yelling behind her for Corinna to lock up.
“Hey and listen, if you decide Alex isn’t the guy for you, give him my number,” Corinna yelled, making Aria laugh loudly.
“Ah, I think you mean Enzo, right?” Aria said teasingly.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” Corinna answered, annoyance coloring her tone.
Aria laughed even harder as she raced to her car.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Alex was leaningon the cherrywood bar top, looking between the door and his phone, nursing a whiskey. The bar was situated with a perfect view of the entrance.
The venue was a ballroom at the Grand Hotel Sant ‘Orsola. The high ceilings dotted with crystal chandeliers and exposed brick accent walls gave the feeling of old-world charm.
The party had started, and Alex tried to greet some of the guests he knew dutifully, but found himself back at his perch at the bar multiple times.
“She’ll be here, don't worry. She wouldn't say she'd come and then just not show up,” Leonardo assured him, as he walked up. “I'm so looking forward to spending some time with her tonight.”
“I know. I’m just nervous, I guess.”
“You clean up nice, son,” he joked as he looked him over.
“Me?You’re looking mighty dapper with your paisley tie, Papa.”
Sofia walked over to them, her knee-length black and silver cocktail dress flowing as she moved. Alex could see that she was leading a man in a navy suit with her.
Kissing her cheeks, Alex greeted the man.
“Alex, this is Mr. Antoni McKnight. He’s one of our favorite customers. He owns most of the pharmacies in the area,” she said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. McKnight,” Alex said, holding out his hand after Sofia made the introduction.
“The pleasure is all mine, Alex. I've been a fan for some years now. I even own several of your pieces. I was just telling my wife?—”
Mr. McKnight was still speaking, but all sounds—the music, the people—faded when Alex looked over the man's shoulder at the woman walking toward him.
Her long hair was not in its usual waves but straight. The length of it flowed over her shoulders, one side pinned up with a gold leaf. The gown she wore looked as if it had been woven by fairytale elves: a topaz yellow satin slip, tight at the waist with a deep neckline. It was covered in a tulle overlay fashioned with gold flowers, giving her an ethereal look. The soft lights reflected off her dress, making it seem as if she was lit from within.
“I'm so sorry, Mr. McKnight. Will you excuse me, please?” Alex said, leaving the businessman mid-sentence.
Aria was breathtaking. This was not a school crush, as real as that had felt. As he locked eyes with her, he knew he’d never be the same. Poems, books and movies had been written about moments like this. Before Aria, he didn’t pay them much mind nor give them any credence. But the way his heart seemed to come alive at just the sight of her had him wishing he could write her sonnets befitting her beauty and grace.
The heads ofboth women and men turned to admire her as she made her way to the center of the room, meeting Alex there. It only took him a few long strides to reach her.
“Aria. Wow. You look beautiful.” Realizing he was staring, he added, “Sorry, welcome. I'm so glad you came.”
He leaned in and kissed both cheeks, stopping before moving to the second one to look into her eyes up close. The yellow-gold tone of her dress revealed specks of amber in her hazel eyes.
When she pulled back, she answered, “Thank you, Alex, for inviting me. I was a little nervous about tonight, honestly.”
