Page 98 of Roman

CHAPTER 22

ROMAN

Ifinished with my manager, walking through the lobby. Everything was in order. Perfect. Exactly the way I demanded. The right people doing their jobs made my life easier in many aspects.

I stopped when I spotted Gerry in the boutique, and I went in. “Gerry?”

“Boss man,” he greeted me.

“Why are you down here? You are supposed to be upstairs with Effie and Vi helping her pick a dress. She didn’t like any of them?”

Gerry laughed, indicating a rack of dresses. “Your lady picked a dress in five minutes. It fit her perfectly, aside from the length. The seamstress has it and will have it back tomorrow.” He looked delighted. “No fuss, your fiancée. I held it up, she said yes.”

I frowned. “I thought this could take days. Hundreds of gowns.”

“For some. I asked her to describe the perfect dress. I pulled one from the rack, and we were done. Now I hope you plan on letting her choose her flowers.”

“I can arrange that.”

“Then we’re all set. And by the way, green is the color for the day.”

“All right,” I responded.

“It suits her dress choice.”

I hesitated. “Was she happy, Gerry?”

He laid his hand on my arm. “I believe so. Overcome a little. She wasn’t expecting it. She thought she would wear one of the dresses you bought her last week. Not really high-maintenance, is she?”

“No, she’s not.”

I headed to the planning office, looking forward to when I could use my office upstairs again. I knew I could, but I didn’t want Effie feeling more trapped than she already was.

Aldo was there, looking tired.

“You were here last night again?”

He nodded. “A few problems on the floor.” He held up his hand. “I took care of them.” He took a sip of coffee. “How did the dinner go?”

“Good. Luca likes her.”

“We all like her.”

“Thank you for covering. I know you’ve pulled a lot of extra nights. Once the wedding is over, we’ll figure out a schedule that keeps our spouses happy.”

“Vi understands. She, as well as I, recalls when I was gone a lot because of our situation. You covered all the nights for me then. I’m returning the favor.”

I cleared my throat. “Would you stand beside me next week, Aldo?”

He looked confused. “What about Luca?”

“I spoke with him. He agrees it should be you.” I smiled, thinking of what Luca said. “I haven’t told Effie yet, but Luca is going to walk her down the aisle. He feels she should have that.”

“I would be honored to stand with you.” He paused. “You looked pretty serious yesterday after your talk with Luca. Anything the matter? Aside from the unexpected fiancée thing?”

I told Aldo what Luca had said yesterday. He listened, his surprise showing.

“He wants to walk away?”