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“I’m coming.”
I hobble out of my bedroom. Carefully step down the curved staircase - hugging the handrail. My father stands on the foyer’s white marble floor, watching me.
“Dad, these heels are too high, I can barely walk.”
“Darling, you cannot wear sneakers the rest of your life! You look lovely in that dress!”
I disagree.
I follow him into the living room.
“Sit down. Paul and Nick will be here any minute.”
The large living and dining rooms are open concept with cathedral ceilings. I sit on one of the two large oversized white sofas that face each other. A large white marble coffee table is strategically placed between the sofas. My father has expensive tastes.
As I sit down on a sofa, my tight dress hikes up to my middle thighs. My father pours himself a bourbon. He sets it on a marble coaster on the coffee table. He squeezes my hand as he sits next to me. He picks up the cut crystal glass – drinks half of it. My always calm father is nervous.
“Dad, I don’t like this dress. It is too tight on me!”
“You look beautiful. Besides, it is time you stop dressing like a teenager.”
I roll my eyes.
My father finishes his drink. The bright summer sun beats through the windows. My father wipes perspiration from his brow.
The doorbell rings. My father stands up. Perfect posture. Hands clasped at his waist. Bea, escorts Paul and Nick into the living room.
Paul looks older. Nick always looks like a short, Italian mobster. They both wear expensive dark suits.
“Paul, Nick, welcome. You remember Gwen?”
Paul and nick smile. Nick’s gaze lands on my exposed thighs. I pull my dress down. I smile.
I see Uncle Paul at least once a year.Was he keeping an eye on me? Waiting for me to turn eighteen?Yes. Now the time has come. I am being handed to the Vincenzio family. Arranged marriage. My fiancé a stranger. Okay, a hot stranger.But what if Bobby doesn’t like me? What if I am not good enough? Pretty enough? Experienced enough?I freeze.Relax.
“Gwendolyn, my dear, very nice to see you. I am so sorry that you had to go through that ordeal with that monster! You look beautiful. How are you feeling?” Paul asks.
“Okay, I guess. I am just grateful Bobby rescued me.”
Paul smiles.
My hands are clammy. I rub them on my dress.
“Have a seat gentleman. Would either of you like a drink?” My Father asks.
“No thank you.”
The two men sit on the couch across from me. My father is still standing.
“Paul, I have great news! Gwen has agreed to marry Bobby!”
“I am so happy Gwendolyn!” Paul exclaims as he slaps his hands together.
I take a deep breath.
“We should have a toast! I will grab a bottle of champagne.” My father announces.
Paul speaks to me, “You look beautiful Gwendolyn. Since you just turned eighteen and graduated from St. Marten’s. I have a gift for you.”
