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I stash the folder and call for Nicolai. He places a huge folder of his own in front of me. “All the details for tonight, your grace,” he says. “The run of show, final music selection, centerpieces, speeches. Things like that. All it needs is your sign-off.”
I motion for him to sit. We go through each line item one by one. After a half hour, we’ve barely made a dent. Nicolai gets up to get us both some more coffee.
I should be enjoying this,I think, but all I can think about is how this is the end.
“Here you go.” Nicolai sets a fresh cup of coffee on my desk and sits down. He looks at me expectantly.
“How has planning the party been for you, Nicolai?”
“Oh, it’s been excellent. With the circumstances of my life, anything involving engagements has an air of excitement.”
“Your circumstances?”
“Yes. About two months ago, my beautiful Katerina said yes to my proposal. We’re getting married next summer.”
“Nicolai! Congratulations! How did I not know this?”
“I don’t like to spread gossip. And besides, the evil eye gains strength through hubris. That’s what Katerina tells me, and I believe her.”
“I love that. Just for you. Is she coming tonight? I’d love to meet her.”
“No, she’s not. I mean, I’ll be working, no time to socialize –”
“You should bring her.”
“Sir?”
The shock on Nicolai’s face is obvious.
“I insist.”
“Thank you, sir. I think you’ll like each other. And I think she and Ms. Isabella will get on well, too.”
“If she’s as lovely as you say, I have no doubt.”
“So, back to business?” He holds up his tablet. It takes another hour to finish, but I approve of all the details.
“You’ve done a great job. You deserve an enjoyable evening tonight.”
Nicolai beams. “I’d consulted with my fiancée. And for inspiration, I thought about what she would like. She has excellent taste.”
“All the better that she should be here tonight. She’ll be a guest of honor.”
He smiles and leaves. Now I just have to somehow get through today and tonight before I say goodbye to Bella forever.
I’m sure Nicolai is wondering about my invitation for his fiancée to come, even though she’s not someone whom Bella or I know personally. But I wanted someone at the party to be happy tonight. And if it can’t be me, it should be him.
30
ISABELLA
“One more here.”
The hairstylist slides the flat iron out of my hair and carefully lays the ribbon of hair on my shoulder. She and the makeup artist stand back, chin in hand, looking at me critically.
“Just a touch more sparkle here, do you think?”
I close my eyes. The makeup brush tickles. “Can I see?”
