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Ellie
I’m so nervous about everything looking immaculate for my father. As much as it is a blessing that he’s coming, it cranked my wedding anxiety into high gear. My palms are clammy, and I haven’t even gotten into my dress yet.
There’s going to be so many nosey family members from the Rigiano side. Many of the RSVPs came back with questions as to where I’ve been for the past two years. Some even asked why I didn’t attend my brother’s funeral. That hurt, a bit.
I’ll just tell them the truth. Well, part of the truth. That it was too hard to attend. Then again, who would be rude enough to bring that up on my big day? My dad will keep people in line on the Rigiano side, and Donny will take care of the Valentinos. I have to have faith everything will come together.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
There’s commotion outside of my hotel room. Oh, did I forget to mention that I’m getting married in a damn castle? I’m on the top floor, and the balcony window shows the most elaborately trimmed grounds I’ve ever seen. The hedges and stone walkways are a maze, and the chapel is conveniently on the same grounds. The Estate of Bordeux Gardens is going to host an incredible wedding… I hope.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
I take a breath. “Coming!”
I open the door to a group of excited faces. They barrel in and get to work hanging their dresses and fastening their kimono-style robes to get ready.
“Big day, Ellie. Not to worry. We got your back,” Rosie says. She snaps her fingers for the makeup artists and hair stylists to get to work.
They corral me into a seat and start with my foundation. I told Rosie last night that it’s up to her to make sure I don’t look like a gaudy clown today. I didn’t declare a maid of honor to avoid all the hens bickering, but in reality… it’s her.
“I hear one of Sal’s exes is in attendance, with Scotty Shoes,” Nicole – Sal’s current girlfriend – says. I can see her lips tightening as she airs it in the open.
“Which one?” Scar’s wife asks.
“Not sure. Some dumb bitch named Rita. I mean, who names their daughter Rita? It’s like she was born seventy years old.” Nicole scoffs, her Latina accent accentuated when she’s annoyed.
“She’s a nice girl, hunnie,” Marissa says. “You have to let the past stay where it is.”
“Ugh. It’s not her I’m worried about.”
I hold up my hand for the makeup artist to stop for a second. “Nicole. Sal’s a big damn flirt—”
“Not helping, queen bee!” she calls back while working on her eyeliner.
“But that man is head over heels for you,” I finish.
The girls ‘aw.’ I feel extra powerful today amid my nerves. Everyone stops what they’re doing to look at me when I speak, even more so than they do when I’m with Donny.
I smile and continue, feeling particularly love-struck today. “His face brightens up whenever he sees you. And no one else can give his shit back to him like you can.”
Laughter showers over me, and Nicole does a little shimmy in her seat because she knows I’m right.
“I’ll bet you’re next,” I say to her.
“You better catch that bouquet later!” Rosie shouts.
“I’ll tackle all you bitches for it,” Nicole promises.
More laughter eases my nerves, and for an hour, I forget about wedding logistics and enjoy my beautification with my girls.
xxx
I’m shivering with goosebumps as I step out of the limo and face the chapel where I’m to be wed. There’s a crowd outside gasping as they eye me up and down.
“Shouldn’t they be in their seats already?” I ask Rosie, who’s holding the tail of my dress.
Cameras snap in my face from the team of photographers I hired.
