But he seems relaxed. He's wearing a suit jacket now and I can't help but wonder if the harness is underneath or if he's taken it off for the ceremony.
Would they bring guns into a church?
Seats are filling up fast. Beside me, Stacey is approached by older Italian men who kiss her and request a dance at the reception. She's popular with the Family.
As the organ begins to play, we all swivel around to watch the first bridesmaid walk down the aisle. The rest enter in a timely procession, like models on the runway, all looking beautiful and classy. When Aurora finally makes her entrance in a full-length 1950's style wedding dress, everyone gasps. We turn to watch her walk down the aisle. Clay's face lights up like it's Christmas and New Year’s and his birthday all rolled into one. Warmth builds in my belly, and I turn my gaze to Max...
The ceremony switches back and forth between Italian and English. There is a lot of God speak and a lot of traditional readings, so I suppose Toni was right in saying they're Catholic.
As the ceremony comes to an end and the bridal party leaves, I turn to Flick. "They're the hottest bridal party I've ever seen."
Flick sighs. "They're breeding a supreme race."
I glance down at a chip in my nail polish. "I don't fit in."
"Cassidy, get real. You're more beautiful than any of those girls."
I look up and briefly catch Max's gaze as he passes by.
Then he's gone, having followed Clay and Aurora.
Stacey, Flick, and I are some of the last guests to leave the church. The reception is within walking distance. As we approach the three massive marquees, we are herded towards an opening in the fence line. My mouth drops open when I see the metal detectors at the entrance.
I glance at Flick and mouth, "Oh my God."
Flick's face is tight with concern.
Once we are inside, I feel like Alice in Wonderland. There are fire twirlers, a live band, several grazing stations, a cigar bar, and people playing croquet.
Stacey crosses to the bar. "I need a drink ASAP."
While she strides away, I scan the crowd for the boys, but my eyes shift from one group to another to no avail. I approach Stacey and Flick as they order. Pressing my back to the bar, I look around for Max and his brothers.
Giving up, I sigh and turn to face a young Balinese girl. "Can I please have a mimosa?"
The server smiles. "We are serving Louis Roederer, miss."
"Coolios. Can you please put some OJ in there,terima kasih," I say with little shame.
"That is basically a crime," a masculine voice says from behind me.
"Salvatore!" Stacey hugs a handsome man who looks a lot like the male version of Aurora. "I'm so happy to see you. I need to get drunk."
"Music to my ears," he says, feeding his hands through his slick black hair. "My cousin is on a rampage because they don't have the salmon puffs."
Stacey gasps in mock horror. "Not the salmon puffs!"
He eyes me, his grin lopsided. "Ballerina girl."
"Don't talk to her," Stacey says. "Max will have a heart attack."
"Excuse me?" I falter.
His eyes widen and he beams. "Are you Max's?"
Flick nearly coughs up her drink. "No one owns her."
I hesitate. "Um..."
