“Hello, I’m Francesca, how can I help you today?”
“I need a whole new wardrobe for my wife.”
Adelina tensed up, expecting to see a glare from Francesca.The woman wore a pencil skirt, white blouse, with her hair spiral-curled and pinned back.She looked amazing.
“Certainly.What kind of outfits would you like?”Francesca asked.
She tuned out as Massimo gave the list of outfits he wanted her to have.Evening gowns, summer dresses, day dresses, trousers, it all just blurred into one.
Her heart raced and her stomach felt like little butterflies were going off, and nothing was going to be able to control them.Everything seemed to be spinning so freaking fast, and there was no way for her to stop it.
They were led to a private changing room, with Francesca promising to be back soon.
“You know, we could do all of this online.”
“I don’t see what your attraction is to online purchases.I’m willing to spend a fortune here, and they are going to provide you with the best.Now, shut up and enjoy it.”
She wanted to be angry with him, but he had this smile on his face, which stopped him from looking quite so scary.It was in that moment she realized he never smiled at anyone else, at least she had never seen him show any humor.Staring at him now, she smiled back.
“You need to learn to relax.”
“You’re right.I’m just not used to people being so ...nice to me.”
“Your parents are pieces of shit, you know this.”
She nodded her head.They were still her parents, but there was no guilt at knowing another saw what they were.
Francesca arrived ten minutes later, wheeling in a rack that had many hangers attached.
“I think this is enough to get us started,” Francesca said.
What Adelina thought was going to be a nightmare soon turned into something she enjoyed.The clothes actually fit.There were a few that were too tight or too loose.Each time Francesca helped dress her, she was made to go and show Massimo.He would get the final say.He either nodded or disagreed.There were a few times she was pretty sure the outfits aroused him in the way he moved on the sofa, but she couldn’t tell for sure.She liked him being attracted to her.
She didn’t say anything, and the time just flew by.They were there a good three hours, and when he was finished, she was wearing a sunshine yellow summer dress with spaghetti straps, and a pair of heels that were not too big, and were comfortable.
Massimo paid and sorted out the arrangements for the clothes to be delivered to his home.He also gave Francesca a large tip for her help, which Adelina saw the other woman appreciated.It was the first time she had not felt like a burden.
Back at the car, Massimo held the door open for her, and she climbed inside.
They didn’t go to the beach, but instead found a small café, where they ordered some lunch, along with coffee.
“Was that so bad?”Massimo asked.
“It wasn’t too bad.It was actually a lot of fun.”
“I do have some good ideas.”
She smiled.“You’re right, you do.”She picked up her coffee and took a sip.It was delicious and so smooth.Adelina looked up toward her husband and then back down to her plate.
“What’s up?”Massimo asked.
“Nothing.”
“You can talk to me.I don’t want there to be lies and don’t try to manipulate me or get me to work for shit.Just be honest with me, like you always have been.”
She knew she should probably be offended.“I’m not trying to manipulate you.It’s just everything has kind of moved so fast, you know.I mean, thank you, for ...marrying me.”
He smiled.“You’re thanking me?”
