Despite myself, I grin.
Ravenna pins me with a serious gaze. “Your mind’s made up? You’re staying and you’ll continue to be Maximo’s wife? Of your own free will?”
I bob my head. “I’m the eldest daughter of Lorenzo Pontrelli, I was always going to end up being a don’s wife. I see that now, and accept it. With that said… I’m going to need your help.” I glance down at my leggings and oversized sweatshirt. “It feels like forever since I looked the part.”
Gin claps her hands. “Makeover!”
By mid-afternoon I have my hair, nails, and makeup all done. Ravenna and Arianna stayed with their little ones, but left Sophia and Ginevra in charge of me and my makeover. Of course Arianna scheduled all of my appointments first. We have a strict schedule to keep.
The salon took my long auburn locks and cut layers into them. My hair hasn’t felt this silky in years. The long layers flow around my shoulders and frame my face. After that, we had ournails done. Then a professional makeup artist showed me how to apply everything she selected for me.
I actually look nice. Refined and elegant. Like I fit in this world, instead of looking like an outsider. Appearance is power and I’m grasping it with both hands.
We arrive at our final destination, and the most important of them all. Clothing. Once again, Arianna called on her friend Skye Adair to help me out.
We enter Skye’s studio where she’s ready and waiting for us. Judging by the entire rack of clothes and accessories, she’s been busy pulling this all together. She’s a godsend.
“Thank you so much for doing this,” I tell her, taking it all in.
She offers me a warm smile. “It’s my pleasure. I haven’t personally styled anyone before, but I’m extremely excited to try it.”
After my experience with the wedding gown, I have complete faith in her. She knows my body shape, the colors that flatter my complexion, and has impeccable taste.
Sophia and Gin sit in a couple of cushioned chairs. It reminds me of when we all used to go shopping together as teenagers. I’ve missed those days so much.
Getting down to business, Skye swipes through the hangers. “We won’t know which pieces to choose until you try them all on. So, let’s start with these two outfits and we’ll go from there.” She hands me a sleek pants suit set and a tailored dress.
The pants feel okay and look good, but it doesn’t give me the effortless elegance I’m seeking. However, as soon as I slip into the dress, I feel like I can take on the world. It’s feminine but not flirty. Confidence boosting with just the right amount of sex appeal. It’sme. Or at least the woman I want to become.
As soon as I step out of the changing room, three pairs of eyes lock onto me, assessing. I strut on my way to stand in front of the three angled mirror.
“You’re one hundred percent a dresses kind of woman,” Sophia confirms my thoughts. “Look at you. You’re standing straighter and look totally confident.”
Skye and Gin nod.
So we move forward with a variety of dresses. Skye styles each approved one with shoes, sometimes a jacket or belt or scarf. And of course a handbag and jewelry.
I stand in front of the mirror in the last outfit of the day. It’s a stunning, warm green a-line dress that makes me feel like a queen. The hemline stops a couple of inches above my knees. It shows just enough skin to be alluring and intentional. Red soled heels and a black top handle bag complete the look.
“Maximo’s going to think he died and went to heaven,” Gin teases, waggling her eyebrows.
I roll my eyes, but a blush spreads across my chest. What will Maximo think? I study myself in the mirror, I look like myself but… different. A better version—no not better, a moreconfidentversion.
Sophia grins. “I think our work here is done. You look stunning.”
“Thank you.”
Skye approaches me, her professional eye surveying every detail. She cocks her head. “We’re almost done. I know your glasses are part of your signature style.”
My heart drops. She’s not going to take them away, is she? Though when was the last time anyone saw a don’s wife wearing glasses? Maybe they don’t fit with the new image I’m going for.
“Don’t worry,” she continues, “everyone should have something that makes them stand out. Unique. But let’s try these ones instead. Still pink, but different.” Skye hands me a pair of glasses.
I slide mine from my face and replace them with the new pair. Holy shit, I look sexy.
“Perfect.” Skye’s eyes light with satisfaction. “Rose gold is very much your color.”
I smile at her in the mirror. She’s right. These glasses look amazing. Instead of a thick pink frame, they’re a rose gold metal that perfectly compliments my features. They’re sophisticated.
