“And that doesn’t include any extra time in case there are any issues with the samples,” she adds.
“Okay. How close would we be cutting it?”
Izzy taps her stylus to her tablet. “They said they could push us to the top of their schedule, but their production time is still the same due to the intricacies of the designs and the quality control they complete during each stage of the process. So it still puts us at a completion date about a couple weeks before the event.”
“Makes sense. That’s why Balistreri’s only works with top-of-the-line designers, and it’s why they’re my number one choice for manufacturers.” I twirl my pen while I consider our options.
“I’m desperate to work with them, and I’m already pleased with how they’re not willing to compromise the integrity of theirwork just to get us as clients. I want to move forward with them, so let’s get the gowns in production, and I’ll plan on flying out to meet with them and go over the dresses and bring them back myself.”
Izzy’s eyes widen when she looks up from her iPad. “You’re going to go to Sicily?”
“We need these gowns done, and if there are any issues with the samples, I can have them corrected right away versus dealing with shipping delays. We’re on a time crunch, so I’d rather go there myself and make sure everything is perfect than not have the full lineup ready in time for the event. Brides from all over the country are planning their visits to this. We can’t let them down.”
Izzy nods. “You’re right. I’ll speak with our account manager over there and let them know of our plans. We can take the jet.”
I raise a brow. “We?”
“You didn’t think I was going to let you go to Sicily on your own, did you? And to visit a manufacturer? I’m definitely coming with you.”
I let out a humorous scoff. “You are absolutely not coming with me.”
“Uh, why not?”
I drop my gaze to her stomach, then slide it back up and say, “Have you completely forgotten you’re with child?”
Izzy drops her gaze to her belly. “Oh, yeah… I guess that would probably be cutting it a little too close to my due date.”
“You guess?”
“Nicco would never approve of that.”
“Iwould never approve of that.”
“Well, you can’t go by yourself.”
“I’ll be perfectly fine,” I say, brushing her off.
Izzy laughs. “You know Teo won’t allow that. You’re going to another country. You’ll have to bring a guard with you.”
Letting out a sigh, I say, “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll have Tito come with me, which is fine. As long as I can get these dresses in time for the event, I don’t care who he sends along.”
“Well, that settles it. I’ll let them know and get back to you with details.”
“Perfect. Thank you, Izzy. You’ve been such a tremendous help with that.”
“Please, I didn’t do anything except get a list together and contact them. You’re the one who did the research on them.”
“Well, we make an amazing team, and I’m so happy to have you during this chaos.”
Izzy sets her iPad down on the desk and leans back in her chair, placing her hands on top of her stomach. “Speaking of chaos…”
“Oh, no. What now? Did something else happen with the dresses?”
She waves me off. “Oh, no. It’s nothing to do with work.”
I let out a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank God. Please lead with that next time you’re referring to chaos.”
Izzy laughs and runs her hand through her dark hair. “Sorry. My bad. It’s just…”
