Shit. My fingers trace my lips in search of any evidence, but I get distracted by Salvatore laughing.
“Oh, man, you're so screwed. Your lips are red, but you’re lucky there isn't much lipstick on your lips.”
Valentina takes a seat next to me and smirks.
“You should have told me about the lipstick.”
She chuckles. “And where is the fun in that? How else will I make my mark on you in front of all of these people?” I furrow my eyebrows at her and look around, then I see it. Tense energy fills the room, smirks playing on some faces, while others wear disapproving frowns. My skin burns.
Valentina accomplished her mission. She left a mark on me.
seven
Valentina
Preparing for a wedding isn't what has been on my mind, even if the days after the engagement were busy. Because the wedding is in three months, just a few days after my twenty-first birthday, I need to start my wedding plans.
Whatwason my mind was the fact that Gabriel had been avoiding my calls and ignoring my messages. Even if he was busy, he should have found a few minutes to talk to me.
Ignoring the feeling of being ghosted, I focused on my wedding to-do list. First on my list, of course, was my wedding dress. This time, the dress is my choice. No expectations, no restrictions. And since this alliance is for us, the wedding is happening on Camorra’s ground, leaving me with complete control. Well, not complete since my mother is constantly trying to integrate her ideas into what I want. But I did give her control over the guest list, invitations, and seating arrangements. Annalisa De Angelo, a woman who only cares about her looks and her social status, is perfect for this job.
Still, there were things I wanted to ask Gabriel. Maybe he would like to contribute some of his choices to this wedding.
After another day of him ignoring me, it has now been a week. I came to a decision that led me from being obsessed to being a stalker.
I packed a backpack, got on my bike, and rode all the way from Chicago to New York. I know. Who on earth would ride that distance?
Someone who doesn’t want to be seen.
I arrived early in the morning, and I tracked him from his apartment to the Lotus Hotel. I even entered the hotel, but I didn’t blend in with my jeans and leather jacket. I probably should have had a plan, but I didn’t. I thought driving there would give me an idea of how to proceed, but that, too, was useless. Maybe if I learned his daily routine, I would get an idea.
Before he exited the hotel, I changed my spot several times to avoid being spotted, always hiding in the shadows. I don’t know when, but when his car finally showed, I followed him. I expected him to go to the club, but he drove to his parents’ house. And it was then that it hit me. This was how I would make him talk to me.
I’d become best friends with Patrizia Savastano, my future mother-in-law. He would never say no to his mother.
Last night, on my way to my hotel room, I made a stop at the first boutique that had what I needed. Something that would impress Patrizia. At the engagement dinner, other than introductions. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to her. I left that to my mother. I’m sure poor Patrizia couldn’t wait to get rid of her.
I can’t show up in my jeans and the shirt I’ve worn for two days, so I choose a black slip dress with straps and a high slit on the side. I complete my look with a belt and boots. I look at myself in the mirror and put on the last touch of my lipstickbefore I grab my leather jacket and go on my way to my fiancé's childhood home.
I park in front of my future in-laws’ house and, with a smile on my face, I climb a couple of stairs and ring the doorbell. Since Patrizia doesn’t work, I know she’s home, and from the smell coming from their house, I just know everything will go as planned.
The door opens, and I smile brightly at Patrizia. “Valentina?” Her eyes widen, but in a second, her shock is replaced with a bright smile.
“Hello, Patrizia.” I smile. “I’m sorry I came without letting you know, but since the wedding is so soon, I thought you wouldn’t mind.”
She chuckles. “Why would I mind?” She takes a step back. “Come in. I just made some biscotti. I’ll make coffee.”
I follow her inside and step into the living room, taking it all in. Sunlight filters gently through light curtains, painting the space in golden tones. Cushions are plumped on the sofa. My eyes catch the family photographs on the wall. I take a step closer, focusing on pictures of Gabriel from when he was just a boy to his glory days. My eyes catch the picture of his parents, where they’re caught in a moment, sharing a look that I one day want to share with Gabriel.
Love.
I’m brought back to reality when Patrizia calls my name. I turn to her. “Coffee is ready. Let’s sit here.”
I take a seat at the kitchen table, giving my attention to her. “I’m sorry we didn’t have much time to talk at the dinner.”
She smiles softly. “Well, we have time now that the official stuff is over.”
“That’s true.” I smile as she places a plate of biscotti and coffee in front of me. “Thank you.”
