I look over to see Silvana in a bold red satin dress that drapes gracefully down to her silver strappy heels. She spots us and begins walking over as if she is gliding on air.
“Look at you two,” she says, smiling. “You look great. Is this another Forever 21 dress, Isa?”
“Silvie, you look like my period blood,” Maria retorts.
Silvana’s eyes widen, and I can see her face flush. How incredibly satisfying.
“Isa is wearing a red dress too,” she whines.
“No, it’s burgundy, and it’s classic. You look like a firetruck. Or Clifford.”
“Fuck off, Mar,” Silvana huffs and leaves to go stand with her mother, no doubt to throw shade at everyone.
“Have I ever told you that I love you?” I laugh. “Thank you.”
“Oh, please. Anytime. She’s such a twat.”
A band begins to play soft jazz music, adding an extra layer of ambiance to the night. Almost as if it was rehearsed, Sofia and Luciano appear just around the corner and glide onto the dance floor. All the guests begin to clap, and some of the groomsmen let out a few whoops. Luciano lifts his arm to allow some space for Sofia to twirl.
Maria laughs. “Leave it to Sofia to have multiple wedding dresses to change into for the next two days,” she says, but there’s a tinge of judgment in her voice.
Sofia is a vision in white, her dress crafted from a soft and flowing fabric that swirls beautifully with every movement. It is practically designed to catch the light, and the shimmery fabric glints in the setting sun as if sprinkled with fairy dust. The top of the dress is simple and elegant, with a fitted bodice that hugs the curves of her torso. The fabric flows down in layers, gathering at the waist before cascading to the floor in a frothy cloud of white. The skirt has just the right volume to create an enchanting twirl that seems to transport her to another world. Delicate details add to the dress’s ethereal quality. A scattering of tiny white pearls graces the bodice, while lace details trace the neckline and hem. The back of the dress is particularly stunning, with a delicate row of buttons running down the length of Sofia’s spine.
“Jesus, I wonder what her wedding dress will look like,” I say in awe. “I don’t think anything can top this.”
Maria chuckles. “Her wedding dress will probably have a twenty-five-foot train and require a crane to lift her to the altar.”
“Thank you so much for coming to our rehearsal dinner,” Luciano announces. “I hope you enjoy the wonderful five-course meal Valentina and her staff has prepared for us. Please find your seats when you’re ready, and we can begin eating the delicious food.”
I look around frantically, again trying to spot Valentina. Finally, I see her in the back, walking toward Silvana. My heart drops into my stomach like a heavy boulder falling off a cliff. Silvana laughs at something Val says, but they’re too far away for me to hear them. I can’t tell if Valentina is playing along or if she’s simply putting on a facade. Part of me wants to believe she has her reasons for talking to my nemesis, but it’s hard not to feel betrayed.
Just as I am about to turn around, Valentina’s eyes meet mine. She smiles slightly, her expression hard to read, and begins to walk toward me slowly. The uncertainty twists in my gut—why is she engaging with Silvana like this after everything? I need answers, but as she gets closer, I wonder if I even want to hear them.
I try to distract myself with my champagne, taking too many sips. Her dark-grey gown drapes down to the floor, dragging on the dirt path, but she doesn’t seem to mind. The cowl neck on the satin neckline creates a subtle sweetheart line I can’t stop staring at. As she moves toward me, I notice a high slit on her dress that gracefully exposes one of her thighs every time she takes a step. Underneath, she wears silver strappy heels tied up just below her knees.
Valentina smiles. “Isa, you’re a knockout.”
“Thanks. So are you,” I say shyly. “Listen, Val. I just want to say—”
“You don’t have to say anything, Isa. I get it. I’m sorry I reacted the way I did in the car. I was upset.”
“The car?” Maria whispers to herself, raising her eyebrows.
“I know—I’m sorry. Please know that this isn’t what I want to do. It’s what I have to do,” I say.
“What could she have to do?” Maria whispers to herself while taking a sip of her champagne and flagging down a server to get a few more for the table.
I look at Valentina, hesitating before finally asking, “Val, can I ask why you’re even talking to Silvana after what happened?”
She sighs, casting a quick glance in Silvana’s direction before looking back at me. “She did apologize to me about it when she sobered up. I guess I’m just trying to keep the peace. She’s not someone who lets go easily, and the last thing I want is for things to escalate even further. I didn’t want you to worry.”
“I guess,” I murmur, unconvinced but trying to understand.
Valentina’s eyes soften. “I’m sorry if it seemed like more. I promise, it’s not.” She reaches out and squeezes my hand.
Maria, watching intently, continues her whispered commentary. “Oh, so now they’re holding hands. This is better than the movies.”
“I’m sorry. For the things I said. About your father. I know he means a lot to you.”
