Sophia hugs me again. “We’ll figure something out,” she promises. “I’m here for you, no matter what.”
I manage a small, grateful smile. At least I have my best friend on my side. But the rest of my life is spiraling rapidly out of control.
Sophia gets up and heads to the kitchen, returning a moment later with a generous glass of red wine.
“Here, drink this,” Sophia says, pressing the glass into my hand. “I’m ordering us pizza too. Pizza makes everything better.”
I take a long sip, letting the rich wine slide down my throat. “Thank you, Soph,” I say. “I don’t know what I’d do without you right now.”
She waves her hand dismissively. “Oh stop, you know I’m always here for you.” She picks up her phone to call our favorite pizza place.
While she orders, I nurse my wine, feeling some of the tension start to ease from my shoulders. Sophia is right—between the wine and the cheesy deliciousness on its way, I am already feeling a little less stressed.
My best friend just gets me, always knowing how to make me feel better. She never judges, never pushes me to open up before I’m ready. With everything going on, I need that unconditional support more than ever.
Sophia hangs up the phone. “Alright, pizza will be here soon. In the meantime...” She tops up both of our wine glasses.
I smile, some of my spark coming back. “Well in that case, cheers!” We clink glasses and I take another sip. Having Sophia here reminds me that I’m not alone, that she has my back no matter what.
“Thank you, seriously,” I say. “Just having you here, being able to vent and cry and curse out Giovani—it helps more than you know.”
“Of course, what are best friends for? Now drink up, pizza will be here any minute!”
I laugh and take another big gulp of wine, feeling bolstered by my best friend. With Sophia’s support, I know I can handle whatever curveball my brother decides to throw at me next. The problem is, once I’m married I won’t have her support. I’ll be on the other side of the country, thousands of miles away.
5
SILVO
Iadjust my tie in the mirror, making sure everything is perfect. It’s not the grand wedding I had always imagined, but given the circumstances, an intimate affair is probably for the best. Since the tense meeting with her brother last week, I haven’t seen Carmela. According to him, she’s still pretty pissed about the whole arranged marriage thing. Can’t say I blame her.
My nerves are on edge. I’m not usually the type to get anxious, but something about Carmela gets under my skin. Maybe it’s the way she challenges me, unafraid to speak her mind. Or maybe it’s the memory of our passionate night together, the way her body felt against mine...
I shake my head, pushing those thoughts aside. Today is about business, about solidifying the alliance between our families and expanding into California. I can’t let my personal feelings get in the way.
A knock at the door interrupts my train of thought. “Come in,” I call out, turning away from the mirror.
My brother, Federico, enters looking dapper in his charcoal suit that matches mine. “Ready, bro?” he asks with a grin.
I nod. “As I’ll ever be.”
We head out to the waiting car, the driver holding the door open for us. As we slide into the backseat, I can’t help but wonder what Carmela is feeling right now. Is she as nervous as I am? Is she angry, or has she resigned herself to her fate?
I guess I’ll find out soon enough. For better or worse, we’re about to become husband and wife. And despite the unconventional circumstances, a part of me can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect of spending my life with such a stunning and passionate woman.
The car ride to the church drags on forever, even though it’s only a few minutes. I fidget with my cufflinks, trying to distract myself from the churning in my stomach.
Fed notices my restlessness and nudges me. “Relax. It’s not like you’re marrying a complete stranger. You’ve already had a taste of the goods, if you know what I mean.” He waggles his eyebrows.
I shoot him a glare. “Shut up, Fed. This isn’t about that.”
“Oh, so you’re telling me you’re not looking forward to the wedding night?” He smirks, enjoying my discomfort.
I can’t help but let out a chuckle. “You’re an ass, you know that?”
“Hey, trying to lighten the mood.” He holds up his hands. “But seriously, Silvo, you got this. Carmela’s a lucky girl.”
I nod, appreciating his support even if he shows it in his own obnoxious way. “Thanks, little brother.”
