Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 98321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“Then do it for you,” Blair said. “Not everything has to be for a man. Pamper yourself!”
“I heartily agree,” I said, although a bikini wax wasn’t really my idea of pampering.
But I did it.
Beside my shoes was the bag I’d begun packing last night for my sleepover at Enzo’s house. Nothing too exciting, just some flannel pajamas I wouldn’t be embarrassed to walk around in, some jeans and a sweater, socks and sneakers. Later, once I was ready, I’d toss in my makeup bag and a hairbrush.
At the foot of my bed were boxes full of clothing and other personal items, ready for the move to Enzo’s house. I’d packed up my bedroom, office, and bathroom over the last two days. JJ was beyond thrilled about his good luck, and my parents thanked me repeatedly for giving him a good deal on the rent. I just hoped the place wasn’t in shambles by the time I had to move back in.
Grabbing my glasses from my nightstand, I stuck them on my head and ran a hand through my hair. My phone buzzed with a text, and I looked at the screen.
Blair: HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!!!!!!
Smiling, I grabbed it and texted back.
Me: Thanks.
Blair: How do you feel?
Me: Good, I guess?
Blair: You guess? Come on, it’s your wedding day! Get happy!
Me: Blair, it’s fake.
Blair: LALALALALALA I’m not listening! It’s still your wedding day, and I’ll be over at one sharp to help you get GORGEOUS.
Me: You’re the best. Thanks.
I’d given up trying to convince her all this fuss wasn’t necessary—she refused to listen and was treating this like a real wedding day. Ellie was the same. She was picking up our flowers and bringing them over along with lunch at noon.
At four, Griffin would come by for Blair and me. Ellie would go with my parents, brother, and Grandma Vinnie. Enzo’s parents, siblings, and nephews would all be there as well. Neither he nor I had wanted a crowd at the ceremony, but try telling that to two Italian families. Not to mention the parents of Enzo’s closest guy friends, who’d known Enzo so long he felt like another son to them. That courthouse was going to be jam-packed.
It all felt a little out of control, but I’d made up my mind to just go with it. It made me feel good that so many people wanted to celebrate Enzo and me—it meant we were loved.
Just not by each other.
Shaking my head, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and put my pedicured feet on the floor. Studying my ruby-painted toenails, I smiled. It was my wedding day, and if it was the only one I ever got, I was going to enjoy it.
I went into the kitchen and made myself a cup of coffee, then settled on a stool at the island with the vows I’d handwritten for Enzo. Grinning, I sipped my coffee and read them over, picking up a pen to tweak things here or there. By the time I’d finished a second cup of coffee, I was satisfied.
Reviewing them one last time before typing them up, I started to laugh uncontrollably. Enzo was probably going to smother me with a pillow tonight in my sleep, but at least I’d get to hear him say these ridiculous things.
Worth it.
Seven
Enzo
I redid the knot in my tie for the fifth time and studied myself in the full-length mirror on my bedroom wall. Frowning, I smoothed the crimson tie down my chest and grabbed my suit jacket off the bed.
After slipping it on, I buttoned the top button and adjusted my cuffs. Brushed a speck of dust from my lapel. Straightened my collar. Turning this way and that, I checked my reflection from all angles. Glanced at my shoes to make sure they were polished. Moved closer to the mirror to examine my face, ensuring my jaw wasn’t too scruffy, my eyebrows weren’t unruly, and my lips weren’t dry. Running a hand over my hair, I wondered if I’d used too much product—I didn’t usually worry about it, but I felt a little off my game today. I was looking for anything that made me feel a little more in control, even if it was just taming my hair.
Satisfied, I stepped back.
Over at my dresser, I added my dress watch, a classic white pocket square, and sprayed some cologne. Then I turned around and studied the room, double-checking it was fit for a woman’s critical eye. Why, I don’t know. It’s not like Bianca was going to see it. I’d spent hours yesterday cleaning out the guest room for her. Emptying dresser drawers and storing my summer shit in boxes in the attic. Washing the bedding and making up the bed. My housekeeper had been here Wednesday, so everything was dusted and vacuumed, but I’d run a cloth over all the furniture anyway. Then I went out and bought some white roses and put them in a silver vase on the nightstand.