Page 68 of Say It Isn't So

When she didn’t respond, only got up and out of my line of sight, I added, “But he’s confused. He doesn’t know what he wants.”

She came back with a glass of champagne in each hand. “Then you have no other choice, sweet girl. You have to make him see that it’s you he wants.” She passed one to me.

I smiled and held the glass on my lap, pleased that she understood and was on my side. “That’s what I’m going to do. He wants time to be with Bianca? Fine, then I’ll wait. Because when she’s out of the picture, I’ll be there.”

“Good. And well done with your dress choice. That boy won’t know what hit him when he sees you in this design.”

“That’s the idea.” I smiled, proud of myself.

Sitting down next to me again she reached for my hand. “I have another idea,” she said, surprising me with the mischief in her voice. “How do you feel about showing up fashionably late?”

I was about to answer when she added, “With Anthony.”

Oh, to make Knox jealous.I liked the way she thought.

Stefan had introduced me to Anthony when I’d started working with him. We’d hit it off—naturally. Now whenever I was in Italy, we met up and got reacquainted, you could say. This time around, though, I hadn’t because of my imminent future with Knox.

I wiped my lips together after my makeup artist swiped lipstick over them. “I guess I could call him and see if he’s busy,” I said in between puckering and studying myself in the mirror again. Now I had two men I needed to look divine for.

Introducing the ExclusivePaolo Gicchio xBellissimaCollaboration:“Promiscua” Lingerie Capsule Collection

With a shared Italian background, world-renowned designer Paolo Gicchio collaborated with the New York fashion magazineBellissima, owned by the head of the Morelli family, Angelo Morelli.

During fashion’s most prominent weeks, the collaboration is unveiled during Milan Fashion Week at theBellissimaMilan Fashion Week After Party.This seven piece capsule collection is crafted with couture details. With sleek, modern silhouettes, “Promiscua” draws upon a female’s natural sex appeal by enhancing her best qualities.

Reimagining bold beauty with lace appliqués, cheeky leopard embroidery, and pearls, each piece is a sight to behold. “This collection has been years in the making, and we couldn’t be prouder to finally share it with the world,” says Maria Morelli, Fashion Editor ofBellissima.

“It was our intention to create a masterpiece collection where the ferociousness and sensuality a woman carries is on full display. It’s a dedication to those who need to remember they’re in control, even if sometimes it feels like that’s not the case,” shares Paolo Gicchio, fashion designer and founder of the line Paolo Gicchio.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Bianca

Allie, Maria, andI arrived at the same time, while Perla carpooled with Frankie, and Dad had gotten here earlier to ensure everything was going according to plan. As soon as we walked in, Allie squeezed my arm while Maria excused herself to start making her rounds. It was about fifteen minutes before the runway show would start and I was anxious to see the designs.

I had seen the sketches and had sat in on the meeting when the looks had been finalized, but that was nothing. Now it was all coming to life right before my eyes. Seriously, once a model wore the design and strutted down the runway in it, things got real. At least that was how I felt about the whole thing. But maybe that was my way in downplaying the sketching step since I was secretly compiling an entire portfolio of designs.

“I can’t believe Grace and Lara are missing this,” Allie whispered in my ear, which was currently tuned in to the sopranos singing operatic music.

Dad had hired them because he’d said it added to the ambiance. Everything we did in the fashion world was a production, and this event was no different. It was, quite possibly, one of the most important productions we’d put on all year.

Not to toot our own horns, but everyone—and I mean everyone—remembered it and talked about it for a long time afterward.

Turning my thoughts to our sustainability and jewelry editors, I looked at Allie and shrugged. “Dad put them on a flight to Paris. It made him feel better knowing they would be there early and I don’t blame him.” Don’t feel bad for them; it happened every year. Two or three people were pulled, it was like a lottery. But they were going to Paris—early. That only meant one thing, playtime in the City of Light.

She ran her hands down the sides of her long-sleeve white sequin dress and smiled. “Well, they’re missing out because this”—we both looked around—“is our best one yet, hands down. Mom would be proud of Dad for basically doing this all by himself.”

I felt myself getting emotional over the mention of Mom and forced the tears to stay in. Tonight was supposed to be a happy time, no tears allowed. “Maria definitely contributed,” I said, knowing the effort she put into the line with Paolo.

Allie plucked a glass of champagne from a passing tray, took a sip and angled it to me. “I know, but I wonder why this one was so important to Dad. Do you think he’s thinking of pulling back one of these days?”

Tilting my head, I wondered what she was getting at. “I’m not sure I like what you’re suggesting. He’s not old.”

Taking another sip, she waved her hand in front of her face. “No, I didn’t mean that. I don’t know, I was just thinking aloud.”

Just then Maria, Perla, and Frankie walked up.

“Did I hear you say you were thinking?” Perla teased. “That’s never a good thing.”

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