Page 32 of A Very Italian Wedding
Luna grabbed Marco’s hand and guided him into the hallway, leaving Ben waiting for Rose. He’d dressed up in a navy suit that made him look even taller, drawing attention to his narrow hips and the breadth of his shoulders which seemed wider since Rose had seen him last. The colour suited him, along with the lilac shirt which most men wouldn’t be able to pull off. He was so handsome it felt like her eyes had superglued themselves to his face. She blinked, trying to regainher composure. ‘Did Francesca sell you that outfit?’ she asked, clearing her throat.
Ben shook his head. ‘She’s only interested in women’s clothes.’
‘You two were made for each other,’ Rose joked.
‘I do have a similar fascination.’ He grinned as he looked her up and down, his eyes sparkling with something other than humour this time. ‘You look incredible. If your suitcases ever turn up, I might throw coffee overallyour linen suits.’
Rose pressed a palm against her fluttering stomach, trying to calm it before something flew out. ‘Shall we go downstairs?’ She nodded towards the door, feeling her cheeks flame.
Ben offered Rose an arm and she smiled before taking it. ‘You’re ridiculously smooth – do you practise in front of a mirror in the evenings?’
‘Doesn’t everyone?’ he asked seriously.
Rose found herself laughing again as Ben led her into the hallway, the nervousness in her stomach dissipating. Usually, she felt stressed, she didn’t know why being around Ben seemed to help. He was such undemanding company. Perhaps because she wasn’t trying to counsel him? She doubted he’d listen if she tried.
‘I’ll introduce you to the Marinos first,’ he said as they walked down the main staircase into a large hallway with a light grey marble floor. Rose had passed through it a number of times since arriving and it had been spectacular already, but it hadn’t looked like this. Someone had fixed pink and white flowers to the banister and ribbons and pearls had been skilfully woven in between. The effect was stunning and the glittering lights hanging around the walls made everything look romantic.
‘Most of the family are outside,’ Ben told Rose, leading her through the room into the garden where someone had erected a long trellis next to the large pergola and covered it withflowers and leaves. A long table had been set up underneath and it was laid with glasses, cutlery and plates. There seemed to be hundreds of settings, and Rose wondered exactly how many people the family knew.
‘We’re going to sit here to eat,’ Ben said as he placed a palm on the small of Rose’s back making her shiver, despite the layer of silk covering her skin. How would her body react if there was nothing between them? The unwelcome thought flew into her mind, and she pushed it out.
‘I’ll introduce you to Marco’s parents first.’ Ben guided her towards a huddle of people in the far corner of the garden. They were beside a table which had been laid with drinks and jugs of wine. Waiters and waitresses were serving the guests as they arrived. Suddenly, Rose longed for a glass of something cool.
A woman wearing a green dress turned as they approached. ‘Rose, Ben!’ Francesca boomed. ‘You lookbellissima,’ she cooed at Rose. ‘Ben, it’s almost boring that you look like a movie-star all the time.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘I’ve been telling Marco’s mama all about you, Rose.’ She winked.
The woman standing beside Francesca turned and flashed Rose a beaming smile. ‘I’m Elena Marino and you are clearly Luna’s friend!’ she said, coming to join them.
She looked just like she had in the photo. Elegant and stylish with dark brown hair that she’d swept onto the top of her head and secured with a shiny gold clip. She was the same height as Francesca and her figure was just as perfect. Rose wondered what kind of trouble the two of them must have got into when they were younger and whether they were as close as she and Luna were. Elena had obviously been toEleganteto get her outfit for the party. It wasn’t as revealing as Rose’s, but the cream silk clung to her figure and set off her smooth olive skin.
‘Ben, Francesca is right,caro, you look gorgeous, and itisa little boring how unruffled you always seem. You need someoneto fray those handsome edges,’ Elena teased. ‘It is past time you moved on…’
‘I have moved on,’ he muttered, earning himself a huff. Then she wrapped her arms around him, before pulling Rose into a hug too.
‘You are as beautiful as Luna,’ Elena gasped as she pulled away and studied Rose. ‘She’s told us all about you and how important you are – you are welcome in our home.’ Her smile radiated happiness. ‘I’m sorry this is the first time we’ve met since you arrived, there has been so much to do for the wedding, and there’s still so much to organise.’
She wiped a hand across her brow dramatically and Francesca sniggered. ‘But we’re all so excited – it has to be perfect for Marco and Luna.’ She glanced around before shaking her head. ‘I’m not sure where my husband is, but I’ll introduce you when I find him.’
‘For now, take some wine,’ Francesca jumped in and handed Rose a glass. ‘It’sFranciacorta,’ she added with a smile. ‘The same as in my boutique. You liked it.’
‘Thank you.’ Rose sipped as both women began to tease Ben about all the women who were in love with him. She tried not to listen – she wasnotinterested – and, instead, watched the crowd which had doubled while they’d been talking.
Now there were huddles of people laughing, kids running in between the trees and ducking under the long table while guitar music played from somewhere inside the house. The air was warm, and she could smell the dry, woody scent of olive trees merging with the delicious fragrance of fresh food and wine.
Out of the corner of Rose’s eye, she saw a woman emerge from around the edge of the house close to where the two houses and pool were located. She was dressed in black and as she drew closer, Rose was sure she recognised the silhouette. Was it thewoman she’d seen picking lemons and then arguing with the mystery man earlier?
‘We’re going to sit and eat soon,’ Elena said, distracting Rose. ‘But before we do, my sister Aurora wishes to do a reading for you and Luna.’
‘Oh, I don’t think—’ Rose gasped as Marco appeared from the back of the villa clutching Coco and swiping his eyes with a tissue.
‘Of course we must!’ Luna said as she drew closer. ‘Aunt A has been talking about it all afternoon, and everyone wants to hear what she’s got to say.’ Her eyes sparkled as she looked back at her fiancé, her cheeks glowing.
‘Sì, we do,’ Elena said, kissing Luna again, her expression adoring while her friend beamed back, her face alight.
‘I can’t wait for her to tell us how wonderful our marriage is going to be.’ Luna sighed and the crowd began to murmur with excitement as Aurora appeared from the front of the house wearing a long, lacy green dress with a matching veil. She walked towards them slowly, her back ramrod straight, and the crowd began to whisper as the music suddenly shut off.
‘We’ve set up a table in the olive grove,’ Elena said excitedly. ‘We just need to follow my sister.’ She hooked an arm through Rose’s and another through Luna’s. ‘Keep an open mind,cara,’ she said to Rose as they began to walk. ‘You don’t have to believe in it to have fun,si?’
‘Yes,’ Rose said, unwilling to offend Luna’s potential mother-in-law. But she was surprisingly nervous. She glanced behind her and saw the woman in black join the throng of men, women and children as they followed.
