Page 97 of Love Me Always

“Wow, Tay… that was beautiful.” A tear fell and splashed on the mahogany table. “I would take on the world for the both of you, no questions asked, you aren’t just my best friends, you’re also my family and I love you.”

These girls were my everything, they had been since we met. There was nothing we hadn’t gone through together, and I was certain it would always remain that way no matter how old we got.

“They’ve grown up fast, haven’t they, Flor?” Carmella whispered.

“Indeed, it seems like only yesterday she was born and now she’s getting married.” My mother sniffled into her napkin.

“This is far from what I imagined the day our husbands made that deal, the day you found out you were carrying Anastacia.” Carmella turned her attention to my mother as the I watched the pair of old friends talk about how they felt. “Lorenzo was adamant the moment he turned eighteen he didn’t need a wife. I never thought for a second they would end up falling in love. Seeing Lorenzo fretting about everything being perfect yesterday for Ana was a rare sight.”

“Well, I guess we can say our children have become a good influence for one another. Anastacia seems a lot happier with Lorenzo now than she did the evening before the engagement party when she turned up here barefoot, and exhausted.” I could tell my mother was irritated about that. She wanted to give Lorenzo a piece of her mind that evening, but I had stopped her.

“At least it’s all behind them now, no use dwelling on the past,” my grandmother interjected from her chair at the head of the table. “My Aleksander would have loved Lorenzo, he said he would grow up to be one hell of a man and the only one who would become the perfect fit for his flower, and I can finally hold my hands up and say he was right.” She directed her gaze upwards as if she was telling my grandfather he was right.

The rest of the evening was spent laughing and joking with one another as we sipped cocktails but not too many since none of us wanted a hangover in the morning. We helped each other with face masks while we had our manicures and pedicures by our usual beauticians that Carmella booked for everyone. It was obvious I was nervous about tomorrow, mostly because I didn’t want to fall flat on my face for everyone to see, but my father assured me many times that he’d never let me fall.

“What do you think, flower?” my grandmother asked, bringing my wandering mind crashing back to earth.

“Sorry, what about?”

“Tomorrow, you’ll have your hair and make-up done last to ensure it’s perfect for the big moment, yes?” She beamed; her cool hand cupped my face as I nuzzled into her touch.

“Yes, that sounds perfect.”

“Where was that head of yours?” she questioned.

“Nowhere in particular. I was just thinking.”

“About Lorenzo?” Her smile was genuine as it spread across her aging face.

“A little, but I am panicking about falling down the aisle.” I blushed as I let out a deep sigh.

"Your father will not let you fall, but I'm sure he's told you that plenty of times," she teased as she sipped her cup of tea.

“Do you all mind if I head to bed. I need an early night.” I stood up soon after Rosie had finished my nails.

“Of course not, you get some rest.” My mother smiled.

“Do you want us to come?” Robin asked as her nail technician started her second hand.

“No, you two stay here. I’ll see you all bright and early.” I waved, already halfway out the door to the united calls of good night.

I wandered the corridors towards my room. They were silent since my father and Miles were visiting Lorenzo at his house. I was about to take the first step to my room when I realised I was no longer alone. I recognised those footsteps, that breathing pattern before they even opened their mouth.

“Hi, Chad.” I sighed as I paused the moment the words left my mouth.

“So, you’re really going through with it, then?” he asked. He sounded his usual self, not like he had sounded the past few times we spoke.

“It looks that way, huh.” I smiled as I turned to face him.

“It sure does, are you ready to become someone’s wife?”

“If you mean Lorenzo’s wife, then yes, I am.” I folded my arms and waited for him to say something about Lorenzo.

“Do you love him?”

“Yes.” I was confident in my answer; the one thing Chad had hoped I wouldn’t be judging by his expression.

“Well, I wish you the best.” He turned his back as he walked down the darkened corridor.

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