Turn Towards the Sun (46 page)

I look over at
Enzo,
who is watching Cassie, clearly amused by her dramatic personality. I lean against him and kiss
his cheek
. If this is a dream, please don’t ever let me wake up.

Enzo breaks the silence. “Tonight, we’ll go to Milano for dinner, at seven. In the meantime ladies, I’ve booked two massages for you at the spa. I need to make sure my bride doesn’t get herself too stressed out.”

Cassie claps her hands together. “I like massages.”

I laugh. “Who
doesn’t?
What are you two going to do?”

“Actually, I wanted to get Chris’ thoughts on some of the websites for my resorts. I think they could be better.”

“You guys are working?” Cassie rolls her eyes.

Chris chimes in. “Just consulting. You know it’s not work for me anyway.” He kisses her cheek.

“It’s not work for Enzo either. You two are exactly the same.” I say.

“Well then, we’ll get along just fine won’t we?” Enzo smiles.

“Now you two head out. The appointment is at two.”

We walk into the garage.

“This car is adorable.” Cassie runs her hands along the roof of the Fiat.

“Isn’t it? We rented one in
Italy,
and I fell in love with it. So of course he got me one.”

“Yea
,
your genie in a bottle. Your wish is his command. Have you gotten used to it yet?”

“I guess I have. I don’t really complain or freak out anymore. I tried so hard in the beginning to maintain my independence but he overpowers me, in the best way. I’m still trying to figure out how not to get swallowed up by him though.”

“Whatcha mean?”

“I don’t know.
He’s so commanding and like you said, whatever I want, I get.
It would be easy to just settle into being his wife and not keep my own interests.”

“I think you’re wrong Ava. Being with Enzo gives you even more opportunity than you would have on your own. You’re not limited by anything. If you want to be a yoga teacher
,
you can. You want to volunteer at the library, go for it. Want to start your own business, do it. He will support you, emotionally and financially. The possibilities are actually endless.”

“I suppose.”

“You suppose? What the hell is wrong with you girl? You’re not even making any sense right now?”

“Cassie you don’t understand. From now on, I’ll be Mrs. Milano. Not Ava.”

“So? Being Mrs. Milano comes with mad perks.”

“I know. And I’m getting used to it. It’s deeper than that.”

“Okay I get it. You don’t want to be a trophy wife. But it comes with the territory.
If anyone can figure out how to maintain a sense of self in all this, you can. I think you seem pretty comfortable with it, compared to when I saw you at your birthday.”

“I’m used to the money and stuff I think. It’s just the lingering fear of losing who I am.”

“Have you talked to Enzo about this?”

“No.
This is a touchy subject with us.
I don’t know how to say it without hurting him. He’s more sensitive than he seems.”

“Maybe you don’t need to say anything. Just deal with things as they come along. Chill out and stop trying to plan every detail of your life. I hope the longer you hang out with Prince Charmin
g the more spontaneous you’ll
be.”

I roll my eyes and laugh. “I’m marrying a guy I’ve known for four months. I’d say that is spontaneous.”

“Good point. Ava-one, Cass-zero.”

We pull into valet at Girasole.

“Do you get to use the spa whenever you want?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve only been here that one time with you and Gabby. I suppose this would fall into one of my mad perks as you say.” I nudge her arm.

“Well then, as your best friend, I’m happy to help you use your perks.”

We’re checked in right away and treated like celebrities. The hotel
staff bends
over backward for us, I’m sure aware of the importance of pleasing the boss’ soon to be wife.

Cassie and I sit on the veranda overlooking Camelback
Mountain
, sipping sparkling water and eating a light snack.

“That was the best massage I’ve ever had in my life
.”

“Me too Cass.”

“Whatcha thinking?”

“Just how nice this day is. Hanging out with you and enjoying experiences like this.”

“Yea, it must be good to be the queen.”

I laugh. “That it is. Hey, let’s go see Stephanie and Camilla while we’re here.”

“
W
hatever you want your royal highness.” She bows.

“Shut up Cass.”

We dress and head down the hall to the salon. Camilla is sitting at the front desk.

“Hi Camilla.” I greet her as we walk in.

“Hello Ava. How are you?” She rises and kisses me on both cheeks.

“You remember my friend Cassie? She came out for the wedding.”

“Of course. Nice to see you again.” Camilla shakes Cassie’s hand.

“You must be getting excited Ava?”
Camilla says.

“I am. It’s all coming together.”

“I remember when I met you, it was all so
new,
and you were unsure. But I knew there was something different about
you,
and I could tell Enzo was madly in love, even then.” Camilla winks at me.

“It was new and I honestly didn’t know where any of it was going back then.”

“Yes but I know Enzo and I had never seen him behave that way with a woman. It didn’t surprise me at all when he called to tell us about the proposal.”

“It surprised me.” I laugh.

“Well sometimes it can be difficult to see what is right in front of us. Enzo is a man in love. It’s wonderful to see him be so warm and open. You’ve brought out a whole new side of him.”

“He’s done the same for her.” Cassie says.

“Well then, it’s a perfect match. I’m personally doing your hair for
the wedding
.”

“Wonderful. That is exactly what I want.”

“Good then. We’ll see you in two weeks.”

“Yep. Good to see you Camilla.” I hug her.

Cassie
waves,
and we head over to Sassy.

“So this is the place where that bitch worked huh?” Cassie squints her eyes as we enter.

“Yep.
They have great stuff though. Even better now that Stephanie is running the show.”

“Hello Miss Bradshaw.” A girl I’ve never met before welcomes me.

“Um hello. Is Stephanie here?”

“Oh yes. I’ll go get her.” The girl walks to the back.

“I don’t know that girl Cass.”

“Well, she knows you. I
bet
everyone at the hotel does. And you’ve been in the paper, remember?”

“Oh. Right.”

“Ava, hi. And Cassie right?” Stephanie comes out from the back room. “How are you doing?”

“We’re doing well. Just came from the
spa,
and I wanted to say hi before we left.”

“Glad you did. How’s the wedding planning coming?”

“Good.”

“
Heard you nabbed Genevieve. That’s pretty swank.”

“Well yes, there are perks for hanging out with Enzo.” I smile.

“Mad perks.” Cassie adds.

Stephanie laughs. “Well we wouldn’t miss it for the world. I bet it will be the best wedding I’ve ever been too.”

“Geez, no pressure.” I laugh.

“Have you ever seen the photo spreads from the weddings Genevieve does? They are spectacular.”

I shake my head.
“No I guess I haven’t. She called
us,
and we accepted for obvious reasons.”

“Come on. Let’s go to the bookstore. She’s always featured in the Arizona Weddings magazine.” Stephanie walks quickly out of the store. Cassie and I nearly run to catch up. And I thought Cassie was high energy.

“
H
ere it is, page 76. Oh
,
this one is in Scottsdale. Look.” She hands us the magazine and we flip through the pages.

Cassie gasps. “Ava look at it.”

“I am looking. This is here in Scottsdale?”

Stephanie grins. “Yup. See what I mean?”

I swear I’m staring at a wedding in a vineyard in the French countryside. It’s outdoors on an expansive green lawn with what appears to be a stone mansion in the background. Large round tables with cream and blue linens dot the landscape. The
table de
cor is elaborate with cream place settings and dramatic centerpieces overflowing with hydrangeas. Each guest has an antique vase filled with creamy roses on their plate. A fleur-de-lis place card holder marks each seat. The chairs are draped with pale b
lue linens and cream
tiebacks
. Tiny white lights drape the
trees surrounding the area. The whole scene
is
magical.

The wedding is featured on over twenty pages of the magazine. Every detail was captured from the bridal party to the dance floor. Genevieve knows her stuff.

“Do you think your wedding will get in one of these magazines?” Cassie asks.

“I don’t know. It hasn’t come up.”

“I think every wedding she does is featured somewhere. That’s how she got so sought after. It’s a really big
deal
that she’s doing your wedding.” Stephanie smiles. “It’s also a really big deal who you’re marrying.”

“I’m aware of that.” How could I not
be?
It’s like I snagged a unicorn.

“I think this is the closest you’re ever going to get to being famous girl.” Cassie puts her hands in
the
air and snaps her fingers. Stephanie laughs.

“Thanks for showing me this Stephanie.
I had no idea what she was capable of doing.
At least I know what to expect now I guess.”

“Over the top.
This is best-
wedding
-
ever stuff. The expectations on Genevieve must be outrageous. The city’s most desirable bachelor is tying the knot. I think your wedding is going to be epic.” Stephanie almost seems more excited than I do.

“My girl deserves epic.” Cassie hugs me tight.

“Alright let’s go home Cass. The guys will be waiting for us. See ya Steph
anie
.”

“October 20
th
. I’ll be in the front row.” She giggles.

Back in the
car,
I dial Genevieve’s direct number.

“Hi Ava. What can I do for you?”

“Hi Genevieve. I just saw one of your weddings in
Arizona Weddings
magazine. It was very beautiful.”

“I’m glad you liked it. I was especially proud of that one. But it will pale in comparison to what I have planned for you.”

“That’s wonderful.
Actually, I was wondering if the wedding will be featured in one of these
magazines.
”

“Oh yes. I sent the con
tracts to Mr. Milano’s attorney
this morning. We’ve had about fi
ve offers for exclusive rights.
I’ve made a recommendation of which one we should accept.”

“I see. Okay thank you.”

“You sound concerned Ava. Can I answer any questions for you?”

“No. I don’t think so. I guess I just wanted to know.”

“I have a question.” Cassie hollers at me from the passenger seat. I hand her the phone.

“Is the bridal party going to be featured?” Cassie nods her head. “
Mm
m hmm, okay…okay…perfect…thank you.” She hands the phone back to me.

“What was that about?”

“If I’m going to be in a
magazine,
I want to drop a coupl
e of pounds. You know that thing
about cameras adding pounds and shit.”

“That’s what you’re concerned about?”

“Duh. When am I ever going to be in a magazine again?”

Good point. I quietly drive back to the house.

“You’re freaking out aren’t you?” Cassie breaks into my thoughts.

“No. Yes. Both I guess. I feel calm but
honestly,
I think I’m a little numb from all of this.”

“It’s going to be fine Ava. This is the time of your life. Every dream you’ve ever wanted is about to come true. Just enjoy it. Besides I’ll kick your ass if you don’t snap out of it.”

I laugh. “Thanks Cass. I’ll pull it together.”