Tangled In Strings

Chapter Thirty-Two

"Good...good." I sigh, and sit down to retrieve my shoes, unable to bend. The dress is beautiful and one Giovanni mentioned he liked. It's form fitting, meant for a pregnant woman...but I guess not this pregnant of a woman. Ending against my calves, I chose to endure black stilettos for the night, refusing to be caught in flats beside the man of the evening, who is wearing a genuine silk and wool suit from the new line that undoubtedly costs a small fortune.

My hair is twisted up into a knot bun, with weird chopstick things poking out of it. One of Gio's designers pulled me aside and tucked them in, promising it completed the outfit. I didn't believe him until the comments started about my chic-ness, how nice it must be married to a fashion icon.

"Where is Sam? I've grown used to seeing him hovering next to you."

"He's off for the night for his brother's wedding. Raymond is visiting his mother at the home."

"Wow, both off."

"There's plenty of security here. They shouldn't be needed. Giovanni and I live for the days where they aren't around, as nice as they are."

"Well, tonight's going to be a hit. The reviews of the preview have everyone showing up. Almost everyone RSVP'd. Some celebs even called in, wanting tickets."

"Fit in as many people as you can. This needs to be big. This needs to make headlines."

"I'll make sure they know about the after-party. We can make sure the photographer snaps pictures of them."

"Perfect."

We exit the bathroom, shocked to find people already filling the seats, and we haven't even dimmed the lights yet. I glance at her, and she nods, leaving to find the technician. Sasha strides over to me with a large smile, extending her arms.

"Look at this!"

I hug her, carefully. "You did good."

"Stop. This was all you, and you know it." She pulls back, and grabs my arms, holding at arm's length. "I love this look."

"Thank you," I blush, shrugging.

"Scarlett, this is magnificent. I mean, the sculptures, the stage...are those crystals? Real ones?"

I nod, crossing my arms, holding my tablet to my chest. "Sure are."

"You didn't tell me all of this was going to be here...was this still on budget?"

I look around to hide my guilt. "I, um, went...a little over. Contributed a bit of my own funds."

"He'd kill you."

"He doesn't have to know," I say, pointedly. She smirks, shaking her head.

"I'm sure he's smart enough to get it, but hey, your secrets safe with me."

I roll my eyes when she leaves, scanning the slim white benches, that extend around each side of the cross stage. The sound systems being tinkered with in front of the stage. The man glances at me, and with my nod, he starts the music—a slow, electronic beat.

I don't see anyone behind the bar, which should already be open, and with a sigh, move to find the company. After I've informed them where to go, having found them lost on the other side of the building, I return to find press entering at Rebecca's command. The moment they see me, they begin to attempt to retrieve my attention, but even pregnant, my feet hurry across the ground into the back rooms.

"Scarlett."

I turn, hearing Carlo's voice. He walks up and kisses my cheek with exuberance. "What's up?"