A Little Slice of Heaven (18 page)

“
Nope.”

A little foot shuffle. “Then I guess I’ll have to drop the subject.”

“
Yup.”

“
Come along, you two!” Ms. Barrows stood before the escalator, arms folded over her chest and the toes of one foot tapping impatiently against the tile floor. “We have a great deal to do. Let’s not dilly-dally.”

At the woman’s disapproving tone, visions of junior high school wafted through Gianna’s memory. “Doesn’t she remind you of our eighth grade math teacher, Mrs. Farris?”

“
I was just thinking the same thing,” Hayley replied with a snort. “Come on. Let’s not give her a reason to keep us after school.”

The fourth floor was a designer’s wonderland. The moment Gianna stepped off the escalator, another woman appeared by her side.

But this time, Ms. Barrows did not wave her away. “Renee, Ms. Randazzo is looking for a dress for an evening wedding. Something chic, yet elegant.” She tilted her head toward Gianna, enhancing the anteater look when a shadow fell across her sharp nose. “Where is the wedding to take place?”

“
At the Crystal Palace in Sea Cove Harbor.”

Ms. Barrows nodded, her brow etched in thought. “Something vivid then. That’s to our advantage since, with your coloring, jewel tones work best. Sapphire, ruby, emerald.”

“
Her figure seems perfect for Donna Karan,” the woman named Renee chimed in as she walked around Gianna in a perfect circle, eyeing her up and down.

“
Yes, I believe you’re right,” Ms. Barrows said, appraising her in the same clinical manner. “We’ll start with Donna Karan and move on from there. By the time we’re finished, Ms. Randazzo, you’ll outshine every bride from here to San Diego.”

****

Hours later, supple fingers soothed the tension from Gianna’s neck and shoulders with skillful grace. A warm towel covered her bare body from waist to knees while grapefruit-scented oil soaked into her pores. God, this treatment was heavenly! No wonder women made regular appointments at spas and salons. The tension of the last few weeks—the anxiety about tonight, the frustration over the daycare center—all melted away as she gave herself over to Sonja’s experienced hands.

“
So you haven’t seen Kyle in over a week?”

Hayley’s question shook her from the sun-covered citrus grove where her mind played. Brow furrowed, she turned to Hayley who reclined on the adjoining table, receiving similar treatment. “No. Not since Mom and Dad came home. But we spoke on the phone yesterday. Why?”

“
No reason,” Hayley replied. “I’m just curious. You like him, don’t you?”

“
Of course I like him.” She frowned. “I wouldn’t be going with him tonight if I didn’t like him.”

“
That’s not what I mean, and you know it. I mean, you
like him
-like him. Don’t try to deny it. Every time someone mentions his name your cheeks turn all pink.” Hayley pointed at her face. “Just like that.”

“
I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“
Bull.”

Okay, so maybe her face got a little pink and she had trouble remembering her name when he was around. That didn’t mean she
liked
him-liked him. For all she knew, she had some kind of allergic reaction to him, to his cologne, or his toothpaste. Oh, who was she kidding? Still, barely able to admit her feelings to herself, she was hardly ready to admit anything to Hayley.

“
You know what?” she said instead. “If you want to enjoy the rest of the massage my prize money is paying for, you’ll change the subject. Otherwise I’ll go back to Bergdorf’s and ring up five hundred dollars’ worth of shoes.” One pair ought to fill the bill. Hell, with the prices she’d seen, she’d be lucky to get one
shoe
for five hundred dollars.

“
Okay,” Hayley said on a sigh. “But I’m gonna say one more thing first. I like him, too, Gi.”

“
Good for you.” Gianna feigned nonchalance, but inside, her stomach clenched. How exactly did Hayley like him? Did she
like him
-like him? Or was Hayley simply offering her approval if Gianna decided to pursue him?

Not, of course, that she would. Just because she liked him didn’t mean she
liked him
-liked him.

“
God, I wish I were going tonight.” Hayley’s wistful tone prickled her bare flesh. “You have to promise to tell me every detail first thing tomorrow morning. Before you tell anyone else.”

The masseuse hit a tender spot in her neck, and she groaned. “I will, I promise.”

“
You’d better.”

“
I said I would. Now would you please drop the subject?” The words came out a little too terse, but Gianna wouldn’t apologize. What did Hayley want anyway? A blood oath?

Hayley sucked a breath through her teeth. “Ooh, touchy, aren’t we?”

“
I’m not touchy.”

“
I understand. You’re probably terrified. You haven’t seen Frank or Rachel since the last day of school, and tonight, well, you’re gonna have to confront them both. But no matter how blind Frank’s been over the last few months, he’s gonna have second thoughts when he spots you in that dress. He’ll take one look at you and regret ever getting involved with Rachel.”

Reminders of tonight sent butterflies scattering in Gianna’s belly. Great. Now she had a pain in the neck from Sonja and an upset stomach, thanks to Hayley. With her luck, she’d take one look at Frank tonight and vomit all over his shiny tux.

Would that be a good thing or bad? A sudden heat traveled down her spine and through her limbs. Not uncomfortable. More like a hot bath after a long day. Soothing and thoroughly ah-inspiring.

“
All done,” Sonja announced as she stepped away from the table.

“
What time is Kyle picking you up?” Hayley’s question splashed ice water in her face. “He
is
picking you up, isn’t he? You’re going to let him drive, right? God, there’s nothing more embarrassing to a man than being in the passenger seat when a woman drives. Don’t ask me why.”

Propping her head on one hand prevented Hayley from seeing her eyes roll back. “I told him to be at the house by seven. The ceremony’s at eight, reception immediately following in the same location. I had Dad drive my car today so I don’t have to pick Kyle up. Satisfied? Did I miss anything?”

With her massage ended, Hayley rolled over, purring, “Even if you did, you won’t have time to fix your boo-boo now.”

“
Gee, thanks. You sure know how to make a friend feel better.”

“
What can I say?” she replied with a giggle. “It’s a gift.”

“
Well, I’d prefer you kept that particular gift to yourself from now on,” Gianna grumbled over the butterflies wreaking havoc.

Chapter Thirteen

Any doubts Gianna had about her appearance disappeared the moment Kyle saw her. He stared, face drawn and mouth agape, for ten long seconds—she knew, she counted—then extended a hand as if touching a faraway constellation.

The trip to Bergdorf’s and all the ministrations had paid off. Strapless gold brocade hugged her bosom and waist before cascading outwards with the help of a generous black tulle underskirt. Bare shoulders, dusted with gold powder, sparkled. Thanks to two hours in Jean de Viv’s chair, her long hair now lay in thick ribbons of curls. Tiny golden stars pinned each tress to her head. Miniscule gemstones embedded in the center of each star, Jean had advised, would twinkle beneath the chandeliers inside the Crystal Palace, giving her a celestial appearance.

While she floated to where Kyle stood waiting, his gaze followed every move, never blinking, never turning away. Their hands made contact, and an electrical charge tingled from her fingertips to her wrist. “I feel like a kid on prom night,” she confessed.

“
You
look
like a goddess.” His voice was a husky whisper, thick and enveloping. “Any man who would willingly walk away from you is a fool.”

New heat spiraled into her cheeks, and she waved a hand to cool the air. Her face had already been rouged enough. The last thing she needed was her own bloodstream adding additional color.

“
You look good enough to grace the cover of
GQ
,” she said. If she felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball, Kyle definitely fit the role of Prince Charming in his black tuxedo, black tie, and white dress shirt. With this gorgeous man by her side, she could take on the world and come out on top. “Are you sure that’s a rented tux?”

“
Borrowed,” he corrected with a grin that curled her toes. “Not rented.”

God, would she ever get used to his smile? Or the way her heart pounded when he stood so close? “Hard to believe.” Did he hear the way her voice shook? “I mean, this tux could have been made just for you. You and your friend must be built to exactly the same proportions. Are you twins or something?”

He didn’t reply, but folded her hand over his elbow instead. “Shall we go?”

“
I’m...” The words stuck in her throat as anxious butterflies tickled her insides.
Quick! Change the subject. Buy time.
“You know, you haven’t told me. How do you like working at
Villa Mare
with my parents?”

With an exaggerated groan, he grimaced. “You might have warned me your mother is the Grand Dame there.”

Despite her teetering nerves, she giggled. “Everyone thinks Dad is the tough one. The truth is, he’s a big pussycat. Now, Mom, well, Daddy says she looks fluffy as a cloud, but cross her and you’re in the middle of a hurricane.”

His finger traced the inside of her palm in a slow, lazy fashion. The simple action sent skitters of electricity straight from her hand to the center of her heart. “You’ve got a lot of your mother in you, Gianna. Remember that tonight.”

****

When Gianna and Kyle walked into the Seashell Suite at the Crystal Palace, most of the guests already sat in a small alcove of the flower-bedecked room. Before the ceremony started, she and Kyle quickly sat in the back. Heads turned, and hands rose to hide hushed whispers.

Discomfort wilted her until Kyle gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t let ‘em throw you,” he whispered behind his smile. “Think of your Hurricane Mama. Show them your stormy side.”

With his words bolstering her reserve, she sat up straight and completely at ease. “You’re right. What do I care what they think? My presence here makes a statement. I survived the debacle they threw my way. And now, I’m stronger than ever.”

“
I am Woman, hear me roar,” he replied.

She laughed, and as if her humor broke the spell, the guests returned to their own conversations.

All too soon, the groom and best man took their places at the front of the alcove before a large picture window festooned in arches of colorful autumn leaves. Piped-in music played “Here Comes the Bride” as Rachel, wrapped in a white sheath-style gown, her face hidden behind a fingertip-length veil, made her way to the altar with her father by her side.

“
That’s the famous Rachel?” Kyle asked, aghast. “She looks like a mummy in that get-up.”

Gianna’s lips quirked, but her amusement faded quickly. Frank’s face alit with adoration at Rachel’s approach, and a stab of self-pity stung like a thousand knives. Once again, Kyle’s hand gave hers a squeeze. The pressure of his fingers filled her with a placidity she didn’t know she owned. Having Kyle by her side lightened her gray mood to sunny yellow.

Soon enough, the bride and groom walked down the aisle together, faces beaming with joy. As if on cue, the guests rose to form a receiving line at the back of the room. With Kyle behind her, she joined them. Since their seats had been in the rear, they found themselves in the front of the line. She couldn’t have planned the moment better if she’d tried.

“
Gianna?” The name erupted from Frank’s mouth in a frog’s croak.

Rachel turned, a crocodile grin on her features. But her toothy satisfaction evaporated as her gaze skimmed Gianna from updo to gold-dusted shoulders, all the way to the hem of the expensive designer dress. A deep frown and a slightly purple color washed over her blotchy complexion. Gianna savored the moment as she would a sip of the world’s finest champagne. Without saying a word, she had rendered Rachel speechless—no small feat.

“
Congratulations, Frank, Rachel,” she said, leaning to place a kiss on each of their cheeks. She felt a bit like Judas, but tamped down her guilt with a quick press of golden-polished fingernails into palms. “I hope you’ll be very happy together.”

In that moment, she realized she meant what she said. These two reptiles deserved one another. And she was well rid of both of them.

“
We’re so glad you could attend our wedding, Gianna,” Rachel purred. “We haven’t seen you since you left Madison Elementary in June. The children wondered why you didn’t return in September. I told them, of course, you had decided to leave teaching. I hope you don’t mind.”

Point, Rachel
. Like a poisonous snake, she knew where to inflict the most damage.

Well, Gianna refused to play the role of victim ever again. With Kyle beside her, she stood tall enough to look down on the smug face of the bride. “Actually I do mind,” she replied in a strong voice. “In the first place, I didn’t ask you to speak to anyone on my behalf. And in the second place, your information lacks substance. I haven’t left teaching.”

“
Oh?” Frank wrapped an arm around Rachel’s waist, showing stalwart support for his wife. “You’re working somewhere? Last I heard you’d gone back to the family pizzeria.” He sneered the last two words.

An overwhelming urge to smack his face rose within her. What was this, tag-team insults? Terrific. No problem. She was armed and dangerous. “That was only temporary. To help out while they were away. Joey and I sent them to Italy for their thirtieth anniversary. Don’t you remember?” Her tone took on the sweetness of pure maple syrup. “You were with me when I made the arrangements with the travel agent.”