"We should put a bit more dark makeup here," he said, pointing at my eyelids. "Perhaps, you should wear purple lipsticks and stretch your eyebrows higher like a mountain."
I couldn't fight the smile on my face. "I don't need your approval to know how beautiful I look tonight." I feel like a fool in love.
Anthony chuckles lowly as he runs his fingers down my curls. "I don't expect any less from my wife."
Tucking my red lips in slightly, I step forward and kiss his cheek. "Let's go," I mumble, feeling a bit too bold tonight.
Anthony wraps his arms around my waist. "Mio cuore, you believe I'm back an hour early just for a mere cheek embracement?"
"No?" I play stupid.
"Oh no, I want much more," he whispers, before spinning me around.
"You're going to mess up my hair," I grumble as he leans forward.
"There is a reason why those people are out there," he said, before pressing his lips against mine.
After our little embracing session, I had to redo...everything. Anthony behaved a bit too hasty and accidentally broke the strap of my dress. I almost cried because I like that dress a lot.
"No. No. Mrs.Winston, don't be sad. We got a backup dress", my incredible makeup/dress-up artist, Gianni said with a broad smile.
After Gianni finishes everything, I hug him. "Come to Italy with me," I whisper.
He chuckles, "Mrs.Winston if only, but, my passion stays within New York and sometimes San Francisco. Los Angeles on a nice, less polluted day," he places a hand on himself, and if he didn't re-do my makeup, I would've cried.
Perhaps, it's because Gianni knows how to pick his words and butter me up, but I felt comfortable in his arms. It's like hugging Dad except...Dad can't do anything Gianni can.
Dad can't do makeup or choose the perfect shade of nail polish for me.
I miss him.
I miss Mom too.
I miss...everyone.
"Mrs.Winston. Look," Gianni said, noticing my sudden drop in mood. He spins me towards the mirror.
The second dress isn't as revealing as the first one. It's tight in the right places, but instead of straps, it's long sleeves where only my collarbones are exposed. To the right side, there's a slit that ends at my knee. Gianni places the heels in front of me, and I step into it, feeling like a princess. I set my fingers on the diamond necklace, lacing it around my neck, and sigh.
I'm not going to lie.
It does feel nice, to be able to wear such amazing clothes.
Once I finished, I began walking out of the room. Gianni stands in front of me. "Wait," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Smile."
I smile.
"Good, make sure to check your teeth in the ladies' room at least a few times tonight. We don't want lipsticks or food," he states.
"I will." I gave him another hug before walking towards the living room to see Anthony in his new suit. He turns towards me, and I unconsciously tuck my hair back.
Anthony places out a hand, and I take it, feeling the butterflies in my tummy. He smiles, "Much better."
I tilt my head, "Much better?"
He shakes his head. "Nothing mio cuore," he said, before leading me out the door and towards the car park out front.
Settling myself inside the car, I grip my dress. Anthony slides a hand underneath mine, stopping my actions. "You'll wrinkle your dress," he said in a calming voice before forcing my head to rest on his shoulder.
I didn't reply as we continued our drive there. I feel the soft panic that can continue to grow each second. Just imagining stepping inside the ballroom makes my breathing rapid and shallow.
"You'll be fine," Anthony reassured. I didn't respond, merely staring at the heels, feeling the most considerable urge to throw up. Anthony kisses the back of my hand, "I'll be beside you."
I look up and suck in my cheeks, "You-" I swallow the words.
"I won't leave you alone," he replies to my unfinished question.
I merely nod, while feeling my pulse pounding in my temples. It's a relief to sit inside a car because between the heels and my legs shaking, I'm afraid I'll trip. It shouldn't be a big deal since I've been to these parties many times when I was younger.
But why? Why do I feel like this social gathering is going to end on a nasty note?
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