by Way, Maggie
Amelia is playing on her phone. She looks up and smiles at me when I sit back down.
“I am so sorry about that!”
“Everything all good?”
“Yeah, just something silly,” I dismiss, keen to change the topic. “So, as I was saying. Did you want me to set you up with Kieran’s friends?”
After everything I’ve gone through and that just now? Heck no. The idea of dating anyone right now is like eating oysters – it will make me vomit.
I nod quickly and divert her attention by raising my glass forward. “I want to toast you on your special day. And to us. Have I told you how much I’ve missed you?”
She does the same, we clink our glasses together.
“I wouldn’t want anyone else by my side for my special day, Lacey. I’m really glad you are here to help me deal with all the chaos and craziness,” she says quietly, and I can detect a trace of heightened emotion in her voice.
I press my hand to my mouth, touched by her words and we just look at each other.
Just being here is amazing enough, but to do this for a close friend is icing on the red velvet cake.
♦
Steadying Amelia’s shoulders as she gives the cab driver a twenty and fifty Euro note, I grab her hand tightly as she clumsily staggers out of the cab. I look over to the front to see the time on the radio clock. 11pm. We’ve been out a bit longer than expected, but that’s what a jug of sangria does to a woman. As we step out of the cab and walk back into the hotel lobby, I squeeze her hand firmly to pull her forward. This is not going to look good, getting my client plastered.
I want to rush her back to her room so she can sleep this off. With my arm around her, I guide her through the lobby and Amelia hiccups in between giggles, dawdling in her stiletto heels.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to throw up like I used to!”
A welcome change from the times I had to pull her hair up when she threw up in the seedy alleyways of Oxford Street. I rush her forward towards the elevator when somebody calls out to us. “Stai bene, signorina Amelia?”
It’s deep and gravelly and sounds like…the same voice I heard only hours ago. I turn around and widen my eyes in surprise at who is standing in front of us. It’s that guy I bumped into outside Gabe’s hotel room. How does he know Amelia? Is the world that small? He looks at Amelia but quickly brings his gaze to me, hiding a look of surprise. His eyes twinkle and dance on their own.
Amelia grins widely, “Hey! It’s you! Oh no, no, I’m fine. Totally fine! Luckily, I got my girl here to help me up. This is—”
“Signorina Lacey, yes?”
Amelia frowns and hiccups loudly, “Yeah. Lacey, how did you meet my photographer? Then again, I can trust you to do your own digging.”
Photographer?
She holds her arm out, flailing it up and down my body like I’m a showcase. “This is my wedding planner. She’s pretty, isn’t she?”
He looks at me, a warm expression on his face. It’s like he’s trying to study me, analyse me.
“Umm yes, I did meet him briefly. Mr…” I look at him, urging him to say his name.
He smiles, looking so cheeky. “Matteo. Matteo De Lorenzi.”
Oh.
Oh.
The world is a very small place indeed.
CHAPTER THREE
I’m in bed with a man. He doesn’t have a face, just a perfectly sculpted physique. Lying on top of me, my arms are pinioned above my head as his muscular arms hold me down. His adept hands explore my naked body, roaming up and down. Caressing my waist, tracing my stomach, flicking across my erect nipples. A moan leaves me as those magical fingers go down, all the way down.
His hips pinned to mine, he leans in to capture my mouth, his tongue skillfully working my own. Then his fingers find their way to the apex of my bare thighs and I arch my back, keen for him to touch me, conquer me. Without hesitation he drives a finger right now, hitting my sweet spot with a sharp slap, and god…oh god…it’s glorious, I’m going to come, I’m going to come. And then I look up and I see whiskey coloured eyes.
Abruptly I wake up, sitting up from the bed, gasping for breath, covered in sweat. Did I just…have a wet dream? And did I…have it about a certain someone? I’m completely confounded. What the hell just happened? I’m in the hotel bed alone. I glance at the alarm clock – eight o’clock. It’s morning. I put my head in my hands. I didn’t know I could dream about sex, let alone orgasm in my dreams. Wiping my brow, I hop off the bed and get dressed for breakfast with Gabe.
Strolling down to the lobby, I make my way to the poolside area to meet Gabe who has reserved a table for us. Today is all business and I need to put my game face on. I have a 10am meeting with Amelia and Kieran to present the run sheet…sheets. This assignment is actually one of the simplest I have had in a while – they’ve already booked the venue, caterers, musicians, and decorators. Not to mention the photographer, Matteo, who I have already met, twice.
Wearing large shield sunglasses and a tight white tank top showcasing his spray tan and lean physique, I can spot him a mile away. It’s 8am and even though I ate a feast last night, I can’t ignore the beautiful buffet in front of me. Breads, fresh cheese, cut ham, quiche tarts, and pastries are presented in beautiful ceramic plates all for the taking. Grabbing a bowl of muesli and yoghurt and a desperately needed cup of coffee, I sit across from Gabe. He’s already finished eating and is playing on his phone.
“How was last night?” He asks, keeping his eyes on the screen as I start eating.
“Yeah good, four years of catching up squeezed into one night with the best food I’ve had in a while…”
“Tell. Me. About. It. I was going to eat something at the restaurant below but then I thought what the hell. I’ll go for a wander, and I made my way just five minutes when I found Gianni’s Pizzeria.” He looks up at me and grins cheekily, and I already know where this is leading. “It was delicious, and I’m not talking about the pizza.”
I grin. “Cute waiter?”
“Uh huh. Blonde, tanned, blue eyes,” he raises his eyebrows, clearly thinking about the waiter.
“Just your type.”
“Mmmhmm! I kept asking him to come and fill up my water. As a paying customer, I’m entitled to drink as much water as I like, don’t you think?”
“Oh yes, it’s your natural right,” I nod, playing along.
“I couldn’t believe my luck, but he started talking to me. Maybe he felt sorry for me because I was eating on my own, or whatever. I’m just glad he did, because he asked me to come today for a late lunch and he’ll take me out afterwards when his shift is finished,” he says with a wicked smile.
“Gee, you work fast! This must be a new record.”
He flicks his hair in an elegant fashion. “Well, I have to take advantage of where I am, right? So, are you feeling prepared for this morning?” Gabe usually attends initial consultations with me, but I wanted to give him a break and enjoy the morning. Evidently, he’s already made plans.
I take a sip of my coffee. “Yeah, mostly. I’ve finalised the run sheets. I need to finalise all her contacts, but I’ve already populated all the key ones she’s provided. The main thing I need to focus on is making sure the wedding cake comes in one piece, confirm the seating arrangements and final numbers.”
“It’s only a small wedding: sixty-five guests, eight tables total. Final numbers have all RSVP’d. So yeah, definitely put your focus on the cake,” he adds quickly.
I pull my head back, surprised at his calmness. Normally I’m the one that needs to reassure him everything will be okay, but here he is simplifying it all for me. I’m so glad I decided to work with him. For somebody who used to only attend parties and events, he’s really surprised me with how well he’s adapted to all this. I initially wanted his help because he was the only person I could trust as a second opinion to make the venues look beautiful but he’s become so much more than someone who replies to emails, calls contacts and gener
al administration. He’s my right arm and leg, and not just with weddings but in life.
I eat my muesli quickly. “I just want to make sure I’m prepared you know? And they’re paying us so much…” Triple my usual rate, to be exact. I know my specialty is speedy day-of-wedding coordination, but a small part of me is worried that the new surroundings will be hard to work with. But then a bigger part of me tells me I can do a brilliant job, because I go above and beyond for my clients, that’s why I get the glowing reviews that I do.
“Don’t worry, you got this. At the end of the day, she asked you not to be just her wedding planner but her friend. And you’ve got me, just say what needs to be done and I’ll get it fixed. I’m not just a pretty face you know.” He winks saucily at me.
“I’ll let you enjoy your hot date, but if anything urgent comes up, I’ll let you know.” I stand up, keen to get back to the hotel to finish off the work. “I’ll meet you after the consultation and we’ll take it from there.”
He perks up, looking happy at my suggestion. “Alright, enjoy. Just let me know if you need me to come by. In the meantime, I’m going to enjoy the pool and that view of the bartender’s rippling arms as well.”
“Anyways, I’m off. Ciao!” I wave and rush out of the lobby, leaving Gabe to relax by the pool. I really hope this all works out. My first international assignment better go according to plan.
♦
“Unbelievable, I’m rather chuffed. I can see why Amelia insisted on hiring you,” Kieran enthuses, his posh accent making the compliment sound even better.
I quietly breathe a sigh of relief. Me, Amelia, and Kieran are sitting under a shaded canopy in Caffè Fresco, in the middle of Ravello square, just a ten-minute walk from the hotel. I’ve just shown them all my run sheets on my laptop, and I also went through how I can run the rehearsal, set up the ceremony, and ensure the wedding party arrives on time. Just to reassure them I’ve also got a tailor made plan for how to deal with wedding crashers, unruly guests and the setup for collecting wedding gifts and setting up the wishing well.
“I mean, this is just a set plan with things the way they are. If anything changes, I will adjust it accordingly. The weather should be a perfect twenty-four degrees Celsius, so both of you shouldn’t be sweating too much underneath your clothes. But you’re getting married under the pergola anyway, so there’s no need to worry about rain. I’m the first point of contact for your caterers, musicians, and decorators so they know to call me for anything.” I turn to look at Amelia. “Do let me know if you aren’t happy with your makeup team. I can get Sasha, to come on late notice to make you look like a million bucks, not that you need any help. Gabe is excellent too. This will be a piece of cake, literally. I think this will be a spectacular wedding, I mean look at where we are!” I smile, happy with my closing words.
Amelia beams, holding onto Kieran’s arm tightly. “I’m so excited, honey! To think you wanted to use that rude, dull hag your auntie suggested. She scoffed at everything we asked for. Plus, Lacey is a lot more fun and pretty, that woman always smelt like potatoes.”
He presses his lips in amusement. “Sorry darling, I’m not accustomed to wedding related activities. I only plan to be married once.” He looks fondly at her, and I melt at the sight of them together. They are way too cute, it’s not fair!
I check the time on my laptop. 11:45am. We’ve gone way over time so I’m sure that any doubts they had about the wedding have been removed by now. I grab the papers on my desk and put them back in my orange bound folder, keen to wrap up the meeting.
“So, I’ll just re-work all the details based on the notes and suggestions you guys have given me. Is there anything else you need or want?” I ask, keeping my hands on the keyboard.
Amelia pauses for a moment. “Oh yes, my photographer.”
Matteo. The Italian photographer slash laidback hunk?
“What about him?”
“We’ve told him how we want to be photographed and all, but can you just make sure he’s aware of the run sheet and where he needs to be on the day at particular times?”
“Yeah sure, I can do that,” I clear my throat, typing her request down.
She raises an eyebrow at me. “I’m sure it won’t be the worst thing to do. He is rather scrumptious, isn’t he?”
Kieran scowls at her comment, “Watch it!”
She rolls her eyes and nudges him. “Calm down, don’t get your boxers in a twist. I’m already committing myself to you for the rest of my life, jeez.”
I giggle politely. Yes, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to be in contact with the scorching hot photographer with those jade green eyes that could melt the heart, or panties, of any red blooded woman. But at the end of the day I’m a professional and he’s just a cute guy, I’ve had my fair share of eye candy working in this industry. I’m not shallow, I can talk to attractive without melting into a messy heap.
But then again, I was always with Adam all those years.
Now I’m not.
♦
Slipping on my shoes, I grab the hotel’s pink yoga mat and jog lightly along the pavement. The view of the water just on my right is the stuff you see on postcards. I haven’t even run sixty feet when I start to feel short of breath. I’ve gotten lazy with my workout routine over the last few months. Adam stopped wanting to come to the gym with me and I lost interest going by myself. Now I’m feeling it. There’s no time like the present to get back into good habits. It’s my fourth day in Italy and all I’ve been doing is eating, sleeping, working and eating again. I need to exercise, and I forced myself to slot some time in today. Yesterday was really productive, I sent the hotel a copy of the final run sheet and they were more than happy with the arrangements. Now I just need to get onto finalising the final details with the cake, gifts and of course the photographer…
I make my way towards the private gardens surrounding the hotel as house music pumps through my ears, keeping my energy levels up. It’s hot and sunny at 5pm and even though I’m only in black leggings and tank top, I can feel the humidity as my high ponytail whips my back gently with every movement.
Turning around the corner at the end of the stairs, I run into the green surrounds and am greeted by an abundance of roses, daffodils and lilies. Frankly, I’m jealous that Amelia is getting married here because it’s breathtaking.
As I run, en route, towards the hotel lobby, I unclip my music player from my arm band to pick my next song when my yoga mat drops to the path. Dammit, just when I was on a roll with jogging uninterrupted. I stop for a moment, panting as my heart pumps wildly. I reach down to grab the yoga mat when someone grabs it for me.
“Scusi, is this yours?”
Then, I glance up and find myself locked in the bold emerald gaze of Matteo Di Lorenzi who’s standing right in front of me, staring at me with those wicked eyes.
What a view indeed.
CHAPTER FOUR
I’m short of breath, god I wish I was more fit.
“Lacey. Ciao!” His gaze is steadfast, full of confidence.
What the hell is he doing here looking all dreamy and dishevelled-in-a-sexy-way in his relaxed roll up top, jeans and loafers? And why am I makeup free, squinting back at him, soaked in sweat?
“Matteo!” I say way too enthusiastically, taking a deep breath. His eyes are burning with humour as he hands me the yoga mat and I take it with clammy hands. I can see he’s holding a large sketch book, and a pencil is lodged behind his left ear.
“What are you up to today?” I point at the notebook.
“I am drawing, the…the il panorama. How do you say, scenery?” He gestures towards the marble busts standing on the edge of the black railings, which overlooks an endless blue sky. It really looks out into the never ending sky. He’s artistic too? Wow…
“So, you’re an artist as well?”
A faint smile appears on his lips and he casts his eyes to the ground, embarrassed by my remark.
“No, just passione…hobby. I li
ke to look and draw things that are bellissimo…beautiful,” he murmurs as he keeps his gaze on me, those emerald eyes twinkling in the sun.
“That’s so cool!” I say, and I immediately cringe at how immature I sound. Is that all I’ve got?
“So you…like to run?” He makes a running gesture with his hands.
I nod. “Oh yes, it is very hot today!” I fan myself theatrically.
Matteo smiles and points towards the garden, with a nice covering of shade. “Come sit with me.”
He barely knows me, and he’s so welcoming and friendly. I suppose I could use the cool down and he seems like a nice guy, I would be a terrible tourist if I didn’t become acquainted with a local.
I follow him compliantly, and he ushers me back to the spot he has reserved, his brown satchel sitting by the stump. It’s good timing that I bumped into him now, because I can talk to him about the run sheet, as per Amelia’s request. I sit down cross-legged while he sits up against the tree, looking unintentionally suave with one leg raised up. With the terrace just in the near distance, I can see why he chose to sit here. It’s inspiring, definitely worthy of a sketch.
“So it’s a good thing I bumped into you. I was going to contact you anyway,” I start off, my voice confident and assertive. Even if I have to be sweaty, panting and makeup free right now.
He frowns, leaning in closer to me until his face is just inches from mine. “You were going to contact me? Why is that?”
“I was going to call you to talk to you about the wedding,” I say trying to smooth back my hair, which I’m sure is sticking out in all directions.
He smiles, studying my face a bit longer before pulling away and putting his notebook down on the grass to listen to me.
“What about it?” he murmurs, looking amused. He really smiles with his eyes, there’s so much light and joy in them.