Chapter Twenty-Two

Bianca

Allie, Maria, and I arrived at the same time, while Perla carpooled with Frankie, and Dad had gotten here earlier to ensure everything was going according to plan. As soon as we walked in, Allie squeezed my arm while Maria excused herself to start making her rounds. It was about fifteen minutes before the runway show would start and I was anxious to see the designs.

I had seen the sketches and had sat in on the meeting when the looks had been finalized, but that was nothing. Now it was all coming to life right before my eyes. Seriously, once a model wore the design and strutted down the runway in it, things got real. At least that was how I felt about the whole thing. But maybe that was my way in downplaying the sketching step since I was secretly compiling an entire portfolio of designs.

“I can’t believe Grace and Lara are missing this,” Allie whispered in my ear, which was currently tuned in to the sopranos singing operatic music.

Dad had hired them because he’d said it added to the ambiance. Everything we did in the fashion world was a production, and this event was no different. It was, quite possibly, one of the most important productions we’d put on all year.

Not to toot our own horns, but everyone—and I mean everyone—remembered it and talked about it for a long time afterward.

Turning my thoughts to our sustainability and jewelry editors, I looked at Allie and shrugged. “Dad put them on a flight to Paris. It made him feel better knowing they would be there early and I don’t blame him.” Don’t feel bad for them; it happened every year. Two or three people were pulled, it was like a lottery. But they were going to Paris—early. That only meant one thing, playtime in the City of Light.

She ran her hands down the sides of her long-sleeve white sequin dress and smiled. “Well, they’re missing out because this”—we both looked around—“is our best one yet, hands down. Mom would be proud of Dad for basically doing this all by himself.”

I felt myself getting emotional over the mention of Mom and forced the tears to stay in. Tonight was supposed to be a happy time, no tears allowed. “Maria definitely contributed,” I said, knowing the effort she put into the line with Paolo.

Allie plucked a glass of champagne from a passing tray, took a sip and angled it to me. “I know, but I wonder why this one was so important to Dad. Do you think he’s thinking of pulling back one of these days?”

Tilting my head, I wondered what she was getting at. “I’m not sure I like what you’re suggesting. He’s not old.”

Taking another sip, she waved her hand in front of her face. “No, I didn’t mean that. I don’t know, I was just thinking aloud.”

Just then Maria, Perla, and Frankie walked up.

“Did I hear you say you were thinking?” Perla teased. “That’s never a good thing.”

Allie rolled her eyes. “Har. Har. Forget it.”

“Yes, let’s,” I agreed, my gaze scanning the room for our father. Instead, though, I found Knox strolling in. He looked positively delicious in a red designer suit.

When his eyes met mine, I looked down to check my dress—not just any dress either—a Paolo Gicchio original. He’d pulled it from the archives just for me—a nude dress with a sheer bodice and flared skirt. And I’d paired it with towering black heels. “You’re blushing. Did you just spot your boyfriend?” Perla whispered in my ear, scaring me. My heart raced since I’d been in my head.

I gave her a look that said you’re such a know-it-all and replied, “I don’t see Dad, so I was thinking about going over there. Big deal.”

Allie coughed. “That’s a horrible idea. Now’s not the time to go flaunting whatever it is that’s going on between you two.”

I looked at Knox, who was across the room now, taking a glass of champagne from a passing tray. “Dad knows we’re friends.”

Perla chuckled, clearly not buying what I was saying. “Telling that to Dad is one thing, but he wasn’t a fool years ago and he’s not going to be one now. He’ll see right through that. You two are pretty obvious.”

“Yeah, sparks practically fly when you’re together,” Allie put in. “Plus, Knox is a lot more man than I remember him being.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

Frankie kept quiet.

Maria finally said, “Well, I, for one, think you should go for it. So what if Dad thinks it’s a bad idea.”

I quirked a brow, letting go of my earlier question. “What the heck is wrong with you?” Please don’t tell me this was the one night Maria decided to indulge and have a little too much to drink.

She waved a hand in front of her face. “Nothing. It’s a long story. I’m just sick of the men in our lives thinking they know what’s best for us.”

“And when you say men in our lives, you’re talking about yourself. So, Dad and Dom?” Perla asked.

“I’m a grown woman with a daughter. If I want to have drinks with a guy, then that’s my choice. Dom can be so—” she cut herself off, shaking her head. “Never mind. This is about you, Bibi. So go over there and be with the man you want to be with.”

Confused now more than ever, I shook my head but zeroed in on the most important thing she’d said—“Maria’s right. I don’t care. I’m going over there.”

Crossing the room, I took each step in stride, my whole focus on Knox. If I could’ve willed him to look up at me, I would’ve, but his back was to me since he just finished talking with a man.

With so many people milling about, talking, drinking, and enjoying the music as they waited to take their seats for the show to start, I looked for Dad again, but still didn’t see him.

The coast is clear.

Reaching Knox, I walked up behind him and snaked my arms around his waist. He immediately held my arms and turned around. His eyes were narrowed as he warned, “Bianca, we have to be careful.”

“My dad is nowhere in sight,” I assured him. And this gave me an opportunity to have a few minutes alone with him, something I really wanted. Especially if it meant smelling that earthy and woodsy scent that was uniquely Knox.

He grinned and placed a hand on my hip. “Good, then I can revel in your beauty all I want.” His eyes gazed over my body appreciatively. “You really do look beautiful, Bianca.”

My cheeks heated and I looked up, meeting his gaze. “You look quite handsome yourself,” I said, fingering his lapels. “This dark red is a great color on you.”

His eyes were diverted, so I followed his gaze to find a hand waving wildly. It was Allie, trying to get my attention. When I spotted her, she tilted her head in the direction of our father in a corner talking to Paolo.

As if we’d read each other’s minds, we dropped our hands in unison, and Knox cleared his throat. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he said, “So this is quite the turnout. Everything looks great.”

I chuckled. “My dad would love to hear that. You might just get in his good graces if you tell him what a good job he’s done.”

“Something tells me your father isn’t one to care about the opinions of others.”

“True,” I said, casually taking a step back and looking over to spot Dad again. “Maria worked really hard on this collaboration, too, so I’m happy we got so many influencers and press to come so they can feature it.”

Knox swallowed and looked around nervously, but played along, saying, “The more publicity, the better. I’ll be sure someone from the editorial team features it on the blog.”

“Knox, you don’t have to do that.” I’d been in this industry long enough to know that unless you were paying or getting preferential treatment for some reason or another, you were relegated to roundups. And if your designs didn’t fit the bill, then they were out. It was just the way it worked.

“Listen, I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m sure you’ll be doing us a favor. The designs will be pretty and our viewers like to see pretty stuff.”

That was one way of putting it.

Changing the subject, I pointed out, “You know, I never got to take you to that place I love for lunch.”

“Next time,” he said.

“Next time? Are you saying that we’re going to make a habit of spending time together during these fashion weeks?” All these years in this industry and he’d obviously steered clear of me, my family, and this party, but that seemed to be changing; I was glad it was.

“Might as well,” he said casually. But I swatted his arm and my jaw dropped slightly. He thought he was so funny. He winked as he added more seriously, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I felt the same way. “Me neither. So during Men’s Spring/Summer fashion week here, I’ll take you,” I said, smiling.

Meanwhile, we apparently had company in the form of my father, one Angelo Morelli. Interrupting, he asked, “Where are you taking your friend ?”

“To a place I always try to go to for lunch when I’m here,” I answered innocently, decidedly going with honesty. It was the best policy, according to everyone, right?

Clasping his hands around mine, he leaned over and kissed my cheek. “That’s nice of you, baby girl. You look beautiful tonight, by the way. Knox,” he said, turning to face him finally, “good to see you again. I take it you’re here on business?”

I looked over at Knox. Seeing him and my dad in such close proximity made my heart pounce a little in my chest. But Knox was ever the professional, just like Daddy. All business.

“I am,” Knox agreed and smiled. “I hear you are responsible for most of this tonight,” he said, gesturing wide. “You did a great job.”

My father adjusted his jacket, then turned his attention to one of his rings, fussing with it as he winked at Knox. Yes, an actual wink just happened!

“Wait and see what’s in store for the rest of the evening,” Dad said, his voice full of pride. “I’ll look forward to your blog’s coverage of the event. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he said, planting one more kiss on my cheek before walking away to greet other guests. He was taking a page right out of Mom’s book, that was for sure.

With him gone and out of earshot, I turned to Knox and let my eyes widen. “I’m sorry, but did that just happen?” I asked incredulously.

Pulling his hands from his pockets, he looked around and then back at me. “I think it did.”

“That wasn’t so bad.”

Angling his head, he looked at me like I was from another planet.

“What?” I didn’t understand what his look was for.

“Bianca, what did you expect? Him to make a spectacle at his own party? Your father would never be so unprofessional.”

I shook my head, my updo feeling heavy atop it. “No, you’re wrong. Maybe it’s not as bad as we think.” Was it so wrong of me to want to see the best in my father, to believe the best in him? Maybe it was wishful thinking, but I was going with it.

But Knox, however, wasn’t. He shook his head. “Sorry, I don’t agree. I don’t think anything can change here. Listen, you should go mix and mingle. I’m sure you have work to do, I don’t want to occupy your time all night.”

What just happened? Before Dad came over everything was fine, we were fine. But I could see Knox retreating, the wheels in his head turning as he slipped farther away from me and the present.

“Knox,” I pleaded. When he diverted his attention, I tried again, “Hey, look at me.”

He did, but not before taking another sip of champagne from a new glass he accepted from a server. Clearly he didn’t share in my optimism, but I knew my dad wanted what was best for me, and Knox was what was best for me. He’d see that. He’d come around. While Knox didn’t believe that, I believed it enough for the both of us.

“We’re going to figure this out, right? It’s complicated, but aren’t the best things in life a challenge?” I didn’t know what else to say. We were friends because we hadn’t crossed that line yet. We hadn’t even kissed. But I wanted to. I wanted to do so much more with him, in fact. Although, there was the little problem of Rina. She wasn’t going away; Allie was right about that one. So we both had our demons that were getting in the way. It wouldn’t be like that forever, though. I just knew it. Rina was Knox’s past, and my dad was just protective of me. They wouldn’t be problems that stood in our way for long. I wasn’t being na?ve. Right?

He cleared his throat and nudged his head toward groups of people. “Yeah,” he said vaguely before noting, “everyone’s starting to take their seats.”

I looked around and noticed the same thing. “But we’re okay?” I didn’t want to walk away from Knox when we weren’t in a good place. I wished I could grab him by his arms and shake him. I wanted him to see things the way I saw them. Because the way I saw it—it was me and him at the end. It had to be.

My greatest fear—losing the people I cared about—came rushing in and hit me square in the chest. It was so hard and fast that I thought I might fall over. No! I fought back, refusing to let my fear consume me. I’d gotten this far ignoring that pesky fear and I wasn’t going to let it ruin this for me now. Knox would never leave me. I wouldn’t lose him.

“We’re okay,” he assured me. His smile was weak, but I’d take it. If there was one thing I knew without a shadow of a doubt it was that Knox would never intentionally hurt me—or anyone for that matter.

So maybe we weren’t peachy right now, but we would be.

* * *

Knox

I raked a hand through my hair as I watched Bianca walk away.

I wished things were more normal for us. I wanted to be able to sit next to her and not worry about Angelo looking at us or wondering, maybe even getting the wrong idea.

Frankly, he would have been getting the right idea by getting the wrong idea. Oh, whatever, you knew what I was saying. And if you didn’t—I wanted to be with Bianca, end of story. I wanted to be able to hold her hand and kiss her and tell her she took my breath away without fearing the almighty Angelo Morelli might hear.

I was always taught that it was difficult to change someone’s opinion of you once it was formed. Frankly, that was an understatement. It was one of the hardest things in the world, if you asked me.

No matter how much time passed, he still didn’t trust me, and he didn’t want me anywhere near his daughter.

It didn’t matter that I’d made a name for myself. That I had a good, solid job and was earning a nice income or had a decent place in the most expensive city in the States. No, I’d forever be the poor, punk kid who’d accepted his help.

Maybe Bianca hadn’t seen it, but I could tell his blood was practically boiling seeing us together. Especially when he made that snide friend remark.

But Bianca’s dad meant a lot to her, obviously, and I knew family meant everything to her. I would never get in the middle of that. I’d rather walk away from her again than make her choose between me and her father.

I cared about Bianca too much. I wanted her to be happy, whether that was with me or not.

* * *

Bianca

I peered back in my seat as I watched Knox take his a few rows behind us, off to the side. Geez, I hated this. I hated that things had to be this way.

And the more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I was a daddy’s girl—no need to say it, I already knew. So I wanted to make him happy, but in the meantime he was making me unhappy.

Of course, silly thoughts started flooding my head next.

Like what would happen if I did go against what he wanted and I was wrong and he never came around to Knox, but we dated, got engaged and inevitably married?

He wouldn’t walk me down the aisle or give my hand to Knox. Would he even bless the union?

Would he make me feel bad for getting married at the church he and Mom married in? Because that was something I’d always wanted, but it would mean less if he wouldn’t walk me down the aisle.

And what about holidays? Would Knox be able to come over? Would I?

How uncomfortable would he make it? He’d create a divide all because of this ridiculous disdain he had for Knox, and eventually the Morelli family wouldn’t be the same. We wouldn’t be the same.

Everything would change.

And some change was good, but this, not so much.

“What’s got you so perplexed?” Allie asked, placing a hand on my shoulder to get my attention.

I turned around in my seat and cleared my throat, focusing on the stage now. “Nothing,” I lied. “Just forget it.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her turn toward the stage, too. Only she wasn’t letting it go because she still said, “You know, you don’t have to do what Dad says. He doesn’t always know what’s best for us, even though he likes to think he does.” She paused before adding, “Plus, even if you upset him, you know you’ll still be his little girl. He’s always had a soft spot for you.”

I looked over at her with tears in my eyes. I so did not want to get emotional. This was neither the time nor the place, but I couldn’t help it. That was another big fear of mine; I didn’t want to lose my dad. I couldn’t. I already lost my mom and losing him might just break me altogether.

But I also didn’t want to lose Knox. Not again.

Ugh, why couldn’t my biggest fear be something else—anything else in the entire world—but loss? I was pathetic, that was what I was. But I couldn’t change how I felt and every time the topic of loss came up, I broke down.

“What would you do if you were me?” I asked, knowing she’d answer honestly. My sisters and I never candy-coated things with one another. We said it like it was and I loved that about us.

She gave up trying to look ahead at the stage and looked me in the eyes instead. “I’d take it one step at a time. See where things can go with Knox before you get ahead of yourself and tell Dad anything. You’re going to be in Paris for a week. What Dad doesn’t know won’t hurt him. If there’s something to report when you get back, tell him. Until then, you and Knox owe this to yourselves.”

I swallowed, shaking off this feeling of gloom. “You’re right,” I decided, feeling good about things again. “That’s what I’m going to do. That’s what we’re going to do,” I corrected, including Knox in it. “The best thing for the both of us right now is to forget about the extenuating circumstances.”

“In other words, Dad and Rina,” Allie stated the obvious.

“Exactly. In Paris, they don’t exist.”

Unfortunately, though, in Milan they did. Maria took the seat next to me, tapping my arm. I followed her finger with my eyes as she pointed to the door. “Look who’s here.”

I sat up taller, trying not to let Rina get to me. If we were going to treat her like a bad rash, then I was going to ignore her, because the more attention you gave it, the itchier it got, right?

“It looks like she brought someone,” Allie whispered, noting the tall, dark and handsome man whose arm she was on.

“He looks Italian,” Maria told us.

Italian or not, that man was nothing more than a pretty face. Not literally, I couldn’t attest to that. Maybe he was smart, too, I had no idea, but I knew this: none of that other stuff was why Rina had brought him here. No, Mr. Italian Cover Shoot Model had one job, and it wasn’t to give Rina the best orgasm of her life, that much I could tell you. Although, he might have been doing that, too, but that was neither here nor there. “She’s playing a game. That’s all this is.”

“What do you mean?” Allie asked.

I smacked my lips together, unbelieving Rina would be so childish. “It’s the oldest trick in the book. Make the boy you want jealous by having another one on your arm.”

Maria turned her head to me fully now. “What books are you reading?”

Allie and I both laughed.

I wished Rina had finally woken up and realized that Knox deserved to be given a chance at a future with a woman who didn’t stomp all over his heart and then vacuum up the mess. But that didn’t seem to be happening any time soon.

* * *

Rina

I scanned the room as soon as I entered and noticed that Bianca and Knox were not, in fact, sitting next to one another.

Oooh, maybe there was trouble in paradise.

I’d known those two wouldn’t become anything. Not anything serious anyway.

Hello, Knox and I had history. Sure, I’d broken up with him, but ever heard of water under the bridge? Knox didn’t believe in making people pay for their past sins. He’d always believed everyone got theirs in due time without him having to lift a finger. He was such a good guy, wasn’t he? Anyway, that was why I knew that Knox was going to look past all of that. We could be a couple again and that stupid hiccup of me breaking up with him would be nothing more than a minor blip on the road to our epic love.

And with our social statuses (well, mine at least), media everywhere would be clamoring at the chance for an exclusive of our wedding. I could see it in the headlines now. I’d wear one of my own creations and it would be a two-in-one gown. No, scratch that—a three-in-one. If anyone could pull it off, I could. Everyone would be staring at me as I walked down the aisle, looking like a radiant bride. And Knox would be crying, of course, because of my astonishing beauty that took his breath away.

“I’m going to go find us seats,” Anthony whispered in my ear, causing a little shiver to run up my spine in delight at his lips being so close to me. His Italian accent was thick and if I wasn’t vying for Knox’s heart, let’s just say I would’ve been all over Anthony.

But focus brain! I was vying for Knox’s heart and a different Italian was really getting on my last nerve trying to steal my man. I mean, I’d found him first. He was born and bred in Minnesota. I plucked him from the rat hole that place was and had basically delivered him on a silver platter to Bianca. That rich, high-class woman wouldn’t have ever met Knox if it weren’t for me. God knew she was never going to Minnesota such that she would have met him. So, you’re quite welcome, Bianca Morelli, for introducing you to the greatest man you’ll ever meet.

I looked over at Anthony and winked. “Make sure they’re good ones, ‘kay?”

He nodded and walked in one direction while I went in the other to see who I was here for in the first place—Knox.

* * *

Knox

Before the show started, I contemplated shooting a text to Bianca, but then thought better of it. Everything I’d started typing sounded lame. So I put my phone back in my jacket pocket and looked ahead, waiting for the show to begin.

“Knox.” The purring sound that followed my name meant only one thing. I turned around and got confirmation that Rina was here. Because I was sitting in the last seat of the row, she stood next to me, smiling. Really smiling. Not in a phony way like I’d seen from her recently.

Rina had worked her ass off to get here, I knew she had. And, in this moment, staring at her, I was able to understand her just a little better. Everything that passed between us had led her to this moment and I was proud of her for doing what she felt was right, even if it was totally unnecessary.

While one hand clutched her purse, the other ran down her side as though making sure I took in her whole outfit.

My eyes finally met hers and she batted her lashes, releasing her hand on her side and grabbing my arm, giving it a squeeze. “Are you surprised to see me?”

That was one way to put it. Although, I didn’t know why I was surprised. There were plenty of designers here. Given Rina’s eagerness to become a big name designer, I wasn’t shocked she’d scored herself an invite to this event.

“I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I would’ve arrived sooner had I known you were going to be all alone, but my date was a little tardy.” So she had a date and wanted me to know—got it. While we were informing people of things—I was happy for Rina that she seemed to have moved on from her mission to get me back. “Shame on Bianca for relegating you to the back like this. Why aren’t you up there sitting with her or at least closer to her?” And now she was trying to stir up trouble. Or fish. I wasn’t sure which.

I refrained from rolling my eyes but exhaled just the same. “There’s nothing going on between Bianca and me. And even if there was, her father would have choice words about the whole thing.”

Now, don’t ask me what that was all about. Truthfully, I had no idea why I’d told her, but it felt good to get it off my chest and say it aloud to a third party. Yeah, that was my life currently—a heaping mess.

She touched my bicep and frowned. This couldn’t be her flirting with me, right? Not but five seconds ago she’d all but told me she was seeing someone. “Does Angelo not approve?” she asked in a mocking tone.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to get into the thick of it with Rina. Plus, we didn’t have that much time. Shouldn’t this show be starting sometime this year? I answered, “Let’s just say he doesn’t like me.”

Her mouth opened, and she started to say, “I’m not surprised,” but was distracted before she could finish her thought and I was left wondering what she was getting at.

A man who I assumed was her date came up and placed a hand on the small of her back. “Rina, there you are. I found us some good seats,” he said, his words laced with a thick Italian accent.

Rina gave him side-eye as though annoyed he’d interrupted us, but I was suddenly much more interested in who this guy was. Based on the accent, she’d clearly met him here. He had to be no taller than six feet, if that, with darker hair and eyes.

She held her head high and pursed her lips. “Thank you,” she addressed him about the seats before turning back to me. Her eyes looking straight into mine, she explained, “Anthony is an old friend, you have nothing to be jealous about. Had I known things weren’t so good with Bianca, I never would’ve brought him.”

I cocked a brow, processing her words. An old friend? So they weren’t dating? “It’s okay, Rina. Really,” I said, decidedly putting her mind at ease while mine was spinning.

She shook her head, though, determined to make me understand. “You’re supposed to be jealous.”

Wait, what? Why?

And I’d thought my mind was spinning before.

In what world did she think this was a good idea?

And to say it right in front of the guy?

There wasn’t an opportunity for me to respond to her, though, because suddenly the music stopped and the lights dimmed.

The show was about to start. I had never been more thankful. Seriously this Thanksgiving, this was what I’d be most thankful for—the runway show starting so I no longer had to speak to Rina or her “old friend” Anthony. Honestly, from the way he breathed in her ear and looked at her, he either wanted to get in her pants or already had. Either way, I didn’t want any part in Rina’s games.

I cleared my throat and gave Anthony a curt nod before looking back to Rina. “We should go,” he said, moving her along quietly.

If Bianca was a handful, then Rina was a goddamn fistful. Good luck to Anthony. By the end of the night he was going to need a stiff drink.

Meanwhile, I just kept replaying that line about me being jealous. What had she been thinking pulling that garbage?

See, this was the thing with Rina. She was acting like someone she wasn’t.

I knew she’d changed, but bringing a man here to make me jealous? Sorry, I couldn’t stop thinking about it—I hadn’t seen that one coming.