Chapter 47
Theadora
LucyandIwandered through the serpentine streets. There were so many pretty boutiques that I needn’t have worried about finding a dress.
“Tell me about you and Matt,” I said.
Her face lit up. “Matty’s gorgeous. Don’t you think?”
I nodded. “He’s a lovely man.”
“Oh, look at us.” She linked her arm in mine. “And now a wedding today.”
I glanced down at my watch. “We better hurry. I need to decide.”
“I think that white silk dress with red roses. It’s so beautiful.”
I had to agree. “It’s a little low-cut, though.”
“Yeah. Great. Very appropriate. This is Sophia Loren country after all.”
“She’s from Naples,” I said.
“Which isn’t very far away.”
I laughed at Lucy’s obsession with the Hollywood classics.
I settled for the fitted, knee-length silk dress with a flattering, cross-over bodice. I found a pair of red strappy heels that set it off perfectly and a red rose for my hair.
We shopped for Lucy, after I insisted on paying for a dress. She looked beautiful in green with her hazel eyes, which were wide and pretty. There was something about being in love. It made one prettier, I’d quickly discovered.
“I’ve never owned anything this expensive before,” she said, whirling around in front of the mirror as we got ready for the big event.
I applied red lipstick and pinned the rose behind my ear. I wore my hair loose. One side tucked behind my ear, where the diamond earrings that Declan had gifted me glistened in the afternoon sunlight.
After being satisfied with how we looked, we made our way to the domed cathedral.
I had to watch my step and not get my heel caught in the cracks of the cobbled laneway. I held onto Lucy’s arm, and a couple of waiters whistled as we walked past.
“How thrilling,” she said. “And they’re all so fucking hot around here.”
I laughed. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
She stopped walking and hugged me. “Me too. It’s been the best time of my life. And Matt really likes me, I think.”
Her face showed that same sign of insecurity I recognised in myself. I smiled sadly. “He’s crazy about you.”
“Has Declan said something?” Her eyes lit up with need.
“He just said that Matt looked the happiest he’d seen him.”
Lucy’s mouth opened wide as a big smile formed. “Oh, that’s nice.”
“Come on. We better get there. These shoes are so uncomfortable.”
“They look great, and you look beautiful,” Lucy said, her lips trembling slightly, making my eyes moisten.
“Don’t you make me cry.”