“Stefano doesn’t know me. He only sees the side I want him to see.”
“I hope I get to know you, the real you.”
“Don’t stick a gun in my face, or try to blow me up, and maybe you will.” I chuckled, curious to see if he’d react to the bombing comment.
That was still a mystery to me. Who had, and why had that bomb been placed there? Could it have been Stefano or perhaps Greta Capri?
I shook the thoughts away as I leaned over to check the time on his watch. “I need to go. Apparently, I have to dress up and meet a lot of people.”
I gave him a wave as he laughed and headed inside to get ready. I caught my smile on the way upstairs in one of the pictures hanging on the wall. I rather liked this newfound confidence. I could get used to this new me.
* * *
I took in a long, slow breath once I managed to squeeze into the dress I’d found on the bed. The one I had chosen had been placed back in my closet. According to the maid, Nonna had insisted I needed to wear a more lavish dress this evening. I had to admit it was stunning.
The gown was black, but underneath a shimmer of gold could be seen through strategically placed slits when I moved. Hardly what I expected here, especially at a party where I was to meet a lot of people. I stopped my train of thought as Ugo came into the room looking dressed to impress.
“Nice to finally see you again.”
“Yeah, Sienna, we need to talk.” He quickly glanced back outside the door.
“Look, I’m not complaining.” I dismissed his demeanor and turned to look over my shoulder in the mirror, holding a shade of lipstick up to my lips. The back of the dress was open all the way down to my tailbone. My whole back was exposed. I was surprised Nonna would pick such a revealing dress for this event. I stood, considering her choice of clothing. Lord, the way she dressed made a nun seem risqué. “Who doesn’t love dressing up in a beautiful gown, but all thisjustto introduce me into the family?”
“No.” His tone dropped. “Sienna, there’s a lot more to it than that—”
“My, my.” Nonna Rosa made us both jump as she nodded approvingly from the doorway, “Don’t you look lovely.” She was in a red and black dress which, as I predicted, was very modest, unlike mine.
For someone who usually used a noisy cane, she sure moved without sound when she wanted to.
“Thank you.”
“Time to go.” She quickly shifted her gaze to Ugo almost as if warning him of something. “We don’t want them thinking the guest of honor is running late.” She motioned at me, and I slowly followed her out.
“Remember,” Ugo whispered as we reached the top of the stairs. I turned to look up at him. He shook his head like he wanted to say something but didn’t. “You are a Coppola. This is the moment to make your mark. Stand tall, and dazzle them with your wit, charm, and smile.”
“Did you just say dazzle?” I smirked, and he scowled at me. “Trust me, Ugo, this is where I plan to shine.”
I started down the stairs after Nonna Rosa and suddenly felt my stomach bottom out as I saw the sea of people staring up at me.
Here we go.
Nonna Rosa stepped down and waited for the crowd to simmer to a low buzz before she introduced me, using my birth name, and I fought my sigh that wanted to huff out. The crowd greeted me with a cheer and smiles for as far as I could see.
I gathered my dress in my hands, hoped to God I didn’t fall, and dug my heels into the thin carpet.
Ugo disappeared again, and I was met by a handsome young man with a killer smile.
“Welcome to the party, Alessia.” He offered me a hand to help me down the last two stairs. “I’m Leonardo.”
“Please call me Sienna. Lovely to meet you, Leonardo.”
“Trust me, the pleasure is all mine.” He reached back and snagged a glass of bubbly from a waiter’s tray. “Something tells me you will need this to get through the evening.”
“Are you trying to win brownie points with me?” I sipped the refreshing prosecco orange and soda water brew.
“Well, I don’t know. Did I earn any?”
“Oh, yes.” I shot him a wink, knowing all eyes were on me.