Chapter 12
Lacey
How the hell did I fall asleep so early? I looked around to find Matteo still asleep. Wait, why was I in his bed? I had no recollection of falling asleep in the bed. What the heck did I sleep through last night?
Usually, he was the first one up, moving around loud, like banging pots and pans together. I did the right thing and got up quietly, trying not to wake him while going to take a shower. When I came out, I found Matteo sitting up watching TV. He told me good morning, and I reciprocated.
I would say last night went well. It seemed his family really believed this big lie. Matteo did a way better job last night at selling it. He made sure to hold my hand a lot and look at me from across the room. I think he even winked at me a couple times.
“So, what was the verdict after I left last night?” I asked curiously. Who knew? Things could have gone downhill once I left.
He put a couple more pillows behind him. “Well, it’s official, my parents love you. My dad even mentioned marriage. That’s a big deal. We received a gold star for our acting skills.” Matteo’s eyes were glued to the television. He seemed nonchalant about it, which was good.
I didn’t mention the conversation with his mom. That would be weird. Hell, only three days left, and then I got my $10,000. I could do this. “Well, I’m off to meet your sister. She wanted me to tag along for last-minute wedding stuff. See ya later.”
Downstairs, I met up with Abigail who looked like a wreck.
Her hair, which usually looked perfectly curled, was in a frizzy mess, and she had on a wrinkled shirt.
“Is everything okay? It looks like you didn’t get any sleep.”
She rolled her eyes and looked at me like I said something out of line. “No, everything is not okay. My dress was supposed to be here two days ago for a final fitting. It just got here this morning. We need to go there first.”
Wow, she was stressed. I thought about maybe spiking her water with vodka, just to get her to loosen up a bit. Just kidding. Really though, she needed to calm down. This wasn’t going to be a good day if she was in a bad mood.
“Well, I’m sure things will be okay, Abigail. Try not to stress.”
She nodded, blinking back tears. I felt sorry for her in the moment because she looked miserable.
We made it to the bridal salon, and Lorraine was waiting for us. “Hi, honey. I called you as soon as I got the message. They are ready for you.”
Abigail took a deep breath. The only bad thing about her dress arriving late was if it needed any more alterations, it might not be done in time for the wedding. I hoped it fit. Lorraine and I waited outside the room, hoping we didn’t hear screams from inside. The door opened and out walked Abigail in one of the most stunning wedding gowns I’d ever seen. It was lace with crystals around the waist and sides. The sweetheart neckline and trumpet style really accented her figure. I was glad to say it fit like a glove. There was a huge smile on her face, so I could tell she was happy with the results, which in turn made us happy too.
“What do you think, Lacey? This is the first time you have seen it,” she asked me.
I was honored to know she even cared what I thought. She had only known me for four days but asking my opinion on her dress for one of the biggest days of her life, I felt honored. “I think it’s absolutely stunning. Fits you perfectly. You look like a true bride.”
She laughed. “One day, it will be you up here showing off your wedding dress to us.”
I nervously chuckled because I knew that was never going to happen. “Yeah, maybe. You never know.”
Abigail and I walked out of the store, and she went back to the previous conversation. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pressure you about the whole marriage thing. I just know I’ve never seen my brother this happy, not even with Kelsey. Sorry.”
She didn’t need to be sorry for speaking her mind. I just felt bad because, after the wedding, she would never see me again. It made me sad because I felt like I’d really bonded with her in a sisterly way. I wished I had a sister when growing up. Many things would have been easier with someone close to my age to talk to.