Page 19 of The Boss

“Hell no, I put in fancy highlighted extensions plus more underneath for length and volume to take my thick hair from glam to…well, uh…” We both turn and look at my thick black hair, now highlighted dark brown in places, styled in massive beachy waves. It’s huge, over powering me and even the bright red dress.

“Not glam,” Ellie finishes, snickering.

“Right.”

“Red? Didn’t want to go with white, really play up your prized virgin card?”

I smile, and whisper dramatically, “When you see the room, then you’ll understand.” I give her a sheepish wink as I reach behind her and pull a huge red hibiscus flower out of a shallow vase where the florist left it. It has a hair clip already attached to the stem. I secure it behind my ear and then turn to my best friend. “Aloha, Ellie.”

“What?”

Instead of explaining, I just take her hand and pull her through the hall, down the side of the lobby and through the ballroomdoors. There’s already tropical music playing and a wealth of floral scents and spices from the foods. It’s like we walked into a whole new world.

Ellie can barely whisper through her shock, “Luna!”

“Isn’t it disgusting?”

“How…is that a waterfall? And—ah!” We both cry out as a bird takes off from one of the palm trees flanking the entrance and flies off across the space. She turns to me, mouth agape and eyes wide, and juts out her chin, demanding an explanation. I just shrug. “Lu, I knew you could be diabolical but this…this is so absurd he might not even come into the room! I wish I could take some pictures for Mia.”

I huff, “I know. No phones allowed just so there are no photos, isn’t that ridiculous?”

“Yes, and does that mean you won’t have wedding photos?”

“First, I hid a phone in my bra, obviously. But also, he’s allowing for film photography that his team develops. No digital copies whatsoever. So extreme.”

“Beyond extreme. I mean all mafia men are secretive but zero photos of him anywhere? What’s he hiding?”

“Exactly. That’s one of many questions that I have, Eleanna dearest, questions I have and answers Iwillget if I have to actually marry him.”

“I was doubtful about your plan but this, you,” She grimaces around us at the tackfabulousness of the room and my whole persona. “This might do it.”

I laugh, “You haven’t even seen the best part yet.”

“Oh no…”

“Just wait. I have to go check in with the planner and the kitchen one more time.” She nods and I point to the side. “You’re at the second table, of course, but you still need to go find your table number over there on that wall. They’re on miniature surf boards.”

“They are not.”

“Oh yeah, baby. And there’s sand under your table so be sure and take your shoes off! Sink your toes in!” She grimaces and I laugh again. I see a few guests, elderly members ofmia famigliaat the doors and I get moving. It’s almost showtime.

•••••

Luna: I know you snuck in a phone. Tell your wife Bathroom again! ASAP!

Snake Mark White: On her way.

Ellie breezes in a few minutes later, worried. “Everything okay?”

“Uh, no,dove si trova?Where the hell is he?” I turn to face her from the bench in the corner of the restroom where I’ve spread out all my stuff.

“What is THAT?” She points under my arm.

I beam with glee and put my new whiny voice into action, “This is the love of my life, of course, whom I’ve told you about many times. Remember, Ellie? I take him with me everywhere.” I pull the red leather purse, that matches my dress exactly and is also adorned in gold hardware, away from my body so she can get a good look at him.

“I thought you were allergic.” She approaches carefully like he’s a feral beast.

“Relax, he’s just a long haired Chihuahua.”