Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
I let out a chuckle. “Thank you, but it’s a little early for that.”
“Coffee, tea, or perhaps a glass of juice?”
My smile widens as I say, “Coffee would be really nice.”
“Make that two,” Tiny mutters.
I glance at all the beautiful clothes on display as I take a seat.
A man comes to sit across from me, and giving me a friendly smile, he says, “Hi, I’m Ian, a sales associate at Oscar de la Renta. We’re so happy to be of service to you today. Mr. Rizzo said we’re redoing your entire wardrobe. He gave us a quick rundown of what he prefers for you to wear, and I’ve pre-selected items based on his requests.”
Holy crap.
I feel overwhelmingly flattered that Angelo went through so much trouble for me. It’s so considerate of him.
My heart squeezes with a foreign emotion.
“First, I’ll take your measurements, to ensure the clothes fit perfectly.”
“Okay.”
Tiny takes my handbag from me and gives me a toothy grin as if he’s enjoying this as much as me.
I’m asked to stand, and it only takes Ian a minute or so to take all my measurements, then he smiles over my head at someone. “Ah, here’s the coffee. Thank you, Susan.” His gaze returns to my face. “Have a seat and enjoy the beverage while we show you the selected items.”
I sit down beside Tiny, who’s still grinning from ear to ear. Leaning closer, I whisper, “It looks like you’re enjoying this.”
His head tilts closer. “I just like seeing you happy.”
His comment catches me by surprise, and for the first time since I laid eyes on the mountain of a man, I feel safe in his presence.
While I sip on my coffee, two women bring multiple items, and my eyes feast on the three-quarter pants boasting a flower pattern. “I really like those.”
I’m shown a variety of blouses, pants, and skirts, and it becomes more and more challenging to say no because everything is gorgeous.
Minutes become hours as dresses and gowns are displayed to me, and by the time we move onto jackets and coats, my stomach rumbles something fierce.
Tiny stops all the activity with a simple order, “Mrs. Rizzo needs something to eat.”
“There’s a cute bagel shop down the street,” Susan says. “I can make a quick run if that’s okay?”
Tiny glances at me for approval, and when I nod, he replies. “Three bagels with cream cheese.”
“Thank you,” I add.
Overwhelmed by all the attention, I proceed to look at handbags, scarves, and shoes.
Even though Angelo told me not to worry about how much I spent, it’s easier said than done.
When Susan returns with the bagels, and we pause so we can eat, I whisper to Tiny, “Can you find out how much everything will cost?”
Ian overhears my question and answers, “Mr. Rizzo asked that we send the invoice to him, so you don’t have to worry.”
Yeah, that’s not going to happen.
“I’d still like to know how much everything costs,” I demand.
“Give me a moment, please.” Ian takes a few minutes to talk to his assistants while Tiny and I enjoy our bagels.
When Ian returns, he tells me with a broad smile, “The amount is just shy of two hundred thousand.”
I sputter from the shock, my eyes blinking as if I’m having a seizure.
Tiny pats my back and says, “Don’t argue. This is what Mr. Rizzo wants.”
Yeah, but still…
Feeling very uncomfortable, I force a smile to my face and nod.
Do not freak out.
You represent Angelo, and it will upset him.
But daaaaamnnnn…two hundred thousand dollars.
Chapter 22
Angelo
Sitting across from Salvatore, we review the schedules of the fleet we currently have at sea.
“Will Renzo’s shipment still dock on time?” I ask.
“Yes, I’m expecting it Tuesday before lunch.”
Salvatore is a lot like me. He’s all business and painfully private. From what I know, the man lives like a hermit.
But he’s fucking loyal and a hard worker, and it’s all that matters to me.
My phone vibrates, and when I check the message, I see it’s from Tiny.
Tiny: We’re wrapping things up. Tori asked if we could swing by her old place to pick up ingredients for the cannolis she wants to make. Is that okay with you?
Giorgio is still in the hospital, but I don’t want Vittoria anywhere near her old home.
Angelo: No. She doesn’t go near her old house. Take her grocery shopping.
Tiny: Yes, boss.
Tucking my phone back into my pocket, my eyes flick to Salvatore, then I announce, “By the way, I got married.”
His eyebrows fly into his hairline. “That’s the last thing I expected to hear from you.” Giving me an incredulous look, he asks, “Are you serious?”
“Do I ever joke around?”
“No.” He lets out a deep breath. “I suppose congratulations are in order. I hope you’ll have a good marriage.”
“Thank you.”
We continue with our work, and once we’re done verifying the status of each vessel, I say, “Keep up the good work.”