Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
I drop my gaze to my watch. “No need.”
“I’ll get that coffee and bakery order in.” She steps to the side. “Bella mentioned that you were in Vegas for the weekend. Do you have any fun stories about my family you want to share?”
I’d call marrying Gina fun, but I know she’d frame it another way, and besides, that’s a secret that I’ll take to my grave.
“They all behaved themselves,” I say, adjusting the lapels of my navy suit jacket.
“Did Gina have fun?”
That lures my gaze back to Lia’s face. “I think so.”
“Good,” she says, tilting her head as she considers her answer before she adds to it. “She deserves to have fun. I get the sense that Gina is always on guard. Or she feels she needs to be. It can’t be easy being that recognizable everywhere you go. Sometimes, my heart breaks a little for her because people are always stopping her and asking for a picture or a few minutes of her time.”
I stand in silence, weighing the gravity of that.
“It’s a hazard of her job.” She smiles. “No one could handle it better than Gina. She’s grace personified.”
I agree with that statement, so I nod.
She glances at her tablet again. “Since Dominick isn’t here today, consider me your executive assistant. Let me know if you need anything.”
I suddenly feel like I need time with my wife, but she was out of her apartment before I woke up this morning. I don’t know if she’s avoiding me or not, but I plan on finding out as soon as my meeting with Everest is over.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Gina
I’ve already met with two potential sponsors this morning, so it’s time for my third cup of coffee of the day. I need the extra caffeine boost because it was almost impossible to sleep last night, knowing Daniel was across the hall from me.
I walk into the coffee shop my cousin, Arlo, owns with his wife and our cousin, Rocco.
Palla on Fifth is a love letter to the woman he can’t live without. He married Palla more than ten years ago, and since then, they’ve not only launched this endeavor, but they’ve become parents to six kids.
This café has become a staple on Fifth Avenue. The interior boasts an eclectic mix of leather furniture and distressed wooden tables. The ambience is always welcoming, including the soft music that wafts through the air.
“Gina!” Palla calls to me from behind the counter. “You look beautiful today.”
Palla would say that to me if I walked in with a bird’s nest tangled in my hair and a burlap sack wrapped around my body. She’s always saying that beauty isn’t in the eye of anyone. She believes it’s everywhere, and she’s raising her children to appreciate the value in everything.
I hope one day I can follow her lead.
“You look beautiful too,” I bounce her compliment back. “Can I get a coffee?”
She pushes a ceramic mug toward me. “I made this for me but haven’t taken a sip yet.”
I take a nice long sip of the perfect cup of coffee. It never fails to fuel me when I need a midday pick-me-up. The bonus is that Palla never charges me for coffee.
“How was Vegas?” she quizzes, looking me over. “Did you get that blouse there?”
I glance down at the dark green blouse I’m wearing. It’s backless and tied at the waist. “Sponsor.”
That one word says it all. Today, I’m a walking billboard for Ella Kara. It’s a brand designed by Sophia Wolf. She’s a recognizable name in the fashion world. I’m set to work with her again in a few weeks when she unveils a new collection.
“Ella Kara?” Palla asks. “I love their stuff, but you know.”
I know that funds are tight when balancing a business and many mouths to feed.
“I have a closet full of their pieces. I’ve worn most of them only once or twice.” I smile. “We’re the same size. You should come by my apartment one night and do some shopping.”
Her eyes widen. “You’re at least four inches taller than me, Gina.”
I laugh. “I know the best tailor in the city. She’ll hem the skirts, dresses, or pants, but the tops will fit you to a tee.”
“You’re serious?”
“Very,” I tell her. “My closet is overflowing, Palla. Please come by and save me.”
A light laugh escapes her. “Name the day, and I’m there.”
I yank my phone out of my bag to peek at my schedule.
Before I can pull up my calendar, a text message lights up my screen.
Daniel: Turn around, Mrs. Lawton.
The phone almost tumbles from my hands as I rush to delete the message before Palla can get a glimpse of it.
“Daniel Lawton just walked in,” she says with a lilt in her tone. “I always thought he was cute as a button.”
I smile at that description of him.