Who Wants to Marry A Billionaire?(24)
Daniel wiped his mouth with the linen napkin and returned it to his lap with an irritated flap. “Is it impossible to just have lunch? Couldn’t you just be glad that things are working so far? The engagement has hit the newspapers. My parents think it’s genuine. Nina had been doing an excellent job of hiding from the paparazzi and being absolutely charming when required. What is your problem?”
Elsa pushed her salad around with her fork. “I just have this terrible feeling that something is going to go wrong. Why isn’t she returning my calls? We’re seven hours away from the start time.”
“She’s probably just out getting her hair or nails or something done. You need to calm down before you give yourself an aneurysm.” Daniel discreetly signaled for the check.
“Somehow, she’s going to sabotage the plan. Maybe not intentionally, but in the world of high society, ignorance is not bliss.”
“Look, my parents aren’t troubled by her plebian background, so you need to get over it too. She’s smart, and she wants things to work. I mean it is in her financial best interest.”
“I know—I know Daniel. It’s your best interests, though, that I care about.”
“Well, I don’t think Nina is bringing any clowns or donkeys with her, so how bad could it be?”
Elsa stabbed a piece of lettuce viciously with her fork. “Don’t tempt fate Daniel. It’s never wise.”
Daniel reached across the table and put his hand over Elsa’s, “Look, stop worrying. I’m hoping you bought yourself a nice dress and put it on my tab?”
“I would never abuse my privileges like that!” Elsa looked horrified that Daniel would suggest such a thing.
He looked at his watch, “Well you have six hours and fifty two minutes to go get yourself a new dress. Loosen up Elsa! It’s a party! Just because it’s for a fake engagement, it doesn’t mean people can’t have fun—including you.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “There will some eligible gentlemen there….”
“Daniel! Really.”
“I’m just saying—if your knickers are in a wad, you might miss an opportunity. Now go shopping. Boris is taking me over to the tailor for a final fitting on my suit, do you want us to drop you off somewhere?”
“Oh, I guess Newbury Street.”
“Fine then. Let’s go.”
Chapter Eighteen
“There’s a Vera Wang metallic sheath dress at La Bella’s that will look amazing on you.” Kennedy smiled at Vicki as she examined her fingernails. “It’s a golden jacquard print, sleeveless with a high round neckline. But there’s some tasteful bling—it has gold crystal beading around the neck. Fitted bodice, straight skirt—it’s absolutely gorgeous and you will be the prettiest mother of the bride, ever.”
Vicki patted Nina’s arm. “How’s that sound doll?” Along with Rita, they were all waiting for their polish to dry. Nina wiggled her toes a little, checking out her French pedicure. “Whatever the two of you decide is fine by me. I trust your taste, Kennedy.” Not so much her Mom’s, but Vicki was starting to bloom with everything going on with the engagement. Nina had to admit that she had never seen her mother looking so happy; and Vicki’s fun, bubbly side was starting to be balanced by a mature sense of responsibility. She had done a terrific job of getting Reuben through the worst of his medical procedures, and she seemed to really want to make up for the hardship she’d caused Nina over the years.
Rita piped up, “So we should have plenty of time to hit La Bella before the hair salon, right?”
“La Bella is an easy in and out. I’m like 98.5% certain this dress will fit Vicki perfectly straight off the rack.” Kennedy blew at her fingers. “How much longer do you think this polish needs to dry?”
The group ambled down Newbury Street with Nina hiding behind dark sunglasses and her fedora sun hat, wearing ordinary clothes from her own closet. “You know, it’s only been three weeks and I am sick to death of avoiding photographers. How do real celebrities put up with this stuff?”
Rita shook her head, “I know, there’s something to be said for doing what you want, when you want, and how you want. But the designer clothes, and great restaurants and interesting trips sort of make up for it, don’t you think?”
Glancing at the ring on her hand Nina said, “I don’t know, just seems like a gilded cage to me.”
At La Bella, the group industriously marched up the steps of the red brick boutique. They were back to chattering about French versus American manicures, and what was going to be happening later that afternoon with their hair. Kennedy grabbed the handle of the door and opened it, ushering them in. Once inside, though, the quartet fell silent.
Elsa was standing in front of the three-paneled mirror, wearing the gold jacquard Vera Wang. She almost looked like a completely different person, except for the sour twist to her mouth. Busily examining herself, she failed to note the group’s arrival.
“Darn it, Anne, I told you I have a customer for that dress in that size!” Kennedy looked ready to fight as she hissed at her colleague. The lip of the other sales clerk started to quiver as she whispered while indicating Elsa with a tilt of her head. “I know, I know, but she saw it hanging behind the counter and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”