“Wow. You look . . .” Tony held out his arms. “Amazing. I love this dress.”
“Thank you . . . uh, mille grazie. Angelina and I went shopping today.” Joy laughed. “It’s the most expensive dress I’ve ever worn aside from my wedding dress.”
“Well, I, for one, am glad you went shopping.” He whistled slightly. “Gorgeous.”
“Oh, stop.” Joy playfully nudged him.
Music played, and Alessandro approached. He pointed to the musicians.
“Joy, that is my nephew I was telling you about. Over there playing the saxophone.” He waved to the young man. He took her arm and guided Joy closer to the band.
“He’s very talented,” she said above the music.
“Yes, he is,” Tony replied from behind them.
Alessandro smiled a weak smile at him. “Grazie. We ordered some food for everyone to share. Come sit and enjoy.”
Dina appeared, holding Joy’s purse. Her tight lips and raised eyebrow revealed her disapproval. She held it out in front of her as if it were a snake.
“Oh, thank you, Dina. I appreciate you remembering my purse.” Joy pecked her on the left cheek and then the right. “Mille grazie.”
“Prego.” Dina smirked at Tony, then turned on her heel and sat at the table by some friends and immediately began gossiping.
Joy smiled.
Tony leaned in. “She doesn’t like me much, does she?”
“Don’t worry about it.” She chuckled.
Tony motioned toward couples heading to the dance floor. “Care to join me?” He held out his hand.
“I’d love to.” Joy handed Angelina her purse and headed to the dance floor with Tony.
They did the rumba and then a mambo. The live music reached down to her soul, making her feel young again. He twirled her around the dance floor, and her head lightened. They danced until Joy’s feet ached and she needed to sit down.
“Whoo.” She fanned herself. “That was fun, but now I’m warm.”
Tony waved the waiter over and asked for sparkling water.
“Try the antipasto.” Alessandro held out a small platter of an arrangement of delicious small bites of cured meats, olives, and cheeses.
“I will.” The meat and cheeses melted in her mouth. “Delicious indeed.”
“Here’s some cold sparkling water.” Tony offered the beverage to Joy.
“Thank you.” The cool water refreshed her.
“Want more wine?” Alessandro suggested. “It’s our family label.”
Tony cleared his throat, and Joy could sense his frustration.
“If you’re warm, we could sit on the patio over there.” Tony pointed.
“Maybe in a minute.” Joy drank more water. Angelina giggled at her. “Help,” Joy mouthed to her, but Angelina simply raised her glass in a toast and winked.
On and on it went all night. Tony would ask her to dance, followed by Alessandro, and then they’d eat more food followed by more wine.
The crowded restaurant came to life. Joy heard many accents from people all over the world. The music energized her, but three hours later, Joy’s head throbbed along with her feet.
“Maybe I will sit outside for a bit.” She elbowed her way through the crowd and found a small bistro table outside. The cooler air did help her catch her breath and relax. Her heart raced from all the food, dancing, and wine.
Tony followed her and brought over a chair from a nearby table.
“The band really is good. I just need to rest a bit,” Joy explained.
“No worries. I know it’s hard breaking in new shoes.” He laughed and leaned his elbows on the table. “I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am to be with you tonight. You’re beautiful . . . radiant. Alive.”
“Happy.” Joy grinned. “I can’t remember a time when I’ve had so much attention. Thanks, Tony. I appreciate it.”
“And I never realized how much Jaime looks like you.” He removed his phone. “She sent me these photos today.”
On his phone were photos of Jaime and Michael at the wedding venue, inspecting the hall and the garden area.
“Her smile. It’s yours,” Tony said.
“Oh my goodness. Is that the venue?” Joy leaned in close. “It’s perfect.” The sprawling green lawn, white hydrangea bushes, and climbing white roses created a picture-perfect space. “The wedding photos will be spectacular.”
“It is perfect. I paid the deposit to secure the place for the wedding date. I also went ahead and secured the caterers and the photographer. We lucked out. A wedding on the same date cancelled. Whew.” Tony shook his head. “I can’t believe the big day is right around the corner.”
