Page 65 of Forgetting the Enemy
Chapter 22
Zaira
Once Vince agreed to walk me down the aisle, I told Michael I was ready for Las Vegas. It only took him two days to get us here, and this city is amazing. I actually remember being here before, with my mother when I was young. It’s yet another memory that has come back to me. They are returning—slowly but returning just the same.
We are staying at the Bellagio hotel and plan on having the wedding on their Terrazza Di Sogno. It’s their beautiful terrace, and it overlooks the fountains which lead to a breathtaking view of the Paris Las Vegas Casino. We plan on having it in the evening and with only a handful of guests, which include Michael’s parents of course, my brother and Mia, Alex, Gina, Salvatore, and an intimate array of body guards. Yeah, well when I say intimate, I’m guessing ten to fifteen.
Michael and I arrived this morning, and of course Ricco and one of his men accompanied us. Michael is currently attending a meeting in town. Ricco’s man, Darius, remains with me. Ever since the shooting at the house, Darius has been assigned to me. Michael made it clear I am not to go anywhere without him.
I am meeting with the wedding coordinator, Jasmine, in about an hour. The remainder of our guests will be arriving throughout the day, and we are all planning on meeting for dinner later this evening at Picasso’s right here in the hotel.
We are staying in the hotel’s Chairman’s Suite, and it’s absolutely huge. I believe the bellman said it was over four thousand square feet. Michael arranged for Ricco to take the second bedroom in our suite, and Darius was put in the room next door.
Ever since we arrived, we have been treated like royalty. First, we were directed to the Chairman’s Lounge for a private check-in. After that, we walked across an enchanted suspended walkway that led us to a breathtaking corner of the hotel. Our suite has everything you could imagine, including a solarium, an indoor garden and fountain, a fireplace, a fully stocked L-shaped bar, two master bedrooms, private bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, steam showers, and a freaking conference room. And can you believe it? We have a twenty-four-hour butler.
There are three “entourage” suites on our floor, which are being occupied by the men who accompanied us here.
Vince and Alex are staying in the Executive Parlor Suites. Each one has a pool table and a state-of-the-art surround system. I believe I heard Michael mention something about a bachelor party being held in Vince’s. Gina and Mia are sharing a suite, and Michael’s parents have their own. And of course, the various guards are close by.
This place is amazing!
When Jasmine got here, we started going over all the plans for the ceremony, which we plan on having the day after tomorrow.
“Zaira, my dear. You just leave everything to me. I’m here to make sure everything we’ve got planned is what you want.”
“Well, everything we just discussed sounds perfect for me,” I reply. “I’m so excited, this wedding is going to be amazing!”
“Good, then your job is done, and mine has just begun,” she says cheerfully.
She gets up to leave, and as I walk her to the door, I say, “We really appreciate you taking care of all this on such short notice.” I’m beaming.
“Oh, love, it’s my job and that smile on your face confirms why I love it so much. You at least gave me a week to plan and prepare. Some people don’t give me more than a day.”
“Wow, I just couldn’t imagine,” I say. “I really don’t know how you do it.”
“Oh, Zaira, that’s easy. I have lots of contacts and an array of bakers, florists, musicians, photographers, and anything else you could possibly imagine at my disposal.” She gets to the door and pauses. “And if you are looking for some help with a bachelorette party, just let me know.”
Oh, I didn’t think about a bachelorette party. Suddenly, I feel a bit sad. I mean, Michael and the boys talked about his bachelor party, but well, I don’t have any girlfriends. I mean I am sure I do. I just don’t remember any of them. So far, all I’ve got is Mia and Gina, and Francesca of course.
“Oh, before I forget, Zaira, do you have a dress?” Jasmine asks.
“Not yet. My sister and I will be looking tomorrow.” Damn she’s good. Just the mention of my wedding dress pulls me from being sad to being giddy again.
She reaches in her bag and pulls out a card. Handing it to me, she says, “Here, you must go to Couture Bride. They have a good selection, so it’s not too difficult getting something that fits properly on such a short notice.”
“Thank you, Jasmine,” I say as she walks through the doorway.
Waving her hand above her head, she calls back to me, “I’ll be in touch.”
***
The family arrived safely, and we had a wonderful dinner last night at Picasso’s. Today, Mia, Gina, Francesca, and I are shopping. We already made it to two bridal shops, and I found nothing I liked. We’ve just arrived at Couture Bride. I look behind us as we are about to enter the store, and Darius and two other men I don’t quite know hang out outside the door. I don’t think bridal shopping is their thing, but they are being such troopers.
I was really surprised when Gina and Francesca said they wanted to shop with us. They both make me feel so welcome and that I am already a part of their family. Mia and Gina absolutely love each other and talk about nothing but boys. It seems they both have secret crushes but won’t reveal the boys’ names. Francesca and I just laugh. Oh, to be young again. Not that I’m old, but I truly can’t wait to be Mrs. Michael Vitali, so my days of secret crushes, with whomever they may have been, are nearly over.
Walking into the store, Mia gushes at the first gown she sees. “Oh, Zaira, look at this! It’s perfect!” She squeals.
I try my hardest to hide my frown. The gown she is raving about is white with so much tulle, it looks like meringue. All I need is a yellow sash and I’ll look like a lemon meringue pie. When she spots my horror at the dress, she laughs, and I realize she is teasing.
