Page 100 of Urgent Vows
After that, Aria only gives her opinion when I ask her and that's usually regarding formalwear because I have attended so few occasions that require dressing up.
I ask Giulia for her advice on the types of clothes to wear to family dinners, since it seems everyone dresses for them. Though, regardless of time of day, Severu is always in a bespoke or tailored designer suit. So is Miceli.
When we get to the shoe department, both Aria and Giulia are adamant. I must wear heels.
"I don't wear heels." I don't tell them why.
After how revealing my true self to Severu and Miceli resulted in me being accused of turning spy and traitor, I'm not about to admit to the challenges my hip presents.
What if the De Lucas think I deceived them in some way by not telling them about my limitations before agreeing to the marriage?
Aria pats my arm. "I know you never expected to be a don's wife and of course you must dress as a young woman in your position, not your mother-in-law." She winks. "But there are certain expectations, regardless of your age."
"I'm glad you finally figured that out, Mamma, some of those outfits you wanted Catalina to try on were awful." Guilia shakes her head at her mother and then she looks at me apologetically. "But she's right about the expectations."
"And wearing high heels is one of them?" I ask.
The fact that both Aria and Giulia are wearing heels and I've never seen either in a pair of flats, not even at the house, answers my question before Aria opens her mouth. Though I can't help hoping one of them will say no.
Only they both nod.
"It's a matter of looking put together at all times," Aria says.
Giulia nods with a grimace. "I know it seems silly, but heels are a part of the uniform. Just like wearing designer dresses and even workout gear."
"The smallest thing can make you vulnerable and thereby reflect badly on your husband," Aria adds.
Appearances.
Determined to do my best, I look for the lowest heels I can get away with.
I flat out refuse to try anything above two inches. "Tripping and falling on my face isn't going to enhance the family image."
Giulia laughs. "I guess not."
Even Aria smiles and goes looking for yet another pair of low heels, this time boots that will look great with my denim skirt, or so the sales attendant assures us.
As the day wears on, I find it more and more difficult to return those smiles.
Not because I don't enjoy Aria and Giulia's company, but because I am in pain. My hip is acting up something fierce. It's the tiled floors of the stores coupled with walking between them on cement sidewalks. The other women eschew getting into the car to walk only a couple of blocks.
And as much as I know it's my own fault for not telling them I'd rather do just that, I still can't admit to my weakness. So, I limp when no one is looking and sit down whenever I get the chance.
Lunch provides a welcome respite, but it only gives my shopping partners a second wind. We don't head back to the De Luca home until late afternoon.
By then, I'm cursing myself for being so stubborn and New York city blocks for being so long.
"I am glad Severu married you," Aria says in the car on the way back. "I prayed for a miracle right up to the day of the wedding and then it came when it was you at the front of the church and not your sister."
Her words shock me into alertness despite my exhaustion. "You didn't want Severu to marry Carlotta?"
"She has a lot of maturing to do."
"But you said you were a year younger when you married."
"Even from the first meeting, I did not hold the indifference toward Enzo that Carlotta exhibited for my son. Without a desire to be a good don's wife, what was the likelihood that she could be one?"
"You wouldn't have to take her shopping for clothes."
