-NINA- "I think I've just had a gastronomic o.rgasm. These scallops are delicious!" Michelle said and moaned. Harper frowned at her. "Keep your voice down, there are people watching us. I saw a woman choke on a turnip with your comment." "Who cares? This food is amazing. How did you find this restaurant, Nina?" "I follow this gastronomic channel on YouTube, and they talked about this new young chef who was already awarded a Michelin star." I answered her. The food is truly flavorful. The scalps were very well-prepared, with butter and a hint of lemon. They melt in your mouth. Hank was pushing the things around his plate, without ever taking a bite. "Do they serve hamburgers here?" "Baby, try just this small piece. There are other things than meat, you know?" Michelle offered. "Yeah, but they are not that good." Mike Trivino, one of Matt's teammates, high-fived Hank. Mike is a tall fun guy with a weird mustache. He let it grow after watching Top Gun, in an attempt to
-NINA- "I can't believe you are going to marry before me once again!" Michelle complained while applying some mascara. "It's not my fault you and Hank are planning an over-the-top wedding. These things take time, and we wanted our ceremony to happen as soon as possible," Sienna replied as Harper put the finishing touches to her hair. It was the day of Sienna and Matt's wedding, and we were all gathered in a hotel room, helping the bride to get ready while enjoying sips of champagne. "Stop moving your head, or I won't be finished before the sun sets." Harper was placing fresh white flowers on Sienna's head. Her dirty blonde hair was elegantly styled in an updo, with a few delicate strands softly framing her face. "I think it's enough, Harper. Thank you," Sienna said and, moving away, twirled to face us. "How do I look?" Dressed in an off-white satin wedding gown, Sienna looked stunning. Her dress had a fitted bodice, a long flowing skirt and an off-the-shoulder design i
-NINA- "Christopher!" Mr. Hayworth lifted his eyes and greeted his nephew with a scornful smile. Chris' gaze didn't move away from his uncle's hand, his expression was pure ice. "Hands. off. NOW!" Mr. Hayworth finally released me and took a small step back. "We were just having a little friendly conversation. Isn't that right, young lady?" He stared at me, waiting for an answer, but my stomach tightened and I couldn't find my voice. "Ahhnn..." "I heard all your friendly conversation," Chris spat, his eyes still locked on his uncle. "If you think I'm going to stand by and watch you threaten Nina, you're way dumber than I thought." "Since we're laying our cards on the table, I'll tell you how things are going to proceed." Mr. Hayworth sneered, yet there was a trace of apprehension in his voice that didn't go unnoticed. "You are backing off from the hydrogen pipeline deal and everything stays as it is. That ridiculous Italian family continues to run its pitiful business."
-NINA- "So, what do you think?" I asked Sienna as we finished our tour in a chic rooftop restaurant on top of a sleek New York City hotel. Since it's Saturday morning, the place is almost empty. The sophisticated atmosphere is inviting, with modern, elegant decor and cozy seating areas with soft cream-colored chairs and wooden tables. Big squared windows with dark wooden frames offered breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. "I love it. I read about this place the other day and was curious about it. It's perfect." she gave me a soft smile, surveying the bar area. "Do you think we can fit a dance floor over there? I'm not planning to invite a lot of people and I really want everyone to have a good time." "Sure. But you better check with Michelle about this. She knows all about bands, singers, DJs, all of this stuff. My knowledge of events ends with the choice of venue," I answered her, grabbing my phone to take some pictures. "Do you want me to tell the
PRESENT DAY ______________ -NINA- It's Friday evening, and we're hanging out at Sienna's apartment. Just us girls, like we used to do when we lived together during college. Michelle can make some mean margaritas, and I was in charge of making the snacks. I brought nachos and dip, sticks of mozzarella, cherry tomato and basil, homemade pizza rolls, a vegetable platter and a cheese and charcuterie board. It sounds like a lot, but my mother would definitely say it's too little food. The initial idea was to come and check the apartment for the renovation plan, but Sienna invited all our group, and I was more than happy for the opportunity to catch up. I missed this. Sienna was sprawled on the couch, holding a margarita, her legs comfortably tucked beneath her. "Nina, there's something I wanted to ask you." I had a feeling where this was headed, and I think I've been avoiding it for too long. It's been almost two weeks following my accident in the park and I haven't talked
THIRTEEN YEARS AGO _______________________ -NINA- I was about to enter the locker room after my track practice when I heard Chris shouting my name. "Nina, wait." I spun around to face him, and he rushed over, lifting me off the ground in a warm embrace. "Chris! I'm all sweaty. I've just finished a three-mile run!" He gently lowered me through his arms, placing me back on the ground, but kept his hold on me. "I don´t care. You always smell incredible. It's a mixture of rosemary, ginger and lemon." To prove his point, he sniffed the curve of my neck. I probably stink, but he doesn't seem to care. "It's my shampoo. If you let me take a shower, I can guarantee I'll smell better." I told him and took a step back. "Wait, I have something to tell you. Guess who got an A in math?" He gave me his signature charming smile and showed me some folded paper. The folded paper was his math test, and he got all the answers right. "Oh my God! You did it, Chris! I knew you could."