I'm short of breath, god I wish I was more fit. "Lacey. Ciao!" His gaze is steadfast, full of confidence.What the hell is he doing here looking all dreamy and dishevelled-in-a-sexy-way in his relaxed roll up top, jeans and loafers? And why am I makeup free, squinting back at him, soaked in sweat?"Matteo!" I say way too enthusiastically, taking a deep breath. His eyes are burning with humour as he hands me the yoga mat and I take it with clammy hands. I can see he's holding a large sketch book, and a pencil is lodged behind his left ear. "What are you up to today?" I point at the notebook."I am drawing, thethe il panorama. How do you say, scenery?" He gestures towards the marble busts standing on the edge of the black railings, which overlooks an endless blue sky. It really looks out into the never ending sky. He's artistic too? Wow "So, you're an artist as well?" A faint smile appears on his lips and he casts his eyes to the ground, embarrassed by my remark. "No, just
"What's the word on the delivery truck? Are they able to come an hour earlier?" I ask Gabe, my eyes flicking through the checklist on my clipboard.Gabe glances down at his phone, checking his email. "Yep, they can do that, but they will charge us.""Fine. But they?definitely?know where the bakery is, right?" I frown, failing to sound calm."Yes, the guy was saying how his mum buys from there all the time. He knows where to go.""But they know how to get here, right? To the hotel." Gabe stares at me. "Hun, I love it when you treat me like I'm on death row and all, but it's under control."I pop the last of my vanilla infused chocolate in my mouth, instantly feeling better. "Sorry, it's not you. I don't want to screw this up. I can't." I'd rather ask the annoying questions now, rather than have it all blow up in my face on the day. I'm being pedantic, but I have to be.The wedding is still another three days away but I'm treating it like it's happening in two. Some of the gues
Peering down my watch for the fifth time, I tap my feet out of impatience and nervousness, my silver clutch hanging by my hips. 7:58pmMy nerves are almost obstructing me from enjoying the beauty that is this spot. The sunset is piercing, a fiery red orb of light slowly sinking beneath the horizon, dyeing the sky a light first pink. Where is he? Maybe he meant another spot? Surely not. Maybe he's changed his mind and doesn't want to meet anymore. I've checked my phone a few times, nothing. God I hope I didn't waste my time getting all dressed up, otherwise I will feel like a fool. I toiled over countless outfit options before settling on my black maxi dress and chunky knit cardigan. Casual? Sexy? Cute? I hoped to look all three, and with my hair cascading past my shoulders I thought I looked good. I've worn a bit more makeup than usual but I don't want to take any chances I'm getting drawn for god's sake. I look at my watch again, then I become aware of someone looking at me. T
My pen travels up and down the page for what feels like the millionth time. Notes are scribbled all over it. I've made such a mess that I might as well print out another checklist."Everything's been done, right?" Gabe asks."Come on, babe. You've been so good this whole time. Don't freak out on me now," I say calmly, trying to encourage him along.He sighs and nods. "Alright, sorry. I know it's just the rehearsal today, but as far as I know everything has been booked that I know of."Good. I trust Gabe completely and if he says it's been taken care of, I know he means it. I keep my eyes on the page, going back up to the top. "Okay, the officiant will be attending today. Just confirmed with her and I got her to arrive ten minutes early just to double check things.""Brill. What about the musicians?""The orchestra won't be coming early as it will incur a costly fee, but the DJ will be attending so we'll just get him to play the ceremony music on his decks. He will be arriving thi
My head shakes disapprovingly as I study the overdone flower arrangements at the buffet table. I asked for a delicate and tasteful bouquet of white roses and lilies, not a bloody jungle!"Can you please pluck out the green leaves? Put them on the aisle carpet, we can still use them as floor decorations," I click my fingers at Gabe. Gabe does as I ask, pulling the long reeds out from the white pots. "So the caterers are all okay?""Yep, they are already making the canapés. The head chef complained, something about the oven settings not being hot enough but I got the hotel manager to sort that out.""And the cake?" He asks.Ugh. The cake, the brunt of my stress. "The delivery guy said they are having trouble with traffic, but he insisted he will be here in roughly thirty minutes, so that's still plenty of time to put it on the table. Can you meet him and direct him to the kitchen? I have to check on Amelia then, make sure she's ready to start making her way down," I order, rubbing
With a cigarette in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other, I should be horrified at the sight of him smoking, but in his tight black jeans and denim shirt, he looks hot as hell. Matteo walks closer until he stands right above me. "How was today for you?" His eyes meet mine. He takes one final drag and drops it to the ground, stubbing it with his loafers."Good! I bet you had a good time?" I grin. I bet he did. All the bride maids practically trapped him on the dance floor. Why isn't he with one of them, instead of out here with me?"I did, but there was one person I would have liked to dance with," he murmurs, looking at me."Emily? I think she's still inside," I tease. Carrying that bouquet like a trophy. "I meant you."I blush, looking at him curiously. "Why?" All of a sudden, he makes his way over and sits down next to me. I feel self-conscious at how close he is sitting next to me. "What do you mean 'why'?" He downs the rest of his wine and puts the glass down.
The sunlight glares my eyes and my eyes jolt up into consciousness. The sheets are so soft and comfortable. I wake up with a tranquillity one can only get when they wake up alone in bed. I look to my left, to confirm what I knew. He's gone. But that's okay, we didn't need to say goodbye. It would be almost too sad. Instead I wake up with a smile on my face, a perfect ending to my trip here. I got to spend one night with a hot Italian. All I can say is I feel content.Kicking off the satin sheets, I wake?up with my hair oozing past my shoulders. I stayed up late and I am definitely still hung over but dammit I feel good at how this trip has ended and how last night went down. After agreeing to pose for him again, Matteo got dressed and went to his hotel room to grab his sketchbook and came right back, and he sketched me until the wee hours of the morning until I fell asleep. I don't know if he stayed with me or if he left straight after; either way it was the perfect send off. Gabe
I watch my brown flats take steps across the glossy white tiles, pulling my weekend bag behind me as I check my phone for the fourth time. Thank god I'm back on flat land; sitting for thirteen hours, at thirty thousand feet above the ground, is long enough. If only Gabe was here because I'm stuck with a five-hour transit at Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport while I wait to go sky high again. What the heck am I going to do with myself for five hours at the airport? I don't particularly like duty free shopping, and I can only enjoy surfing on the internet for so long.?Oh, what the heck. I walk a bit faster, eager to check out the shops. Let's see what the airport has. Fifty-five minutes pass and I would be happy to never look at souvenirs, key chains, and calendars again. I bought a pack of hand creams for mum, a polo shirt for dad, and a silk shirt and belt for Hansley. Tristan's gift is already with me. I wasn't planning on getting him something, but as soon as I saw it, I knew