Chapter 1 Prepare to Impress

Rosalie

I find myself racing down the highway in my older Audi convertible. My cello, nicknamed the Mona Lisa, sits nicely tucked into my back seat. My best friend Violet is riding shotgun as we make our way to my little sister Rebecca’s engagement party. We are late. Like really fucking late and after taking a year off to mourn my cello instructors passing, tonight will be the first night I have played.

Ramon Scarpati was more than my cello teacher. He was like a grandfather to me. Though he was difficult in everything sense of the word and beyond strict, he taught me how to be the best in a world dominated by male instrumentalists. Scarpati was a legend, one that was more hidden behind secrecy and mystery. That’s what made him so cool. To hear his work was like a hidden treasure and he taught me everything. All his masterpieces.

My phone rings and I know it’s my sister Becca.

“Rosalie. Where the hell are you? Ben’s mother is driving me crazy! I need you here for moral support.”

Ben is her fiancé and he is already like a brother to me. They are perfect for each other. I just hope she can navigate through his family’s fame and fortune. We- The Valentino’s- come from humble means.

“We’re almost there Becca. Have a damn drink and calm your ass down.”

I step on the gas and shift into high gear. Violet squeals and finishes putting on her purple lipstick. Violet design my dress and my look tonight. A figure hugging long black dress that has a low dip in the front and slits up high on both my thighs. I have a gold chain wrapped around my left thigh that looks Egyptian. My long dark hair in finger waves with smokey eyeshadow and bright red lips. Violet made sure to put her funky flair to my ensemble by adding a black cape that connects at my shoulders and extends to the floor. I feel glamorous thanks to my best friend of 10 plus years.

“Just hurry up! Are you ready to play tonight? I feel bad for asking but you know how proud me and dad are. I also must admit I do want to show off your skills to Ben’s stuffy family. Your friends from the symphony are here. They’re sounding good. You nervous?”

The last thing I need right now is Becca rattling my nerves.

“Got to go Becca.”

“Okay but don’t forget you’re meeting Ben’s mom and his brother Julius. So behave. Julius is best man and you are maid of honor so getting along is paramount. You both will be helping us plan for this wedding so we will be spending a lot of time together.”

“As you wish Becca. Pulling in now.”

No I’m not.

“Bye” Felicia.

Twenty minutes later we pull into a very castlesque venue. I hand my keys to the valet and give my cello to the security staff to put on stage. Violet steps out looking like a model with her tall slim figure and bright blonde hair. If looks could kill, we were deadly tonight. Let’s see if we can navigate through Ben Alexander’s high fa-luting family. What’s the worst that could happen?

Famous last words.....