Page 22 of Vincenzo's Promise
Isabella
I’d learned so much these past few months. Now, I felt we both had a better understanding of how this marriage would work between us, even though I might be opening my heart up too much where he was concerned. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to look at him any other way than the man I would marry, despite the circumstances.
After convincing me to take more time off from work, today we were to go on some sort of vacation to spend even more time together one on one, before we officially announced our engagement, and things became increasingly difficult for us.
Although still not excited about my life being turned completely upside-down with this marriage, the more I got to know Vincenzo, the more I tried to look at the situation differently as well as the possibility of something real developing between us. At least, that was what I hoped. I didn’t know anyone who wanted to be married to someone they couldn’t stand the sight of, and I could see myself falling in love with Vincenzo if he opened his heart to me.
“What time is he picking you up this morning?” Cheryl asked from my walk-in closet as she helped me finish packing, pulling me from my thoughts.
“He should be here in about ten minutes.” I looked down at my wristwatch before putting the last of my toiletries in my carryon and placing it by the door.
“Bella, are you sure you want to do this?” she asked when she exited the walk-in closet to my bed. She placed an armful of clothes on my bed and began folding them. “I know you said you didn’t have any other choice the last time we talked about this, but it seems as if you’re rushing into all this. You’ve known the guy a few months, and you’ve only seen him in person twice. I don’t want you to regret marrying this guy.”
“I understand your concern, Cheryl.” I sat down on the end of my bed. “But, if it wasn’t necessary, I wouldn’t be doing it. Well, not this quickly, at least. But Zo isn’t so bad.”
Her brow lifted. “Zo?” Cheryl asked. “So, what’s up with the nickname?”
“Yes, Zo. And I like it better than calling him Vincenzo, or Vin like everyone else.”
I shrugged and ignored the questioning look on her face. I already knew what she was thinking—that I was already investing way more into this marriage than I should. And she was probably right, but I couldn’t imagine going through life not being comfortable in my marriage or not having some sort of feelings for my husband even if they weren’t returned. I wasn’t sure if I was being naïve, but that was how I felt.
“Anyway, we’re getting to know one another, and it’s the purpose of this trip. It was something I requested, and he agreed to. I believe we’re both enjoying getting to know one another.”
“You’re my friend, and I love you. I just need to know that you’re cool with all this.”
“I love you too, and I really do appreciate your concern, Cheryl, but I’m all right with this. Although this isn’t exactly how I envisioned myself getting married, it could be worse. It’s different, I know, but I think I’ll be all right once we get past all the formalities. We’ve both expressed our expectations for each other, and we’ve agreed on where we would like this to go.”
“So, when is the engagement party?” Cheryl asked.
“Next week,” I said. “Vincenzo hired a party planner since I’ve been swamped with work and didn’t have time to get the invitations together. I’ll make sure you have an invitation. Just know this will be frequented by people like my father and Vincenzo. If you bring a guest, please make sure it’s not anyone connected to law enforcement.”
She laughed, but I was serious. There would be enough attention on me. I didn’t need my best friend and maid of honor bringing the cops around anyoneconnected, especially since this party would be attended by different clans from the Camorra and possibly members of the Cosa Nostra. There would be enough testosterone in the room with them. We didn’t need to add law enforcement in the mix.
“As a matter of fact, just come alone,” I said. “I don’t want to put any more scrutiny on you.”
“Damn, is it going to be like that?” she asked.
“Yes, remember who my father is,” I responded. “It will most definitely be like that.”
Cheryl looked down at her watch. “Shit! I’m going to be late for work.”
I stood, hugged her, and walked her to the front door.
“Make sure you call me when you get there,” she said. “Leave a message if I don’t pick up.”
“I will.”
“And make sure you send me something daily to let me know you’re all right.”
“Cheryl, I’m going to be fine, okay? I love you. Be safe.”
“I will. I love you too.”
I hugged her once more before she rushed out the door, and then I went back to my room to finish packing, excitement barreling through me. Rarely did I take vacations. Most of the time, I worked months on in before deciding to take a few days to relax. So, when Vincenzo mentioned it, it was like music to my ears. Getting to know him more was a plus.
I hadn’t gotten my hopes up in thinking this marriage was more to him than what it was, but for me, he would be my husband. I hoped, with time, I could love him, and he could love me. Maybe that was wishful thinking on my part, but nonetheless, I would make this marriage tolerable for myself.
When I finished packing and hauling the last of my luggage to the front door, the doorbell rang. I felt a warm glow of anticipation flow through me, and I couldn’t help but smile. I hadn’t seen him in person since our first and only date, and the only other times had been over FaceTime, even when we both were busy. I couldn’t wait to spend the next week getting to know him even more. Although Vincenzo was a hard man, he showed me a different side I was sure hadn’t been seen by the rest of the world. While he still claimed he couldn’t ever see himself loving me, I knew things between us were changing despite his refusal to acknowledge it.
