Page 43 of Naughty and Nice
I scanned my friend. She was wearing a soft peach-colored satin gown. Izzy said it arrived at her house this morning with a note from Mia. Her long golden hair was piled high on her head. Teardrop diamonds dangled from her ears. “You’re beautiful.” I reached for her hand. “Thank you for standing up with me.”
“Thank you for accepting me when I first arrived in San Diego. You’re my first and best friend here.” She lowered her chin in a shy smile. “I know you’ve been married before. So tonight won’t be a surprise.”
“I didn’t enjoy my first wedding night. I’m hoping I will tonight.”
“Nick is Em’s cousin and his best friend. Em was gentle with me at first. I can’t imagine Nick being different.”
“Thank you.” Her words registered. “At first?”
It was Izzy’s turn to blush. “Let’s just say we’ve advanced beyond vanilla.”
“And you’re okay with the other flavors?”
Her laughter filled the bedroom. “Yes.”
We both turned to a knock on the door. “Liliana,” Mia called.
“Is it time?” Izzy asked as she went to the door. I couldn’t see the other side. “Oh, hi.” Izzy pulled the door farther open. “You must be here to see our bride.”
Tears threatened my makeup as Sofia entered the bedroom.
“Lily, you’re gorgeous.”
Wrapping my arms around my midsection, I stared at the woman who had been my best friend since childhood. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
“Jasmine contacted me. She offered me a plane ride. I didn’t want to miss my best friend’s wedding, the one she really wants.” Sofia took a step closer. “You do want this, don’t you?”
Swallowing, I nodded. “I do.”
“Then I’m happy for you.”
“Oh,” I turned to Izzy. “Isabella, this is Sofia Ruiz. We’ve known one another forever. And Sofia, this is Izzy, my friend. We work together.”
“Nice to meet you,” Izzy said.
“Nice to meet you.” Sofia took a deep breath. “I better get back downstairs.”
I reached for Sofia’s hand. “Thank you for coming. How are you?”
“I’m good. We should catch up. I’m going to stay with Aunt Valentina for a few days before heading back north.”
“That’s where I live,” Izzy said.
“Oh, you’re Em’s wife.”
“I am,” Izzy replied.
“You said Jasmine is here too?” I asked. Jasmine was married to el Patrón’s brother, Reinaldo.
“Jasmine, Rei, and Señora Roríguez. The patio is filled with people.”
My eyes opened wider. “This was supposed to be small.”
Izzy laughed. “Then you shouldn’t have put Mia in charge.”
“Lily,” Sofia said, “thank you for inviting me. You didn’t need to.”
“I was afraid you couldn’t make it, but I never questioned inviting you.”
