Page 233 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

"So, we have incompetent law enforcement and an FBI that’s just twiddling their thumbs, right?" Daniel asked.

"Botta Bing, Botta Boom!"

"So where does that leave us?” I wondered out loud.

"You're looking at it!" Giuseppe swept his arms open dramatically.

I was struggling to digest everything when I heard someone snapping their fingers in the back of the room and turned to see who it was. Bob was getting Giuseppe's attention. "Hey boss, we gotta go. The yellow bike is on the move!"

Chapter Twenty

Amy

As the limousine glided to a stop at the Blushing Bridal Boutique and Spa, Ariel exclaimed, "Elana, you've outdone yourself with this gem of an idea!" Meagan and I tittered in eagerness. Our hearts were aflutter with visions of the romantic escapade I often conjured up in my daydreams.

"How fortunate we are that Martha offered to mind the little ones. She's quite the quintessential grandma," I remarked.

"You know my mother," Ariel said, "her life revolves around the kids. And she loves Ava, Lily, and Liam as much as her own grandson, Jonathan."

"She's a sweetheart, for sure," Meagan added, stepping onto the sidewalk. "Since you have visited this spa before, Elana, could you recommend a great facial treatment?" Meagan asked.

"Oh, choosing a favorite is quite impossible. Each of them is so thoroughly divine and soothing," Mum chortled. "Let's not hurry. The fashion show commences only after our leisurely luncheon."

The moment we entered the spa, the air was laden with the scents of a dream brought to life: lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, and peppermint intertwined in a delicate dance, casting a spell of relaxation upon us.

Soon, Milly, the bubbly proprietor, greeted us with her radiant smile and started explaining their services. "We have an array of treatments tailored to the unique needs of different skin types," she began, detailing a range of facials such as the indulgent gold leaf treatment, the collagen-boosting vampire facial, and the gentle rose quartz facial. "Our body treatments, including wraps, scrubs, and massages, are designed to rejuvenate and luxuriate."

Having made our selections, we were led to the changing room, complete with well-appointed vanity stations and secure lockers. We donned the provided chenille robes that swathed us in supreme comfort while the dulcet tones of the waterfall and the soothing melodies wafting throughout the spa worked their magic easing our stress levels.

Mum and Ariel were the first to be spirited away to indulge in their chosen treatments: a regenerative caviar body wrap for Mum and an invigorating aromatherapy massage for Ariel. Meagan and I savored ginger and lemon-infused water in the tranquil relaxation area, enveloped in verdant foliage and the soft glow of ambient lighting while waiting our turn.

Soon, our skilled aestheticians beckoned us to our private treatment sanctuaries. We delighted in our personalized facials: a nourishing stem cell facial for Meagan and a calming crystal-infused facial for me.

Once our pampering sessions concluded, we reconvened in the spa's lavish lounge, where an exquisite lite lunch awaited us. As we enjoyed our delicate hors d'oeuvres, we shared stories about how we had been changed for the better. Looking at each other, we noticed a new radiance inner faces and a calm energy that hadn’t been there before. After a while, the conversation began to flow effortlessly, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of the spa.

Mum, her eyes sparkling, said, “Wow, that seaweed wrap was amazing. I feel so refreshed and my skin feels incredibly soft!”

Ariel chimed in with a grin, "I must agree, the aromatherapy massage was a game-changer. I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders – quite literally!"

Meagan, beaming with satisfaction, said, "Elana, you were right about this place. That stem cell facial was exceptional. My skin feels so supple and radiant now."

I smiled, pleased that everyone was enjoying the day as much as I was. "Thanks, Mum, for this much-needed treat. My crystal-infused facial was equally amazing. I feel so relaxed and pampered."

We enjoyed our delectable lunch, chatted about upcoming wedding preparations, and shared amusing anecdotes. Mum recalled a funny story about my childhood, leaving us all laughing heartily. "And then," she continued, "Amy came running into the kitchen, covered head to toe in mud, clutching a bunch of what she thought were wildflowers – but were actually weeds!"

We laughed together, and Ariel shared her own humorous tale. "Oh, that reminds me of when my brother decided to give our dog a 'haircut.' The poor thing looked like it had been attacked by a lawnmower!"

Meagan joined in, her eyes twinkling. "You all have such entertaining stories. My cousin once decided to create a mural on her bedroom wall with her art supplies. It took my aunt days to clean that up!"

"Oh, gosh!" Ariel laughed, "I caught Jonathan about to do the same thing just yesterday!"

As our laughter subsided and we wiped tears of mirth from our eyes, Milly reappeared and showed us to the other side of the building. The boutique was a vision of elegance with its lace curtains, chandeliers, and creamy white walls. An attendant, impeccably groomed and wearing sky-high heels, greeted us, “Hello, I'm Melody. Please have a look at our wine menu. I'll give you a few minutes before I send over my assistant. Then when you're comfortable, the fashion show will get started.”

Our anticipation for the upcoming showing grew as we perused the wine menu. We chose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for sipping while admiring the breathtaking bridal gowns. The attendant smiled warmly as she expertly poured our wine into elegant glasses for each of us.

The lights dimmed, and soft, enchanting music filled the room, setting the stage for the parade of exquisite bridal creations. The first model appeared, gliding gracefully down the runway in an Inbal Dror ball gown made of ivory tulle, adorned with delicate silver beads that sparkled like starlight.

Mum gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "That gown is simply divine! It's like something out of a fairy tale."

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