CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
C assidy sat on a chair and read the brief of Brenna Strongborne’s Sky Fairy and The Shadow Prince book in the room that I had set up as my studio. Lily Crane liked the sketches to be on paper as well as digital. Luckily, I had an assistant helping me label and package them to deliver. I had already prepared everything to send, but I wanted her opinion on my submission.
I laid them out in order. “These scenes captured the most prevalent scenes in the brief, but I don’t know. Is the style okay? Or too detailed? I’m not an illustrator—”
“Stop,” she said and took my shaking hands. “I’m speechless because I’m blown away. I loved your paintings, and I still believe you should explore more of that work if you want, but these illustrations are extraordinary. You’ll knock her socks off.”
“You think so? I’m trying not to get too excited; Rocco’s not involved with making this happen for me. He said he didn’t want to take away my success.”
“He already expects you to succeed. That’s the kind of encouragement you need in your life. A real partner that stands with you, not giving it to you.”
I scrunched up my face. “What if Lily Crane doesn’t like them?”
She lifted her shoulders. “Then you’ll find another company that does. You could even start your own freelance company or pursue more painting. Your opportunities are limitless if you’re willing.”
I bobbed my head. “You sound like Rocco.”
“We believe in you,” she said, squeezing my hands. “Now, let’s get out of the way so it can get to her in time.”
The assistant followed my directions on the labels and helped me recheck my digital images before adding a directory to the file and list. When she finished, I silently prayed and watched her walk out the door with my package and potential future.
Cassidy hugged me. “I’m here at a serendipitous moment. We must have planned this before we came to this world.”
I laughed. “You’re sounding spiritual.”
“I am.” She squeezed my shoulders. “Too much L.A. But honestly, I feel positive about this for you.”
I hugged her and saw she had some papers on a chair. “What did you bring with you?”
“Just some research. Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”
I paused. “Are you sure?”
Cassidy scoffed. “I am. And I’m not missing out on dressing up and attending a movie premiere. Come on.” She linked arms with me, and half dragged me out the door laughing.
We went into the bedroom and tried on the dresses for Isla, who had unzipped the garment bags for us. I loved the gothic black lace gown and heels. There was a pale pink chiffon beaded dress that Cassidy was already stripping down to put on. She turned around and did a spin. “This dress was made for me.”
“You’re right,” I said approvingly. “I can’t see anyone else wearing it now.”
She looked beautiful with her white, blonde curls, and Isla gave her two different-strap sandals to try on and then killer stilettos.
“My, you look stunning,” Isla gushed.
Cassidy did a turn and posed with her hands on her hips. “Yes, these are the best shoes and so comfortable. How are they not killing my feet?”
Isla gave her a sheepish grin. “We have people around to help break them in before clients have to walk in them for hours.”
“That’s it. I’m stealing you,” Cassidy joked as Isla adjusted her dress and the seamstress pinned it.
When Isla finished with both our dresses, she checked her watch. “All right. I’m going, and Zane’s waiting to take you both for a manicure-pedicure. The makeup artist will be here when you get back. I’ll return later tonight so that we can all go together.”
We both thanked her a few more times before she finally left.
I always wanted to go to an event with Cassidy, and tonight was a dream come true.
She held out her arm for me to take, her eyes shining. “Shall we?”
I took her arm. “Yes, gorgeous.”
I couldn’t sleep when we returned from the festival. For hours, I immersed myself in sketching scenes from The Sky Fairy and The Shadow Prince, anticipating hearing from Lily Crane about her verdict on my sketches. I explored other aspects of the story not included in the brief, particularly about the Shadow Prince being a guardian to Brenna in her childhood. I created a new set of illustrations featuring a handsome, translucent figure with a crown of shadows draped in regal, billowy robes and iridescent raven wings. He stood in the shadow of a tree, using his fae powers to raise the earth and cushion the fall of the little girl who had tumbled from a branch in her backyard.
Cassidy had been my muse for the little girl. She had the same strong will and beauty, and that was captured at the premiere last night. Even I couldn’t take my eyes off her on the red carpet last night. Cassidy had the look of a Hollywood female lead with beautiful large eyes, strong cheekbones, and full, pillowy lips. The photographers took more photos of her than of some of the cast members next to us. They also took excessive pictures of me while simultaneously throwing out questions.
“The Age of Sin could sweep the Oscars. Are you excited for Rocco?”
“It’s an outstanding film, and I’m as hopeful as everyone who’s seen it.”
My answer had been paired with an exorbitant smile because I felt happy about it and Rocco’s success. He always seemed to give everything one hundred percent.
“How does it feel to marry the most sought-after man in the world?”
“I’m happily married to Rocco.”
There weren’t enough words to share how I felt about Rocco. For everyone, he was truly a striking, fascinating man, and that still affected me. However, I knew another Rocco—the man who held me against his heart all night. He was the man who believed we could build something real together beyond our arranged marriage. He chose me, even when it was hard for him. He fell in love with me, even when I pushed him away. I never knew I could have that kind of warmth, compassion, and tenderness. His heart was immense, but God, his passion was all-consuming. He mastered my pleasure and left his imprint on my skin that even a chaste touch from him awakened a desire that would bring me to my knees. He believed in me before I did and reshaped my worldview to see fewer limits. Not only did he do all those things, he moved heaven and earth to make me happy. He was bold in his love confession because he believed he’d win my heart with absolute certainty. Rocco was better than Superman; he was the best man I knew, and I loved him with every part of my being.
“Are Rocco and George Caruso partnering on the movie studio?”
I smiled and skipped that question, but the press had another before Isla had moved us along.
“Do you have any advice for other pregnant mothers?”
Cheeky. And I almost made it out unscathed when someone called a last question to my back.
“Adelina, one more question. Your father, Eric Colby, said in a recent interview that he’s been in touch for a reconciliation. Is that true?”
My father hadn’t and I hoped he’d never try, but I felt confident in showing no reaction to their questions. They were hunting for click bait, and I didn’t give them any last night.
I stopped and rubbed my eyes, debating getting a coffee, when Cassidy walked in with two cups. “Hey. Have you been up long?”
She handed me a cup. “Long enough for a shower and a stop in the kitchen for coffee.”
“You made it?”
She grinned. “I tried. Maggie wouldn’t let me.”
I took a sip. “Mmm. It’s delicious.”
“This is even better.” She handed me her phone. It was a picture of us on the red carpet last night.
“Wow, I love it, Cass.”
“Me too, and wow, what a night.”
I grinned. “Is it always like that?”
She shook her head no. “Not at the ones I’ve been to. The line was long and the press today is all glowing, and I have to agree. The movie was the best I’ve seen this year. The acting, design, costumes, everything was a triumph. You must feel so proud. Your man’s going to get an Academy Award.”
I beamed at her and my heart warmed. “You think so?”
She scoff-laughed and swiped my arm. “You know I do. I can’t shut up about it, and you saw how crazy the crowd went at the end.”
The movie theater was a full house, and everyone around us gave a rousing applause when it finished. It had been better watching the film a second time because at Cannes I’d been too distracted watching Marjorie with Rocco. But I know better now. Rocco loves me and I love him.
I handed her back my phone and picked up mine to send a few clips I found to Rocco and our picture. I also said a prayer his meeting with investors went well. My phone vibrated in my hand. Rocco? Nope. Mama. I’ll let it go to voicemail.
“Mama,” I told Cassidy.
She rolled her eyes, and we both laughed.
“I’ll talk to her later.” I was in too good of a mood to listen to her negativity. “I’m going to take a shower. I’ll be back.”
She went over to look at my additional sketches. “These are amazing.”
“Thank you.” I took one last sip of my coffee then went back upstairs to the bedroom and straight into the shower. After I finished, I padded back into the bedroom to my walk-in closet and froze — the package.
I’d forgotten about it but moved with a gut urgency to look at it. I went to Rocco’s closet, where I put my purse inside an old suitcase last night. To my relief, the suitcase was where I left it. Pulling it out of the cupboard, I hesitated. Do I want to know what’s in it right now?
No matter what I thought of Luca Marini, that package would be our last communication. It would be his actual death. A wave of sadness came over me as I opened the suitcase. My hands reached in the pocket for the purse and came back…with nothing. It’s empty?
I pulled the suitcase further and unzipped it fully. My hands touched inside the other pockets. There was only an old tablet and an empty leather portfolio. I stood, turned the suitcase upside down, and out tumbled the hollowed copy of Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Not only was the package from Luca gone, but possibly the other papers left for me inside the one I found in my room.
Had I left the papers with the paperback? I rubbed my temples, and all I could see in my memory was me moving from planes to places worldwide. Maybe I have the wrong case?
I crawled back to the cupboard and checked the other two suitcases in there, but found nothing. Even after rechecking my closet suitcases and drawers, I still didn’t find them. The hair on the back of my neck raised, and my stomach twisted in knots. Who’s taken them? Or better still, how could I be so careless?