Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
The mood was controlled chaos leading up to the show. It started with a press conference in the morning in which Madison and her team gave hints about the collection. The event didn’t start until two in the afternoon, yet a crowd had begun to gather outside hours before. Even though Madison’s viewing was by invite only, people still hoped for a spot.
Arlo and his men made sure only those who were supposed to be here were allowed in the door. A few had already been turned away, disappointment clearly written across their faces. So far, no enemies had shown up to cause trouble.
Peeking from backstage, Angelina craned her neck to get a better view of several academy awarding actresses, influencers, and even a few royals in the front row. She’d not seen her father or Joseph since the day before, but it was a given they were lurking somewhere in the shadows.
Heading back to the full-length mirror, which for the moment was empty, she stopped in front and studied the dress she wore. It truly was a work of art. At first, she hadn’t paid much attention to the details, but now it hit her how beautiful it made her feel. It was pale cream almost white but not quite. The bodice was trimmed in the finest Italian lace, crystals, beads, and fitted to perfection. It also highlighted her breasts to perfection. An A-line skirt flowing to a mid-length train in the back had her moving back and forth to see the sequins as they caught the light. Thankfully, at the last minute, Madison had decided against the corset. Angelina loved the look.
The sleeves were off the shoulder and made of the same lace and trim accentuating her tiny waist. A hair stylist had curled her locks, put it up in an updo, and decorated it with pearls here and there. No one would see them with the full veil covering her face and flowing longer than the train in the back, but it made her feel glamorous and sophisticated.
“Our beautiful daughter.” Layla gasped from behind her. Staring back in the mirror, Angelina witnessed her father appear a bit teary eyed as well. Her dress rustled as she spun around to greet them.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” It certainly was an extraordinary event with so many relatives taking the trip here for support.
“You look gorgeous, sweetheart.” Arlo’s voice cracked. “I can’t stay for the show but I had to come see you.”
“They’re videotaping it so those who couldn’t make it can watch it later,” Layla explained as she wiped a tear from her eye.
“It’s almost time.” Francesca held up her wrist and tapped her index finger on her watch.
“I better get my seat. I love you.” Her mother fussed with Angelina’s veil before wishing her good luck. Arlo kissed her cheek and headed back to work.
“Wait. Where’s Greta?” Madison made a mad dash around the room before coming to a stop beside her assistant. “We’re short a model.”
Francesca groaned. “I’ve been calling her for the last hour but no answer.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me? We need another model. Now. The show starts in five.” Madison’s face paled. The last thing her aunt needed to worry about was someone not showing up. It was probably the reason no one told her.
“What about Bella?” Angelina nodded toward her cousin. “She’s tall.”
“Oh my god, oh my god. You have no idea how much I’d love to model. It’s my dream.” Bella’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.
“Greta was shorter. The hem isn’t going to hang right.” Francesca swept Bella’s frame from top to bottom with a shrewd eye.
“She could wear my dress and I can wear Greta’s.” Angelina walked to the lone dress still hanging on a rack. It was not as elaborate as the one she was wearing but still unique and lovely.
“Are you sure?” Madison and Bella said at the same time.
“Yes. Then I don’t have to worry about falling in these high heels.”
Madison and Francesca shared a look before nodding in unison.
“Let’s do it.” Madison clapped her hands.
In a flurry of dresses, shoes, gloves, and veils, the two were dressed and ready to get in line. Angelina now wore a deep red, velvet evening gown. Even though the wedding dress and heels were gone, she still felt glamorous. Good thing her father saw her in the other dress first. He’d have a fit about this one. The makeup artists had to add more to her makeup including red lipstick and more eye liner. Her shoes were clear so no one would notice they were only two-inch heels. It also fit her like a glove, thanks to a bit of stretch in the fabric. A slit up one leg was dangerously high. Double-sided tape would keep it from slipping any higher. Whereas the other dress was off the shoulder, this one had straps and a daring, low open back. She took one last look in the mirror. The woman staring back at her could be a femme fatale or some exotic secret agent. Angelina chuckled at the thought. She was neither and never would be.
The lights dimmed and the music started. Applause sounded from out front. It was showtime! Many times, fashion shows had no announcer and Madison’s was the same. Her aunt always said the designs spoke for themselves.
The show would last about thirty minutes. Angelina was now going second to last with Carabella following. All the models were lined up in order, each in their own little world as they prepared to put on their best. Some doing a sort of meditation, some saying a silent prayer, and some of the veteran models, yawning from partying too much the night before.
“Are you nervous?” Angelina faced her cousin.
“I’m more excited than anything.” Her posture straight and eyes focused, Carabella appeared regal in the gown. “Since I was little, it’s been my dream to be a model.”
“I remember when we used to watch you in the local shows at the mall.” And Bella had to beg to do that. Jasper frowned on any of his girls being out in the limelight. Carabella was a natural and why no one asked her to be in the show before this was crazy. Still, it took a lot for some of the employees here to think it was okay for Angelina to be in it, let alone someone who wasn’t a professional.
Angelina reached for her hand. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”
“Yes. Knock ‘em dead, Angelina.”
“You too, Bella.”
Francesca motioned for the blonde woman in the blue dress to approach the edge of the stage. After her, Angelina would be next. For the first time that day, nerves attacked. Inhaling a deep breath, she let it out slowly before repeating the sequence again. It was something Joseph used to do, and it did help. Surprisingly, thinking of him calmed her. As her sweet sixteen date, Joseph, both sheltered her and showed her off. Being the center of attention had scared her to death yet, he never failed to be there when she needed him. Was he out front watching?
“You’re up, Angelina.” Francesca motioned her forward.
She rolled her shoulders back and did her best to appear ‘model’ like.
“Now.” The woman gave her a light shove.
Angelina took the few steps around the partition. The room with dark and the bright lights on the runway made it impossible to see anyone in the crowd. Probably a good thing. All she needed was to spy her favorite actor or actress and fall at their feet.
The music was classical and easy to walk to. Putting one foot in front of the other, she strutted down the aisle as another model made her way back. It was a long walk and she slowed to make it last a minute. No more, no less.
Once she reached the end of the runway, Angelina posed and did a couple turns before starting back. So far, so good. Reaching her next mark, Angelina relaxed as Bella came on stage. She’d timed it perfectly. The young woman was stunning. The crowd oohed and aahed at the beautiful bride as she seemed to float down the silver-carpeted runway.
As soon Angelina’s feet touched the backstage area, giddiness filled her. She’d made it. The other girls hugged, smiled, and were obviously more relaxed than they were before going on stage. Now they lined up once more for the finale. The hard part was done. Applause rang out when Carabella returned. The show was a success! Single file, the models headed out again. This time the lights were up and the audience was on their feet. The roar grew when Madison appeared at the end.
Cameras flashed and excitement filled the air. It was a good bet all the dresses would be snatched up within the hour. Madison took a bow at the end of the aisle as the applause reverberated even higher. Taking Angelina and Carabella by the hand, they strolled to the back. This time there was no rush, each savoring the cheering for different reasons.
Once backstage, everyone, in high spirits, changed, and as soon as the gowns were packed up, champagne poured. Madison had interviews to do, but the girls were free to go.
“These are for you.” A stagehand dropped a huge bouquet of red roses in Angelina’s arms and left.
“Oh my God. Those are amazing.” Carabella bent to sniff the flowers. “They smell wonderful. Who are they from?”
“I have no clue.” She shifted the large arrangement around, but no card was to be found.
“Maybe you have a secret admirer?” Bella wiggled her eyebrows.
“It’s probably from my parents.” Angelina placed it on top of the items going back with them and turned to Bella. “Do you want to go somewhere for a snack? I was too nervous to eat earlier.”
“Sure.” Bella pulled out her cell.
They texted their bodyguards, Daniel and Tony, of their plans and were soon enjoying some gelato and cake at a nearby café. Their two protectors sat near the entrance.
“What are your plans for the summer?” Angelina moaned as the hazelnut and caramel favors hit her taste buds.
“Not sure. I want to take some time off before starting school again in the fall. Dad wants me to get a job, but I wouldn’t mind doing something here with Madison’s company. I could get people coffee or file or even better yet, model clothes.” She wiggled in her seat, obviously still on a high from the show.
“Have you talked to them about it?” It would be great to have her here.
“Yeah, Mom said I could be an assistant at home. Plus, they think I’m too young to be modeling abroad.” Bella rolled her eyes and sighed. “Too young! I’m almost too old.”
“Hey, you’re younger than me so don’t say you’re old.” At least Bella knew what she wanted to do. If Angelina didn’t win the apprenticeship, she didn’t know what she’d do.
“You know what I mean. Models have an early expiration date.” Bella frowned.
“Well, if I’m lucky enough to get the apprenticeship. I will be sure to put in a good word.”
“Really? That would be awesome.” That perked Bella up.
“Absolutely. Plus, it’d be great to have someone from home around.”
“I wonder what happened to the girl who didn’t show up?”
A chill ran down Angelina’s spine. “Yeah, it does seem strange. I hope nothing happened.” Who would miss an opportunity to model Madison’s designs? “With how competitive modeling is, not showing up would be stupid.” Angelina dug into her dessert again.
“Exactly. you wouldn’t see me doing that. Probably boyfriend troubles or something.”
“Maybe. What about you? Dating anyone?” Angelina pictured Joseph in her mind. Where was he?
“Heck no. I’m never getting married. I want to be a model and travel the world.” Bella waved an elegant arm in the air like she was a Vegas showgirl or game show hostess.
“You just said that models don’t have long careers. What will you do then?”
Bella shrugged. “I don’t know. Something in the fashion world.”
“That’s my dream, also.” Angelina took the last bit of her cake and pushed the plate away.
“Speaking of guys. Have you seen Joseph? What a hottie!”
“I thought you said you don’t date?” Angelina wrung her hands under the table. The last person she wanted to talk about with her was him.
Bella smirked. “I wasn’t talking about for me, Angel. Wouldn’t it be romantic if you two were a couple? You guys used to be so close.”
“That was a long time ago. We’ve grown apart.”
“Is it because he might be passed over for Don?” Bella suggested.
“What?” Angelina stirred the latte in front of her. “What do you mean?”
“I heard my dad talking to Arlo one day. Joseph is the oldest of Roman’s kids but since he’s adopted, it might go to his brother instead.”
Angelina dropped her spoon. This was news to her. It was a given that Joseph would take over the leadership when Roman decided to step down. Granted it wouldn’t happen anytime soon, but still.
“I can’t believe that. Even if he is adopted, Joseph’s the oldest. Roman has prepared him to take over for years. He’s a ‘made man.’” A ‘made man’ meaning one officially initiated into the mafia. It was the one thing Roman insisted on despite Madison fighting every step of the way for her sons. “Everyone knows my father’s security business is also a cover for the mob and a way for Joseph to learn even more.” There, Angelina said it out loud. Everyone in the family was taught at an early age to deny it in public, but Carabella was part of their circle too.
“I just know they mentioned rumblings in the other families,” Bella confessed.
“Ours?” None of the immediate members have ever said anything like this. It was news to her.
“No, the extended ones. Some were rumored to want to challenge the leadership. If Joseph doesn’t have to be a blood, then they don’t feel they have to be either.”
“Why is this the first I’m hearing this?” The dessert settled in Angelina’s gut like a rock.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up. You’ve been away at school, plus. . .” Bella shoved a spoonful of pistachio into her mouth.
“Plus, what?”
“Everyone knows how you feel about mob life.” Bella did finger quotes in the air when she mentioned mob life.
Her mouth opened but Angelina couldn’t get the words out.
“We have to go.” Daniel shouted. They knew the drill and grabbed their belongings and rushed to the guards’ sides.
“What’s going on?” Angelina asked as they hurried to the running SUV parked in front, one man on each side of the girls.
As soon as they were inside and, on the way, Daniel looked her in the eye and answered.
“They found Greta. Dead.”