AAAAAIIII!!! - Ellis moaned, bending her body towards her intimate area being waxed with hot wax. "What the hell is this?"
"This is our innovative procedure for intimate waxing: Brazilian Wax," the esthetician informed.
"I have a better name for it: Torture!" Ellis shouted as she felt the esthetician pull another strip of hot wax.
In fact, most of the procedures she had done at that salon would live up to that name. Upon reflection, the whole package could be titled that way, as she had suffered through cuticle removal from her hands and feet, underarm waxing, eyebrow shaping with threading, upper lip waxing, leg and arm waxing – she felt like a plucked chicken at that moment. That dinner had better be worth it. Just for these procedures, Vittorio would have to halve the debt, that's what she intended to propose during her hair styling and makeup session.
The complete package concluded with the arrival of dusk in the city of New York. Ellis awaited Rocco's arrival in her robe. He arrived at the location wearing his red satin dress, Italian leather-soled sandals, thin heels covered in black suede, and straps adorned with Swarovski crystals that were undoubtedly more expensive than her car. And the cherry on top was nothing less than a gray velvet box. Upon opening it, she was greeted by nothing less than a diamond necklace and earrings. On top of that, Ellis believed that Amorielle had sent pieces that, when added together, would equal her brother's debt... A way of sending him a message: it was time to take care of business.
"This dress won't fit me," Ellis said, examining the extravagant dress. She made a face to match her next words, "And this color is too flashy... I won't look good in this dress."
"Trust Don Vittorio," Rocco said.
"Do I have another option?" Ellis asked Rocco, who shook his head. She took a deep breath and then pointed at Rocco, saying, "Okay, but if I look horrible, let him know that he'll have to deduct the price of the dress from the debt."
***
The Amorielle Mansion was fully illuminated like it hadn't been in a long time. The guests arrived slowly, being received by Antonietta in her beautiful sequined purple dress, her hair impeccably styled. So far, only familiar faces had arrived, which disappointed the matriarch, who was curious to meet her son's guest, who should have come down by now. She deduced that her son was having trouble getting ready and turned to the reception staff, saying:
"Let me know as soon as Ellis Barker arrives. I want to personally welcome her."
"As you wish, madam," one of the men replied.
She walked toward the stairs, climbing slowly while smiling at the people she encountered along the way until she reached Vittorio's room. He stood in front of the mirror, struggling with his bow tie. The scene seemed like two years ago, but without Eleonora and without his father. The man continued to stare at his reflection in the mirror while contemplating whether his father would be proud of tonight.
"He would be proud," Antonietta said as she approached her son. Her hands went straight to his tie as she continued speaking, "Marco would undoubtedly be proud to see his son become the Don. Don Vittorio."
"Right," Vittorio said, stepping away from the mirror and walking toward the neatly arranged tuxedo on his bed. He put on the tuxedo while asking, "Have the guests arrived?"
"Most of them," Antonietta answered cautiously as she walked up to her son. "While I was downstairs
, the Gattone family was still missing, and Giuseppe, whom I know you had a fight with, but..."
"I don't mind if he's invited," Vittorio interrupted, walking to his closet and opening one of the drawers. He took out one of his watches and a small black velvet box, tucking it into the inner pocket of his tuxedo. He returned to the room and faced his mother, who was now near his bed. "I think it's for the best because he has always been your dance partner at Daddy's parties."
"Yes..."
"Has the notary arrived?" Vittorio asked.
"Yes, he has," Antonietta replied, twisting her fingers. "But Ellis Barker hasn't arrived yet..."
"Don't worry about her, I made sure Rocco brought her," Vittorio answered, adjusting his hair.
"Wow..."
"What's wrong, Mother?" Vittorio asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing, I just find it strange that a simple guest is receiving special treatment. Not even Eleonora had that privilege."
"Mom, since when is being with Rocco considered special treatment?" Vittorio questioned, shaking his head. "Someone should inform the men that he has already executed that privilege."
"I'm not talking about Rocco but about the fact that I went to book J. Sisters and Le Blanc salons and found out they were exclusively reserved for you today," Antonietta revealed, her serious expression being met with surprise from her son.
"Yes, I made the reservations. What's wrong with that? I don't understand why you're angry. It's been years since you requested their services."
"Because we haven't had an event as important as this in years! And today, when I needed it, a mere waitress was enjoying them."
"Have you been investigating Ellis, Mother?" Vittorio asked, standing still in the middle of the room.
"Of course, I have. It's my job to know who enters this mansion," Antonietta replied.
"No, Mother. Your job was to organize the dinner, and I believe you did it masterfully. Investigating the guests is my personal staff's task," Vittorio explained, approaching his mother. "Don't ever do that again."
"What is she to you, my son?" Antonietta asked, looking into her son's eyes with concern.
"What do you mean?"
"Is she one of your conquests or a business associate?"
"You will find out tonight, Mother," Vittorio said, raising his arm towards his mother. "And I hope you like the answer you'll receive."