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“Well, both Larisa and Josephine have started new chapters, while you’re in the same stage of your life as you’ve always been. Could it be that’s also what’s bothering you?”
I shift my weight from one leg to the other as I ponder her question.
If I’m being honest, the idea of being the only one left behind—not only without a husband and children, but also without so much as a romantic relationship—doesn’t make me feel very good about myself. And given my less-than-stellar dating track record, it can feel a little hopeless sometimes.
But I don’t want to confess that to Carol.
I don’t even want to confess that to myself.
“Maybe … I don’t know … it’s complicated. Look, it’s not like I want to get married or anything like that. I mean, I’m not obsessed with the idea. I just—”
Just then, the door to the beauty shop opens and Larisa and Josephine walk through, saving me the trouble of having to finish that sentence.
As always, both of them look incredible.
Jo has entirely leaned into her role as a billionaire’s wife and looks the part. Her luxurious clothes and makeup have transformed her into an arresting vision that’s enough to take anyone’s breath away. While Larisa has that inexplicable air that we associate with celebrities. And given that she’s marrying one, it makes sense. She’s confident, beyond beautiful, and fantastically charming.
They walk through the shop and greet me loudly. “There you are! Oh, my goodness! We haven’t seen each other in … how long has it been?” Jo asks me.
“Since Christmas,” I reply, trying not to sound a little miffed about it.
“Christmas? No, that can’t be right. It’s June!” she replies.
“It’s true. You had that big bash at the mansion for Christmas, and we were able to spend some time together then. Not a lot, but…”
“Oh, wow. I hadn’t even realized! I’m so sorry, friend. I’ve just been so busy! Now that Clem is in high school, her extracurriculars are taking up all of our time. Not to mention, Jacob is thinking about moving to London temporarily, so we’ve just had a lot on our plate,” Jo says.
There’s no ill intent behind her words—she’s only giving me a rundown of her life—but I still feel a little left out.
“Don’t mind her. She’s just a billionaire’s wife.” Larisa steps in and hugs me.
“What about you, then? Miss I’m-marrying-one-of-the-biggest-celebrities-in-the-world?” Jo laughs.
Carol makes a surprised face upon hearing this. “You’re marrying a celebrity? Who is it?”
“Gianluca Ferraro,” Larisa replies with so much grace and elegance, it’s as if she’s saying that she had a salad for lunch.
“No way! Get out of here! You’re marrying Gianluca Ferraro? Oh, my goodness! I love him! He’s like … my dream guy! I just…” Carol bursts, not realizing how inappropriate this is, given that she’s talking to the actor’s fiancée.
“Larisa, Jo, you remember Carol,” I try to cut off her commentary.
“Sure. How are you, Carol?”
“Not as good as you!” She laughs.
“Maybe…” the girls say graciously.
“What’s happening here?” A nasally voice suddenly interrupts our chatting.
Mr. Doyle makes an unwanted appearance from the back of the beauty shop.
“Mr. Doyle, we’re—”
“Why are you two bothering the customers?! How many times have I told you to be respectful and quiet?” he snaps.
“They’re not bothering us,” Larisa replies. “We were preparing to look at some perfumes until you interrupted us.”
Mr. Doyle is silenced for a moment.
