Secrets Of The A-List

Mariella stepped into her closet and pulled out a fabulous black sequined Givenchy gown.

Lane’s brows scrunched. Arms folded, he framed his jaw with his forefinger and thumb. He stared at the dress, then at her. “It’s a beautiful gown, honey. There’s no doubt about that, but I thought the point of this party was to ensure people Harrison isn’t dead.”

“It is.” She clutched the gown to her body.

“Then why, my dear, do you plan on going to this thing looking like you just stepped out of the limo behind a hearse?” He shook his head. “No. No way. You are not walking up in that party looking like the merry widow on my watch.” He waved his hand, dispatching her back into her huge walk-in closet. “I know you have something more festive in there. Something that says, ‘I’m happy and alive, and so is my husband.’”

Mariella held back an incredulous grin. She shouldn’t laugh, but Lane was right. “Fine. Then help me select a more suitable dress.”

Lane stopped gathering his things and joined her in her closet, nearly as big as the bedroom. He carefully surveyed the racks of evening gowns organized by color, then length. Most of them unworn. Mariella typically donated her evening wear after an event. It wasn’t as if she could wear it again. A style magazine or fashion blogger would inevitably call her out on it.

“This is the celebration of Thom and Elana’s ‘love.’” Lane used air quotes, knowing as well as she did that Elana wasn’t in love with Thom. Not yet, at least. “It’s a little on the nose, but a red gown will work well. Besides, it’s such a good color on your skin tone.”

Lane searched through the section of floor-length red gowns. He selected a beaded chiffon Elie Saab gown in lipstick red.

“This is the one. It’s perfect.” He held up the cap-sleeved dress with a broad smile that framed his blindingly white teeth, then handed it to her. “It says, ‘I’m the mother of the bride-to-be, but I’m still fierce, bitch. Don’t get it twisted.’”

Mariella shook her head, laughing as she removed her robe and slipped into the dress. She regarded herself in the mirror.

“It is perfect.” The lush, vibrant red complemented her coloring. The beaded back and open overlay in the front were stunning, and the slit showed just enough leg.

Arms crossed, Lane looked pleased with himself for saving the day. “And remember, you’re a Marshall and a Santiago, dammit. Marshalls never give up, and Santiagos damn sure don’t give in.”

Mariella nodded. It was a motto she’d tried to instill in her children. And it was exactly what she needed to hear at the moment.

“Thank you for being my lifeline. As always.” She kissed Lane on both cheeks. “I wish my Elana was as sensible and levelheaded as you.”

“Baby girl is just going through a phase.” Lane returned to the dressing table to pack the remainder of his styling tools and products. “The sooner she marries the dashing Thom Scott, the sooner she’ll forget about that two-timing piece of shit Jarrod Jones.”

“Let us hope.” An uneasiness settled over her again. Mariella was sure Elana was still seeing Jarrod. She only hoped her daughter would have the good sense and common decency to end the affair before the wedding.

There was a knock at her bedroom door.

“Joe, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Mariella grinned, offering her cheek to Joe Reynolds, their family’s longtime friend and her husband’s business partner. “Don’t you look dapper.”

He was incredibly handsome in a black Tom Ford tuxedo with black satin lapels and a pair of gleaming black patent leather shoes. His citrus cologne was enticing.

“I was hoping to escort you to the party.”

“That would be lovely.” A surprising warmth filled Mariella’s cheeks. “Thank you, Joe.”

“Hate to break into this...” Lane gestured between them, not finishing his statement or bothering to hide his sneer at Joe. He turned his attention to Mariella. “But your nephew Gabe is calling.”

“Must be about the party.” Mariella took the phone, answering it. Gabe was at El Acantilado, their flagship restaurant, to ensure that her instructions for the party had been carried out, down to the last detail. “Gabe, is everything all right?”

“Everything looks magnificent, Tía. You will be very pleased.” She could hear the grin in Gabe’s voice. “I just wanted to assure you of that, so you won’t worry. I want you to enjoy yourself tonight as a guest. Leave everything to Teresa and me.”

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