It was the middle of the day in the States and Mandi decided to give Sophia a call and find out how things were going at the gallery. She called the gallery number.
“How’s it going, Sophia?”
“Fantastic, Mandi. Andre and I are having an incredible week. I cannot believe how much is happening. It’s so exciting.”
“I can practically see you glowing through the phone. I bet if I Facetimed you from this iPhone I’d see something on your face.”
“Maybe,” Sophia said, laughing merrily. Mandi knew that laugh. It was the I’ve had sex with a guy I’m very attracted to laugh.
“Was it all you expected?” Mandi asked.
“And more.”
“Good for you. I hope it works out.”
“We’ll see.”
“So how is everything going at the gallery?”
“Great. Andre sold a couple of your paintings. He was so good. The couples that came in didn’t stand a chance after he got talking to them. He’s a natural.”
“Fantastic. Maybe I’ll just stay in Rome for a few weeks and let you guys take care of the gallery. It seems like you do a better job than me.”
“Is Sergio being attentive to you?” Sophia asked.
“Very. He’s out taking care of details for the celebration tonight and I’m getting the royal treatment—massage, manicure, pedicure, and hair is coming up next. He took me shopping too. I always thought you were the master shopper, but your brother gives you a run for your money.”
“He went shopping with you? Now that’s a first.”
“Lucky me.”
“Well Mandi, I’ve got to get going. I have something to do.”
“Or someone,” Mandi joked. Sophia laughed, making Mandi laugh too. She had it bad. And you have it bad too!
“Oh, I almost forgot. Some guy named Leroy called for you and left a number. He said he met you at the auction.”
“I cannot recall him right now, but that was a busy and hectic night.”
“He said something about being interested in the gallery and your mother’s artwork. I’m not so sure it’s either of those. When it rains men it pours for you, Mandi.”
“I don’t think I’m built to handle more than one man at a time.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re trying to handle Sergio. I cannot wait to hear how your trip went when you get back. Hopefully you don’t hold back on me.”
“We’ll see,” Mandi teased.
“Okay, now I really have to go,” Sophia said. The two said quick goodbyes and she hung up.
Mandi went and took her shower and waited for the hair stylist to arrive so she could put Mandi’s hair in a formal up-do. She was starting to get nervous from anticipation about the night at the celebration and being Sergio’s date for such an extravagant affair.
Chapter 13
Mandi had just finished getting into her lovely gown and putting her make-up on when Sergio walked into the room. He had his tuxedo in a garment bag and it was slung over his shoulder.
“Hi Sergio. So what do you think?” Mandi asked, twirling around to give him a chance to fully assess her appearance.
“You look absolutely scrumptious and sexy. If we didn’t have to go anywhere I’d be taking that dress right off you right now.”
“Maybe you can do that later,” Mandi suggested.
It didn’t take Sergio long to get ready and when he was dressed Mandi admired how dashing he looked in his Armani tux with emerald studs and cufflinks. His bowtie was black and he tied it masterfully. Mandi watched with fascination. She’d never really had a chance to watch a man get prepared for such an extravagant outing before and Sergio made it look effortless. He certainly didn’t need the amount of time that Mandi needed, and she wasn’t even particularly high maintenance.
It was now 6:00 and the family’s limousine was out in the driveway, waiting for Diedre, Marcel, and their kids, plus Sergio and Mandi to take them to the celebration. It was exciting and everyone looked so happy and excited for the evening, which promised to be special.
Everyone laughed and chatted merrily as they made their way to the St. Regis Grand, where a ballroom had been rented out for the evening. As the limousine pulled up Mandi couldn’t believe her eyes. Ornate golden statues adorned the front and the building was perfectly accented by lighting that made it look like it was from a fairytale. That made sense to her because she thought everything seemed like a fairytale anyways.
Once inside the ballroom, things got even more beautiful. There were not rooms that looked like this in New York City, at least that Mandi had seen, and it was incredible to see everyone there, celebrating and enjoying the day. Sergio had also shown his workers what a generous boss he was by closing the factory early that day and getting rooms in the hotel for all the families that were attending. The thought of how much it must have cost made Mandi’s head spin because she still couldn’t grasp what life as a billionaire was like, although she was starting to get a pretty good idea.
The night started out with an amazing string orchestra playing soft Italian classics while dinner was served, and then moved on into Sergio giving everyone a heartfelt thank you speech for what they’d all done to help ensure that La Bella Donna was a high end name that was taken seriously in the fashion world. Everyone clapped and cheered, and Mandi was sure that she saw a glimmer of a tear forming in Sergio’s eyes. He really did care for these people and it was obvious to see that they cared for him too.
All the employees present, which totaled two hundred, were given a token of gratitude from the Leon family too. It was a round gold coin with a 50 on one side and La Bella Donna on the other. Mandi couldn’t believe it and she knew enough about gold to see that it was at least 18 carat gold, if not 24 carat, which was pure gold.
A few other people spoke before and after Sergio, but the more lively fun and dancing portion of the night commenced. Mandi and Sergio danced fast and pressed their bodies together dancing slow. It was so much fun, and Mandi couldn’t have been happier. Sergio was so attentive to her, always having his hand on the small of her back, which happened to be rather distracting because his touch still sent jolts through her.
So many kind people came up and spoke to Mandi in their best English possible, telling her how much they appreciate and adored Mr. Leon. He’d saved the town and many people’s livelihoods; they’d be forever grateful.