Who Wants to Marry a Billionaire? by Emily Stone Page A

approve every outfit before a major event, and
since your parents are letting that hussy of a mother of hers come to the
engagement party, I definitely need to vet that .”
           Daniel
wiped his mouth with the linen napkin and returned it to his lap with an
irritated flap.  “Is it impossible to just have lunch?  Couldn’t you just be
glad that things are working so far?  The engagement has hit the newspapers.  My
parents think it’s genuine.  Nina had been doing an excellent job of hiding
from the paparazzi and being absolutely charming when required.  What is your
problem?”
           Elsa
pushed her salad around with her fork.  “I just have this terrible feeling that
something is going to go wrong.  Why isn’t she returning my calls?  We’re seven
hours away from the start time.”
           “She’s
probably just out getting her hair or nails or something done.  You need to
calm down before you give yourself an aneurysm.”  Daniel discreetly signaled for
the check. 
           “Somehow,
she’s going to sabotage the plan.  Maybe not intentionally, but in the world of
high society, ignorance is not bliss.”
           “Look, my
parents aren’t troubled by her plebian background, so you need to get over it
too.  She’s smart, and she wants things to work.  I mean it is in her
financial best interest.”  
           “I know—I
know Daniel.  It’s your best interests, though, that I care about.”
           “Well, I
don’t think Nina is bringing any clowns or donkeys with her, so how bad could
it be?”
           Elsa
stabbed a piece of lettuce viciously with her fork.  “Don’t tempt fate Daniel. 
It’s never wise.”
           Daniel
reached across the table and put his hand over Elsa’s, “Look, stop worrying.  
I’m hoping you bought yourself a nice dress and put it on my tab?” 
           “I would
never abuse my privileges like that!”  Elsa looked horrified that Daniel would
suggest such a thing. 
           He looked
at his watch, “Well you have six hours and fifty two minutes to go get yourself
a new dress.  Loosen up Elsa!  It’s a party!  Just because it’s for a fake
engagement, it doesn’t mean people can’t have fun—including you.”  He waggled
his eyebrows at her.  “There will some eligible gentlemen there….”
           “Daniel! 
Really.”
           “I’m just
saying—if your knickers are in a wad, you might miss an opportunity.  Now go
shopping.  Boris is taking me over to the tailor for a final fitting on my
suit, do you want us to drop you off somewhere?”
           “Oh, I
guess Newbury Street.”
           “Fine
then.  Let’s go.”

 
    Chapter Eighteen
     
           “There’s
a Vera Wang metallic sheath dress at La Bella’s that will look amazing on
you.”  Kennedy smiled at Vicki as she examined her fingernails.  “It’s a golden
jacquard print, sleeveless with a high round neckline.  But there’s some
tasteful bling—it has gold crystal beading around the neck.  Fitted bodice,
straight skirt—it’s absolutely gorgeous and you will be the prettiest mother of
the bride, ever.”
           Vicki
patted Nina’s arm.  “How’s that sound doll?”  Along with Rita, they were all
waiting for their polish to dry.  Nina wiggled her toes a little, checking out her
French pedicure.  “Whatever the two of you decide is fine by me.  I trust your
taste, Kennedy.”   Not so much her Mom’s, but Vicki was starting to bloom with
everything going on with the engagement.  Nina had to admit that she had never
seen her mother looking so happy; and Vicki’s fun, bubbly side was starting to
be balanced by a mature sense of responsibility.  She had done a terrific job
of getting Reuben through the worst of his medical procedures, and she seemed
to really want to make up for the hardship she’d caused Nina over the