Lib Novel Page 53
Two Weeks Before the Wedding
“A limousine? Who ordered that?” Chelsea asked, looking out the window of the Key Lime Garden Inn.
“I know I didn’t,” Maggie said. “Anyone else?”
“Never mind, look who just stepped out of the backseat.”
Maggie, Ciara, Sarah, Riley and Iris ran to the window.
“Who’s that?” Iris asked.
“Isabella Barlowe. She’s a friend and is going with us,” Chelsea answered.
“Yeah, and your world will never be the same after tonight,” Maggie said.
Isabella came through the front door like a theatre announcer. Her arms stretched out and to the side, she announced her arrival.
“Good evening, Ladies. I’ve brought my friend Carlo to drive us to the Marriott. Is everyone ready?”
“Hello, Isabella,” Maggie said. “I think we’re all here and ready to go.”
“Maggie, dear, is this your beautiful daughter, Sarah? She’s lovely.”
Sarah beamed at the compliment, and Chelsea rolled her eyes.
“Yes, she is. Sarah, this is Sebastian’s wife, Isabella.”
“Nice to meet you, Isabella,” Sarah said.
“And this is my sister-in-law Ciara. Riley and Iris are our two wonderful chefs and good friends.”
“I’m thrilled to meet you all. Now let’s go. The limousine and Carlo awaits.”
The women followed Isabella to the car and one by one they checked out the handsome man holding the door for them. They settled into their plush seats, unable to contain their excitement.
“I’ve never been in a limousine before,” Iris said. “I’ve heard some of them come with a built-in-karaoke machine. I’d love to sing Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Riley burst into laughter. “Why in the world would you pick that song?”
Iris shrugged. “I don’t know. It seems like the right song when you’re holding a microphone.”
The limousine slowly drove through the Sanibel traffic as the women searched every drawer and cabinet looking for treasure. A bottle of champagne sat in ice and Chelsea started handing out glasses, leaving Isabella to open the bottle.
“So, Isabella, tell us, how did you manage to secure this luxurious chariot for our adventure tonight?” Chelsea asked, leaning in with curiosity.
The champagne bottle cap popped off and Isabella began filling the ladies’ glasses. “My dear Chelsea, a woman of my talents always has her ways. Let’s just say I have connections in high places and a flair for negotiations. In other words, I placed a phone call.”
Everyone erupted into laughter as the limousine reached the Sanibel bridge. After a few sips of her drink, Chelsea felt brave and decided to get information on their dashing chauffeur.
“Carlo, is this your full-time job or do you do something else?”
The handsome dark eyes looked into the rearview mirror directly at Chelsea.
“I own this limousine and three more like it,” he said.
No one said a word but there was a collective sigh amongst the women. As they neared the Marriott, Isabella turned to the group, her voice tinged with excitement. “Ladies, prepare yourselves for an evening of music, merriment, and memories that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.”
“Um, Isabella, perhaps you can tone it down a bit. I’m afraid you’ve forgotten who you’re traveling with. It’s best you lower your expectations. It’s just a night out,” Maggie explained.