Damn it. When you put it like that, it really doesn’t seem like a big deal. I bite my thumb as I ponder what my rebuttal should be. Surely Antonio would never agree to this. When I look over at him, his eyes are already on me.
He takes a deep breath. “Amelia—”
“I almost died, Tony. You saved my life.” Amelia looks down at her hands and then delivers the final blow that will seal our fate. “Mom would want you to go,” she whispers.
All heads in the room bow, and shoulders slump.
The ultimate trump card. Antonio and Amelia’s late mother, Anna.
We all know there’s no fighting this, and Amelia knows it too, given the tiny smirk she’s so desperately trying to hide.
I run my hands through my hair, then place them on my hips. After taking a few deep breaths, I nod and wave at Antonio. “Well?” I ask expectantly.
Antonio closes his eyes and groans. When he straightens, he looks at me and nods.
We all turn toward Amelia.
“So, babe, where are we sending these two misfits off to?” Evan asks.
A mischievous grin takes over her face. “Buckle up, you two. You’re spending New Year’s Eve in the Dominican Republic.”
2
Nikki
I thought flyingprivate meant I wouldn’t have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn.
Yet here I am at six a.m., being driven into the private airport entrance by Evan’s driver, Teddy.
“What’s the point of being rich if you can’t even sleep in?” I mumble mostly to myself, but Teddy chuckles.
“Miss Amelia wanted to make sure you got the most out of your trip, and leaving this early means you’ll get there before lunchtime.”
I look out the window, and I can’t lie. Leaving cold and dreary New York City for the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic isn’t a hard sell. Even if I have to share the plane ride with Mr. Satan’s Spawn himself.
When I got home yesterday, I had no idea that Amelia meant that we would be leavingthe next day. Color me surprised when there was a knock on my door later that evening. It was one of Bergdorf Goodman’s personal shoppers. I knew Evan had a lady named Maribel who worked wonders there, but I’d forgotten that he had the kind of pull that could bring people to your doorstep. The woman introduced herself, took my measurements quickly, and left me with cute new carry-on luggage.Shewas the one who broke the news that my new wardrobe would be awaiting me on the private jet today and told me that I should only pack my toiletries and essentials in the carry-on.
I immediately called Amelia, but Evan answered. Apparently, after planning our entire trip in record time, Amelia passed out for the rest of the day, thanks to her pain killers. Evan filled me in on the rest, and now, here I am.
We pull up next to a plane, and Jesus Christ, Amelia was not exaggerating when she said Evan’s jet was huge.
I’m still gawking at the monstrosity as Teddy opens my door with a knowing smile. “Your chariot awaits, Ms. Nikki.”
I accept his extended hand and get out of the SUV. After taking a deep breath, I decide that this trip will be one to remember. And I can reel in the verbal ass-whooping I was planning on giving my bestie for giving me less than twenty-four hours to prepare for it.
I watch as a male flight attendant makes his way up the stairs of the plane with my luggage already in tow.
I smile at the red carpet leading up to the stairs and shake my head.
“Okay, let’s blow this popsicle stand. Thanks for the ride, Teddy.” He tries to shake my hand, but I pull him in for a bear hug. I’ve pinned his upper arms to his side, so he has no other recourse than to awkwardly pat my back.
“Have a nice trip. I’ll be here to pick you up when you’re back.” With a small salute, Teddy turns around and opens the driver’s side door.
“Welcome, Ms. Nikki. We’re ready for you to board.” I turn around to see a cute blond flight attendant. Her hair and makeup are impeccable. What time did she get up to look this put together?
I offer an awkward wave and realize that I have this woman standing in the freezing cold while she waits for me to get a move on.
“Ah, of course. Yep. Super ready! Lead the way, please.” I wave toward the plane.
