London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 44. Alex

It's like I'm in a dream. Everything is changing so fast that I don't have time to orient myself. Therefore, I just abstract from all these emotional experiences and focus on pleasant events. It's only one week until Janine and Tyler's wedding. Girls and I prepared an unforgettable bachelorette party for her, so that our red-haired beauty would say goodbye to her single life in the best possible way.

Despite all our misunderstandings with Stella, we still found common ground with her for a higher purpose. And thank goodness we have about five other people with us (childhood friends and Janine's sisters) which dilute our duet, so she minimally annoys me. And even though she periodically sends out hairpins like phrases about Daniel's new crush, I brush it off and switch the topic, not letting her revel in a sense of superiority.

On X day, Stella and I meet Janine at her house. She stands, shifting from foot to foot, looking at us expectantly.

- I'm getting scared, - she says, smiling. - What are you up to? And what's with the mystery?

I pull out a beautifully designed roll of paper and Stella turns on the camera.

- Do you solemnly swear to participate in everything that is ahead of you today? Not backing down, not saying "oh, I won't/I can't do it/I'm scared" and so on? Do you swear to trust your friends and have a great day, evening and night? Do you swear to live a single life with dignity?

Janine bursts out laughing, which almost makes us laugh too, but we still keep a serious look.

- Do I have a choice? - She asks. - I swear.

I hand her the roll and we get in the car. As Stella pulls out in the direction of the first location, Janine unwraps the parcel. We've written her the sluttiest advice on how to lead a family life. She runs her eyes over the lines and laughs out loud.

- Where are we going? - she asks. I hand her a postcard with a view of Italy.

- If you can't fly to the Italy you've been dreaming of, Italy will come to you, baby, - Stella exclaims cheerfully as she parks the car. - Come on, they're already waiting for us.

We enter the building. The cooking class we've chosen for her should set the mood. The girls are already waiting for us. When we enter, they put a chef's cap on Janine with a veil and start hugging her. And then he walks into the room.

This Italian can smell lust, passion, charisma and something else from a mile away that turns women's minds to mush. Literally. His brown eyes wander over us as his hand outlines the borders of his chin. I seem to have forgotten my name... My palms are sweating. Judging by the girls, I'm not the only one who was impressed by the Italian.

- Good afternoon, ladies. - he says with a distinct accent. - I know it's a special day for a special lady. My name is Vittorio Bonelli and today I will be your chef. I have been told that the lovely bride is in love with Italy, so today we will be cooking national dishes. I promise, they will give you real pleasure.

- You better give, - I hear a quiet sigh from one of Janine's friends and laugh. - Oh my goodness, also without the ring...

- Today you will be preparing, under my supervision, risotto, caprese salad, and for dessert, crispy cannoli rolls. Please take your places in pairs and put on your aprons. We'll be starting in a few minutes.

I must say, Vittorio knows his business very well. He's very polite, patient and helpful. Of course, some of the girls need his help most of the time, which can't help but amuse. Gina, Janine's sister, flaps her eyelashes so desperately, asks questions with and without, just to the hot Italian wouldn't budge.

Two hours fly by in one breath. And I have to admit, the dishes are very, very tasty. During dinner, we hand the bride a new card with palm trees and the ocean.