Fight Left In Me ✔

Chapter 45 - Pink

Jo is hyper the next morning and dances around the house, while Dart laughs at her. They leave food for the cats and drink a cup of coffee. Jo asks: "What did you say to Jake yesterday? Are you okay with being alone with him today?" 

Dart looks into her eyes and says: "I will not repeat what I said to him. But believe me, there were no nice words at first. Jake took it all like a champ though and we always end up on common ground, because we both love you. We want to make you happy. And I really want him there today, because he feels like my brother too." 

Jo smiles and says: "Good. And the Jake and Maria combo is very handy in situations like this. Maria can tell him I picked a yellow dress and then Jake can hint at a yellow tie." 

Dart chuckles and says: "A yellow dress fits your personality for sure. I bet you will look beautiful in it." Jo smiles and kisses him. There's a knock on the door and Jo jumps up to open it. Maria jumps into her arms, almost as excited as Jo is. They jump around together and the guys shake their heads, smiling. 

Jake says: "I guess the girls are ready to go. Are you Dart?" 

Dart says: "Definitely. I wish I could go with the girls though." 

Jake grins and says: "Same here. I might get to see some of it though." 

Jo turns to him and says: "No you won't. I want it to be a surprise for you too." Jake tries to pout and Maria slaps his shoulder. 

"I will keep your secrets Jo, don't worry." She leans over to Jo and whispers: "I talked to the designer. We have an appointment in his atelier this morning." 

Jo's eyes go wider and says: "Really? Thank you!" She kisses Maria on her cheek and they walk out together. The guys follow them and walk up to Jake's car. The girls get in the back seat and talk about Jo's wedding look. The guys listen to the girls with a smile on their faces. Jake stops in front of a wedding dress store and the men help the girls out of the car. Jo kisses Dart and Maria kisses Jake. 

Maria lifts up her phone and says: "We'll stay in touch. Good luck!" They wave at the guys as they drive off and Maria says: "I didn't tell Jake about the designer. So they think we're dress shopping, the regular way. Let's go, the atelier is around the corner."

Maria pulls her into the atelier and a very friendly looking, flamboyant man walks up to them. He kisses Maria on her cheeks and says: "Maria! It's been forever! And you brought Jo to me. I'm so honored." Jo stares at him, too stunned to speak. "Hi Jo, I'm Marcello. There's no need to get stressed about anything. I have seen the campaigns, the magazines, the pictures Maria took and Dirk is a very good friend of mine. And he adores you. Now come sit down and tell me what your dream dress looks like." 

Jo goes silent and Marcello gets ready with paper and pencil. He squints his eyes and sketches Jo's silhouette. Jo says: "I'm not sure I can describe it properly." 

Marcello says: "Yes, you can. Just speak from the heart. What do you like in a wedding dress, how do you want to feel in it?" 

Jo speaks up fast, making sure her brain doesn't have time to catch up and says: "Short in the front, longer in the back, but not touching the ground. Beaded top, sexy but not too sexy. Happy, pretty, not like any dress anyone else has." She takes a breath and Marcello smiles at her. 

"Bravo! Exactly like that!" He concentrates on his sketch and hums as he draws. Jo fidgets with her necklace and waits impatiently. 

Maria smiles at her and whispers: "It will be fine, sweetheart. He understands who you are and is very talented." Marcello looks up at her absentmindedly and mumbles something, before sketching some more. He puts his pencil down and smiles wide, before sliding the sketch over to Jo. Jo looks at the dress he drew and starts to cry. Maria rubs her back and Marcello hands her a box of tissues.