Chapter 448 - Lake Como

Chapter 448: Chapter 448 - Lake Como

Roxie had seen pictures of Lake Como before, but they hadn’t prepared her for the actual place.

She lowered her sunglasses as the black Mercedes turned onto a narrow road lined with stone walls, wrought iron gates, and old houses covered in flowering vines. Beyond the trees, she caught glimpses of the lake, its blue water stretching between mountains dotted with villas and small towns.

"Jesus Christ," she murmured, leaning closer to the window.

Angela looked up from her phone. "What?"

"Look at that house."

Angela followed her gaze toward a pale yellow villa sitting above the water, with arched windows, balconies, and a private dock where two boats were moored.

"Oh, that’s pretty."

"Pretty? Angela, that thing probably costs more than our entire building."

Karen glanced through the window. "I actually looked at property prices around here once."

Roxie turned toward her. "Why?"

"Curiosity."

"How expensive?"

Karen smiled. "Enough."

"That’s a very annoying answer."

Angela laughed before pointing toward another property farther along the shore. "Oh my God, look at that one! It has a garden going all the way down to the lake."

Roxie leaned forward to get a better look. There were houses everywhere, some painted in warm shades of yellow and pink, others built from pale stone with green shutters and terraces covered in flowers. Several had small boats tied to private docks, while others stood so close to the water that their balconies seemed to extend over it.

Even the road was beautiful, although she was beginning to wonder how the driver managed to maneuver such an expensive car through streets that barely seemed wide enough for two vehicles.

They had landed in Milan earlier that afternoon, collected their luggage, and climbed into the private car Kendall had arranged for them. After spending most of the flight sleeping against Angela’s shoulder, Roxie had been grateful to avoid figuring out how to get to the hotel herself.

Her phone had also been blessedly quiet. Before leaving New York, she’d spoken with the lawyer Karen recommended and forwarded the initial correspondence from Crestline. He’d promised to review the documents as they arrived, and Roxie had made herself stop checking her email every twenty minutes.

She was in Italy. She could spend at least one afternoon looking at something besides her inbox.

The car slowed as they approached a set of tall gates, and Roxie sat up when she spotted the name mounted beside them.

Villa d’Este.

"Wait. This is our hotel?"

Angela looked delighted. "I told you it was gorgeous."

"You told me everything was gorgeous."

"And was I wrong?"

"Apparently not."

The gates opened, and the car continued along a driveway bordered by manicured hedges and enormous trees. A grand building appeared ahead, its pale walls, rows of tall windows, and balconies overlooking an expansive courtyard.

Several luxury cars were parked near the entrance, where uniformed attendants greeted arriving guests. A woman wearing an enormous hat stepped out of a limousine while another attendant hurried forward to help her.

"Oh, Kendall," Roxie murmured. "You never fail my expectations."

Karen laughed. "What?"

"Of course she’d choose somewhere like this."

"Would you expect anything less?"

"Absolutely not. I’m surprised she didn’t demand that Italy build her a separate hotel."

Angela giggled as the driver pulled to a stop. Roxie reached for her suitcase, but an attendant had already opened the trunk and was transferring their luggage onto a trolley.

"Your bags will be delivered to your rooms, signorina," he told her.

"Oh. Thank you."

Angela stepped out of the car wearing a fitted white top, a short floral skirt, and strappy heels, her soft curls falling over her shoulders. Karen followed in cream trousers and a sleeveless black blouse, adjusting her handbag before leading them toward the entrance.

Inside, marble floors extended beneath tall columns and painted ceilings. Chandeliers hung above antique furniture arranged around carved tables, while fresh flowers filled large vases near the windows overlooking the gardens.

Angela had already stopped beside one of the columns, examining the decorative details near the ceiling.

Roxie glanced up.

"How old is this place?"

"Really old."

"Thank you, architect. Very informative."

Angela laughed. "I haven’t read about the building yet, but if you want, I can tell you about the design and architectural influences."

Roxie remembered the time she’d spent an entire hour listening to Angela talk about a beam.

She immediately hurried toward reception.

"Karen! Wait for me."

Angela laughed behind her.

Near the reception desk, a woman in a floor-length dress passed with a tiny dog tucked beneath her arm, while two attendants carried several suitcases for a man who was speaking into his phone.

Roxie leaned toward Karen.

"Are we sure Kendall invited us to a wedding and not some international gathering of billionaires?"

Karen glanced around. "Knowing Kendall? Probably both."

A few minutes later, Karen returned with their room information and three cream envelopes bearing their names in gold lettering.

"Kendall left these for us."

Roxie opened hers and found a printed itinerary, along with a small card bearing Kendall and Kyle’s names.

Welcome to Lake Como!

Welcome drinks and dinner tonight at seven. Dress beautifully.

And please be on time.

Roxie read the final instruction twice.

"Please be on time," she repeated. "God, I can actually hear her saying that."

Karen snorted.

Angela was already examining the itinerary.

"Oh, they’re having a boat excursion tomorrow!"

Roxie looked at the schedule. Tonight was the welcome dinner, tomorrow included a boat excursion and lunch, and the wedding ceremony would take place the following afternoon, with cocktails and a reception afterward.

"Three days?" Roxie asked.

Karen nodded. "We’re staying four nights."

"Four nights of Kendall telling people where to stand?"

"Pretty much."

They followed a staff member upstairs, passing tall windows overlooking the gardens. Their rooms were located near one another, and Roxie discovered that hers had a private balcony facing the lake.

She set her handbag on the bed and walked straight toward the glass doors.

"Oh, wow."

Beyond the balcony, the water stretched between green mountains and small towns scattered along the opposite shore. Boats moved across the lake, leaving pale trails behind them, and below her, guests were sitting beneath umbrellas near the waterfront.

Roxie leaned against the railing, watching a small motorboat approach one of the private docks. The afternoon sunlight was beginning to soften, and she could hear faint conversations coming from the gardens below.

Okay. Angela had been right about the hotel.

She stayed outside for several minutes before returning to unpack and shower.

By the time she finished getting ready, the sun had begun to lower over the lake.

Roxie chose a fitted deep green dress that fell just below her knees, with thin straps and a neckline that showed just enough cleavage to make Angela happy. She added gold earrings, brushed her red hair, and checked her appearance in the mirror.

For once, she looked like someone who was actually on vacation.

Her phone vibrated.

We’re outside.

Roxie picked up her evening bag and opened the door.

Karen stood in the hallway wearing a black satin dress with a slit along one leg. Her sleek bob was tucked behind one ear, and she’d made her dark eye makeup slightly heavier for the evening.

Angela wore a pale champagne dress with a low neckline and a fitted bodice that showed off her figure. Her soft curls fell over her shoulders, and she was carrying a tiny designer handbag.

Roxie looked between them.

"Jesus. Are we attending a wedding or looking for husbands?"

Angela smiled. "Both?"

Karen examined Roxie’s dress.

"Finally. You wore the green one."

"You’re welcome."

Angela stepped forward and adjusted one of Roxie’s straps.

"You look so pretty! Your red hair looks amazing with that dress."

"Thank you. You look hot."

Angela struck a pose.

"I know. Thank you."

Karen checked the time.

"Can we go? Kendall specifically said seven."

Roxie groaned. "It’s six fifty-five."

"Exactly."

"Karen, if we arrive five minutes late, what’s she going to do? Kick us out of Italy?"

"She’ll complain about it for the next ten years."

"Fair point."

They made their way downstairs and followed the signs toward the terrace where the welcome dinner was being held.

Music drifted through the open doors, accompanied by conversations and the occasional sound of laughter. Outside, long tables covered in white linens had been arranged beneath strings of warm lights, with crystal glasses, polished silverware, white roses, and tall candles.

Servers moved between guests carrying trays of champagne, while several people stood near the stone balustrade taking photographs of the lake. The last sunlight was reflected across the water, and lights were beginning to appear in the villas along the opposite shore.

Roxie slowed beside Angela.

"Okay, this is ridiculous."

Angela grinned. "I know!"

"Do you think Kendall personally approved every flower?"

"Probably," Karen answered.

They stepped farther onto the terrace, and Roxie immediately recognized a woman standing near one of the cocktail tables.

"Oh my God!"

"Ava?" Roxie exclaimed.

Ava hurried toward her, smiling broadly before throwing her arms around her.

"Roxie!"

Roxie laughed and hugged her back.

"Hi! Oh my God, look at you!"

Ava pulled away, still smiling. Her hair was longer than Roxie remembered, falling in soft waves over the shoulders of her pale blue dress. She had the same bright expression Roxie remembered from high school, and within seconds she was hugging Karen and Angela as well.

"I can’t believe you’re actually here!" Ava said. "Kendall told everyone you couldn’t come."

"I couldn’t. Then my employer decided I needed a vacation."

Ava frowned. "What?"

"Long story. I’ll tell you later."

"Well, I’m happy you made it! Come on. Everyone’s over there."

She led them toward a cluster of tables near the edge of the terrace, where two familiar women were sitting with their drinks.

Roxie recognized Tori immediately.

The blonde was wearing a fitted burgundy dress, her hair falling straight down her back. She was looking at something on her phone when Ava called her name.

"Tori, look who’s here!"

Tori glanced up, and her eyebrows rose when she saw Roxie.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up!"

Roxie grinned. "Missed me?"

"Maybe a little. Don’t get excited."

Roxie laughed as Tori stood and stepped closer, looking her over.

"You look good, Roxie. I see New York’s treating you well."

"Thanks. You too."

Roxie noticed Marissa sitting beside Tori in a lavender dress that stretched over her rounded stomach.

"Marissa?"

Marissa looked up from her drink and smiled.

"Hi, Captain."

Roxie’s eyes widened.

"Oh my God. You’re pregnant!"

Marissa laughed and rested a hand against her stomach.

"Six months."

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you."

"Holy shit. I leave you people alone for ten years and suddenly everyone’s getting married and having babies."

"Some of us have been productive," Tori remarked.

Roxie gave her a look.

"Some of us have jobs."

Tori laughed, and Marissa gestured toward the empty chairs.

"Sit down. You all look exhausted."

"Thank you," Roxie said, taking the seat beside her. "Finally, someone with manners."

Marissa smiled.

"Give me a few minutes. I’ve been sitting beside Tori all afternoon."

"Hey!" Tori protested.

Karen laughed as Ava pulled out a chair beside Roxie.

Roxie accepted a glass of champagne from a passing server and settled back, listening as Ava asked about New York and Angela complimented Marissa’s dress.

It felt strangely easy sitting with them again. She’d expected some awkwardness after so many years, but Ava was still just as welcoming, Tori had greeted them with her usual remarks, and Marissa seemed perfectly comfortable joining their conversation.

"Where’s Kendall anyway?" Angela asked, looking around the terrace.

Tori glanced toward the entrance.

"Probably still arguing with the wedding planner."

Karen raised an eyebrow.

"About what?"

"Flowers, last I heard."

Ava smiled.

"She wants everything to be perfect."

"She made someone replace an entire arrangement because it was ivory instead of white," Tori explained.

Roxie laughed into her champagne.

"God help the florist."

"Actually," Marissa said, "the flowers were supposed to be white. Kendall showed me the pictures."

Tori turned toward her.

"You’re defending her?"

"I’m just saying she was right."

Roxie grinned.

"Careful, Marissa. You’ll be promoted to assistant bridezilla."

Marissa laughed.

"I’ve already been helping her all morning. I think I qualify."

A familiar voice came from behind them.

"I can hear every word you’re saying, you know."

Roxie turned.

Kendall stood a few steps away in a fitted white dress that ended just above her knees. Her blonde hair had been styled into loose waves, and sparkling earrings caught the light when she tilted her head.

Tori immediately smiled.

"Hi, bride!"

Kendall narrowed her eyes.

"You’re all enjoying yourselves, I see."

"Immensely," Roxie answered.

Kendall’s gaze moved toward her, and she stopped. For several seconds, she simply stared before her eyes narrowed.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in."

Roxie grinned and lifted her champagne.

"Congratulations, Kendall. I see marriage hasn’t improved your personality."

Kendall crossed her arms.

"And I see fame hasn’t improved your face."

Karen burst out laughing.

Roxie placed a hand against her chest.

"Wow. I’m starting to regret coming."

"Good. There’s still time to leave."

"After seeing how much money you’ve wasted on flowers? Absolutely not. I’m getting your money’s worth."

Kendall rolled her eyes, although Roxie caught the corner of her mouth twitching.

"You told me you couldn’t come."

"I know. But I wanted to see how you torture other people."

"Please. You were just as bad."

Roxie waved her hand.

"Oh, please. No one can ever compare to you."

The other women laughed.

"Just be thankful we got her here," Angela said, taking a sip of her champagne.

Kendall shook her head, but she was smiling now.

"Whatever. You’re here, so you might as well enjoy yourself."

Roxie lifted her champagne.

"I intend to."

"Just behave during the ceremony."

"At your wedding? Never."

Kendall rolled her eyes before looking toward Karen and Angela.

"And you two could’ve warned me she was coming."

Angela smiled innocently.

"We wanted it to be a surprise."

"Congratulations. You’ve ruined my evening."

Karen raised her glass.

"You’re welcome."

Kendall gave her an unimpressed look before checking the time on her phone. Her expression changed, and she glanced toward the entrance.

Roxie noticed.

"What’s wrong?"

"The missing groom was supposed to be here twenty minutes ago."

Tori smiled.

"Maybe he’s having second thoughts."

Kendall gave her a warning look.

"Very funny."

"I’m kidding!"

"He said he’d be back before the guests arrived."

Roxie glanced toward the entrance.

"Maybe he’s with the guys."

"He is with the guys. That’s the problem."

Kendall slipped her phone back into her handbag.

"If he doesn’t get here in the next five minutes, I’m going to kill him."

"That’s concerning," Roxie remarked. "You’re supposed to be marrying him."

"I can do both."

Karen laughed.

A male voice came from behind them.

"Actually, I’m starting to wonder about that."

Kendall turned so quickly that Roxie nearly laughed.

A tall man stood a few feet away in a light linen suit, the top buttons of his shirt undone and a broad smile on his face. He looked older than Roxie remembered, his shoulders broader and his features more mature, but she recognized him immediately.

Kyle.

"You’re late," Kendall announced.

Kyle glanced at his watch.

"Twenty-three minutes. I figured I’d give you the extra three to really get angry."

Tori laughed as Kyle approached Kendall, slipped an arm around her waist, and pulled her against him.

"Missed me, sweetheart?"

"You’re unbelievable."

"I’ve been told."

He kissed her cheek, smiling when she finally rested a hand against his chest.

Roxie watched them with amusement. Apparently, Kyle had gotten considerably better at handling Kendall over the years.

He looked around the table.

"Hey, everyone. Glad you could all make it."

"Congratulations, Kyle!" Ava said.

The others raised their glasses, and Kyle thanked them while Kendall made another comment about his punctuality.

Then his gaze moved toward Roxie.

He stopped smiling for a moment, clearly surprised.

"Wait a minute."

Roxie grinned.

Kyle stared at her before breaking into a broad smile.

"Roxie Jones?"