The arrival in Venice

It was almost 3 o'clock as they drove through Mestra on the mainland side of the causeway to Venice. They were both feeling very hungry as they had skipped lunch all together. Ryan had suggested that they stop in Verona and get something to eat and even perhaps play tourist and go and check out Juliet's balcony but Marissa would have none of it. She had informed him that she wasn't leaving the car until they got to Venice. Ryan had reluctantly agreed … he didn't really have much choice since she was adamant … and so they had continued on.

Once they reached Mestra, Marissa called Cathy to tell them where they were and Cathy told them to continue on to the car park and she'd have Tony meet them there with the hotel's private launch. Marissa directed Ryan to continue on and go over the causeway and Ryan got his first glimpse of the waters of the lagoon with the island or more correctly islands in the distance. He was surprised by just how far out in to the lagoon the town actually stood. He couldn't help but wonder who would have ever decided to build something there in the first place? The causeway was over 3 miles long and as they got closer and closer, Marissa directed him to follow the signs to the Piazzale Roma car park and from there they would go by launch up the Grand Canal and to the hotel.

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After the phone call Cathy was so excited she was running around in circles. She quickly dispatched Tony to collect Ryan and Marissa and then called Kirsten to let her know that the guests of honour had finally arrived in Venice and to get her to make sure that none of the other guests wandered out of their hotel for the next little while. At least until she gave the all clear. The last thing they needed was for Ryan to see one of their friends strolling along by one of the canals. It would give the game up completely.

For Cathy the day had dragged on terribly waiting for Ryan and Marissa. She had stood at the reception desk watching the time tick by … getting more and more anxious with each passing moment; scared that they would somehow get held up and all her great plans would be for nothing. She hadn't been able to go to the island and help with the decorations because she was scared that they would arrive when she was missing. But it looked like it may just actually come together.

The other wedding guests had all just recently returned from Burano where they had all been enlisted by Julie to help with the decorations in the church. Cathy hadn't seen it yet but she'd been assured by Kirsten that it was beautiful. The dress was hanging in a small room at the side of the chapel. The flowers had been delivered. The cake was ready and waiting. It seemed that there was nothing else to be done but for the bride and groom to actually get ready and turn up.

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Ryan gazed around in wonder as Tony pointed out various points of interest along the way. Even though he'd seen Venice many times on television and in movies nothing had prepared Ryan for it and the feeling of the exuberance of life as the myriad of boats moved up and down the waterway. It almost seemed as if the city was floating … as if it had been built on top of the water … he was amazed. The Grand Canal was like a major freeway. There were boats of all shapes and sizes buzzing around and transporting people from one end of the town to the other. The water buses, water taxis and gondolas all vied for position and as Tony pulled the launch up to a halt for them to disembark by the hotel Ryan couldn't help but wish that the trip had taken longer.

Marissa smiled as she watched Ryan's expression change as each new bend in the canal brought something new. She had known that he would love it. The architecture was amazing. But even she hadn't been expecting the look of sheer joy that had taken residence on his face. He was like a small child in Fantasyland.

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Cathy saw the boat pull up and ran to the door. She tried to remain cool calm and collected but it was a lost cause. As soon as Marissa had her feet firmly on land, Cathy couldn't help but launch her self at her friend and take her in a big hug almost knocking her back into the boat that she'd just left. She was just so excited that they were finally here. After being introduced to Ryan, who she also had to hug, (she figured he was a hunk so why not make the most of the opportunities that presented themselves) she escorted them inside and once all of the pleasantries had been exchanged she escorted them to their room, a magnificent suite on the top floor that looked over the Grand Canal towards the Piazza San Marco. Ryan stood at the window gazing out. He felt like he could stay there for months watching the constantly changing scene in front of him and he would never get bored. No wonder celebrated writers had often chosen Venice to take up residence. It was if the constant hubbub would always keep you stimulated. He imagined that wandering the streets it would be easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of life around you.

Cathy was preparing to make her polite farewells knowing that the couple would want some time alone together but after Marissa informed her that they hadn't yet eaten, she offered to have a light snack brought up to the room. Not enough to spoil their dinner she assured them, but just enough to see them through until then.

Marissa thanked her and while Ryan was still busy looking out the window she leant in towards Cathy and whispered. "Is everything under control?"

Cathy nodded and gave the thumbs up.

Marissa smiled. She'd been trying to think positively that everything would all fall into place but until now she had been having her doubts. But if Cathy said that everything was okay then she knew that it was. "What time are our dinner reservations?" Marissa asked Cathy, this time in a voice loud enough for Ryan to hear.

"I made them for 6:30 but as you know it does take quite a while to get there. It's probably best if you're ready about 5:30 and then Tony should be able to get you there in plenty of time."

"Thanks." Marissa replied. "We'll be ready. I've been looking forward to this. I had been hoping to be here early enough to get my hair done. Do you think that is still possible or am I too late?" she asked trying to sound innocent.

"I'm sure that we could sort something out." Cathy replied realising from the look that Marissa was giving her that she was looking not only to have her hair done but also for a way to have some time away from Ryan to finalise all the plans.

Marissa smiled as Cathy nodded to acknowledge that she had picked up on Marissa's signal. Thank goodness that Ryan was still enchanted with the view below them or he may have realised that something was going on.

"Is there any chance of Ryan checking his email while I'm away? His laptop is still back in Paris and he'd like to check to see if anything important has come up at work while we've been away." Marissa asked.

Ryan turned as he heard his name mentioned and Cathy looked at him and laughed. "I'm not sure that I should let you near a computer. You're supposed to be on your honeymoon. Surely you can find better things to do?" she asked teasing them.

Marissa quickly replied. "Oh. Don't worry. We've been doing plenty of that. Haven't we?" she looked across at Ryan as he blushed.

Cathy may have been a good friend of Marissa's but to Ryan it seemed that she was talking about their love life to a stranger … although a very friendly stranger. "I think it's best if I don't answer that in case the evidence can be used against me." Ryan replied.

"Oh. Don't worry. The glow on Marissa's face is all the answer I need. Mind you the glow on your face right now is pretty cute too." Cathy teased as she made her way to the door. "I'll send up some food and a laptop … we've got a wireless network so you can just fire away" she informed Ryan and then turned to Marissa. "And whenever you're ready just come downstairs and we'll see what we can organise as far as your hair goes. I'll make a few calls." She added.

Marissa smiled. She knew that no calls would be needed. Cathy had been a hairdresser back in the states before she even came to Italy and met Tony. She would do Marissa 's hair in no time and Marissa would be able to catch up on all the arrangements at the same time. "Thanks, Cathy. I'll be down soon."

"Okay. Just don't leave it too long. Remember you have to be ready to leave by 5:30." Cathy remarked as she closed the door behind her.