Page 103 of Blitzing Emily

Meg and Suzanne didn’t seem to care that Amy was exceeding every posted speed limit in the state as she took the freeway entrance to Seattle.

“Hey, weirdo, slow down, will you?” Emily said.

“You have to be there on time. This bridal salon takes appointments six months in advance. If you’re even ten minutes late, they’ll turn you away, and you’ll end up buying a gown at the thrift shop.”

Amy reached out to pat her sister’s hand. Emily’s other hand was clutching the armrest. Suzanne and Meg were chatting away like they’d known each other since childhood. They’d been discussing the plans for Brandon and Emily’s wedding for the past twenty minutes, with no signs of letting up anytime soon.

“Suzanne, wait till you see the church. It’s about a mile and a half away from Brandon’s house. The view of Lake Washington from the sanctuary is stunning. They also have a choir loft, which would be great for a string quartet.”

“Oh, I agree. I booked the reception space two weeks ago, so that’s all set. They’re doing a tasting later this afternoon for us. They don’t bake cakes on premises, but they have a list of bakeries they recommend. I was surprised there don’t seem to be a lot of groom’s cakes served here. They’re a must-have in New Orleans ...”

Amy glanced over at Emily while swerving around a Jaguar driven by someone who had the temerity to obey the posted speed limit on the 520 bridge to Seattle. “If there’s something you especially want at your own wedding, you might speak up now.”

AMY PULLED UPin front of Emerald City Bridal eleven minutes later with a Washington State Trooper on her tail.

“Mom, Suzanne, go ahead and go inside so Emily doesn’t lose her appointment,” she said.

A tall police officer in reflective aviator sunglasses was making his way to Amy’s window. “Are you nuts?” Emily said. “Stay in the car, or he’ll shoot us! Amy, I can’t believe you—”

“Amy Margaret Hamilton, how many times have you been pulled over this year?” Meg said.

“He’ll just give me a ticket. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“License and registration, please,” the officer said.

“Will you please let my sister go inside the salon while I talk with you? She’s about to lose her appointment.”

The officer pulled off his sunglasses and regarded Amy with disbelief. “How fast were you going when you took the exit, Miss Hamilton?”

“It’s not good when they already know your name,” Suzanne said in a low voice.

“I’m not sure. I just know we’re about to be late. I’m really sorry, officer. If I promise not to do it again and sign the ticket, will you let them go inside?”

He took the license and registration out of Amy’s hand. “I ran your plate. You’ve been pulled over four times already this year. You managed to charm your way out of a ticket all four times.”

“Well—uh—”

“Do you know how dangerous speeding is? What about your passengers? How is your sister going to keep her appointment when she’s dead?” The officer propped both hands on his hips. “Fine. You ladies can go inside. Miss Hamilton, you and I need to have a talk about your behavior behind the wheel, and this time, you’re getting a ticket. Plus traffic school.”

Meg and Suzanne hopped out of the van. Emily turned to her sister, who was receiving a blistering lecture on how many accident scenes Officer Hottie had witnessed in his fifteen-year career as a trooper.

“Do you need me to stay?”

“No. I’ll be in in a few minutes,” Amy said. “Go.”

Emily grabbed her handbag, hurried into the store, and almost bumped into Meg and Suzanne. They were still staring at the opulence. All four walls were covered with racks of plastic-covered bridal gowns. A raised dais in the middle of the store was surrounded by 180 degrees of mirrors. A sumptuously upholstered couch sat a few feet from the dais for observation. The lighting was indirect, the classical music was soft, and all sounds were muffled by pale carpeting with the thickest pad known to mankind.

Emily spotted an ice bucket with an unopened bottle of champagne and four glasses on the low glass table in front of the couch. She could use a glass right now.

“So many beautiful dresses,” Meg said.

“I’m enjoying this already,” Suzanne responded.

A young woman in head-to-toe black and pearls approached them. “Ladies. It’s wonderful to have you here. I’m Nicole. Who’s our beautiful bride?”

Emily extended her hand to shake Nicole’s. “That’s me.”

“Why don’t we have a seat, and we can discuss what kind of dress you’re looking for. Also, do you have a budget in mind?”

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