Page 19 of Love Rewritten

“One more. Then I need food.”

She claps her hands quickly. “Yay! Okay, there’s a black one in there. You can’t decide it’s your favorite just because it's black, but I do think you’ll like it.”

I disappear into the changing room to find said dress. It hangs at the back of the stack. There’s more tulle than I would prefer, but on the hanger, it is gorgeous. As I step into the lace at the top, the rest of the dress bunches on the floor. The skirt reveals large lace florals scattered across the tulle. Two slits stop high on my thighs. The V-neck dips low, almost to my belly button while the spaghetti straps cross my back to leave the rest open. The waistline hugs tighter the further I pull the zipper up the small of my back and the boning in the torso helps keep everything in place.

When I step out, Meredith shields what I assume is a wide-open mouth with her hands. Her eyes crinkle at the corners. She likes this one. Even the store associate has a large smile on her face.

“Abby, that is beautiful on you. Please tell me you like it.” She’s standing now, hands on her cheeks.

I turn to the mirror to get a better look. It is beautiful. I feel pretty in this one. And not just because it’s black. I’ve never been a fan of anything too floral, but I think this one has just the right amount without going overboard. There’s even a hint of sparkle in the skirt. And it’s comfier than the green dress. I feel like I can move in this one without having to keep my arms pinned at my sides.

“I think this one is my favorite. But I haven’t checked the price tag.” It hangs from the zipper at my butt. When I finally see the number, my mouth drops. “Mer, I cannot afford this. We’ve got to go somewhere else.” The store associate offers a small smile, taking a step back from fluffing the skirt of the dress.

Meredith comes up and checks the tag but only smiles at me. “It’s not that bad.”

“I have other things to pay for that are more important than this dress.”

She sighs. “Can I at least get a picture first?”

Once she takes her picture and we leave the unruly expensive store, I finally relax as I eat the burrito I ordered. No way could I ever convince myself to spend that much money on a single dress.

After we finish eating, she leads me into a much more reasonably priced store, and I manage to find a simple, black floor-length dress with a halter top.

“Thank you for humoring me,” Meredith says as we walk back to the parking lot. I shove my new dress into my backpack when I reach my bike. “Please hang that up when you get home. That fabric wrinkles easily.”

“Yes, Mom,” I joke.

She smiles, giving me a goodbye hug. “Ride safe. Let me know when you get home.”

“I will.” I pull out of the parking lot, enjoying the newfound excitement for the ceremony.

Chapter 8

Dallas

Insistingondoingsomethingto celebrate was the bare minimum for Abby’s acceptance into the LAO and getting nominated for an award. Whether she wins or not, that in and of itself is a huge accomplishment. I’ve heard my dad talk about the LAO my entire life. He’s one of the directors. So, from what I’ve gathered over the years, getting an award from them and getting accepted, especially as an undergrad, is a big deal.

Abby had tried to refuse any sort of formal celebration, so we met in the middle. Something simple, yet still fun at home. I let her choose who to invite but told her she had to pick at least one person.

“What is up, party people!” Meredith yells as she walks in, a large bottle of wine in hand.

I cheer with her, as does Logan, who stands from the couch to give her a fist bump. She passes the wine to me, and I set it on the counter next to the other bottles of liquor, the collection growing large.

“I’m not sure another bottle was necessary,” I joke.

She eyes the counter. “Maybe not, but I wasn’t about to show up empty-handed.” She looks around the small space. “Nice place. It's better than the dorm I suffered in for four years and the basement I moved back into with my parents after my undergrad." She laughs at her self deprecating joke.

"Thanks. It works for a college budget."

She nods. "Where’s Abby?”

“She’s in the bedroom getting ready. I’m sure she’s almost done.” I’m not exactly sure what she’s getting ready for in the first place. It’s not like we're going out, but I’m not going to question her ways.

“Cool. So, what’s the plan?” Meredith asks, taking a seat on the couch.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. I figured we could play some games or something.”

“Sounds fun. I brought some card games if everyone's up for them.” She pulls out a thick deck of cards labeled Truth or Drink.

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