Page 62 of Unmistakably Us

“If I tell you something, can you keep it a secret? You can’t let on in any way.” Taking their glasses and setting them on a shelf out of the way, Lydia agreed.

“Of course, you’re my client. No matter who retained me, I work for the bride. Not to mention, I really like you, January. You’re so refreshing, a far cry from my usual clientele. Now, turn around and lean over the bench—”

January couldn’t let that set up go. “Last time someone said that, I ended up with a dick inside me.”

“And I’ll get you strapped into this dress so...” Lydia tried to continue her thought until January’s words hit her. She laughed so hard, she starting snorting. Both were fighting for air when her mother pounded on the opposite door wondering where January was.

Their laughter receded, and they dried their tears. “Let’s get this show on the road, shall we? Ooo, but first, the secret?”

“Of course. I’m not marrying the spawn of the old cuntbag out there. If I’m lucky, I’ll settle for shacking up with an aviation mechanic with tattoos for days, a talented as fuck tongue, and a hella big pierced cock.” Lydia gasped. “Even better, you get to witness a blow to my mother’s ego. So at about eleven thirtyish, make sure you’ve got your cell phone out. You will not want to miss it.”

“That good, huh?”

“Oh yeah.” January made her way to the stage door before turning back. “How much for the dress you picked out?”

“That is tier five…I could have it in about three months, it’s a custom, so not cheap, but…I don’t understand.”

January laughed again. “Not to order, but to purchase the try-on one right there? I plan on pulling a runaway bride and bolting out the door in my red Chucks and that dress after my mother gets her surprise delivery. Can you have an Uber or cab waiting and go ahead and charge me for the dress?”

When comprehension took hold, Lydia glowed. “These try-ons go missing all the time, no charge at all. The look on everyone’s face will be payment enough. Besides, this is the most fun I’ve had a this dead-end job since I started part-time in college.”

“Why, fashion not your passion?”

“Oh, it is, always has been, even my focus of studies. Brides, however, are not. I just never thought I’d end up with a degree in fashion design and getting champagne thrown in my face by bridezillas who want to wear a size two on their wedding day when they’re a size fourteen, like me, every other day of the year. Sorry, I shouldn’t be droning on.”

January released the knob and came back to Lydia to embrace her. “No apologies. And guess what, if you’re interested in a change of scenery, I know some people in the business in Florida. I can put in a good word for you. I plan to head there as fast as I can and never look back. I would love to have my new friend to hang out with at the beach and talk shit about others with.”

January wasn’t sure how much sway she still held with Tori and Erika, but they were businesswomen first, so if Lydia was any good, they’d snap her up. January squeezed her once more and exited to the viewing room.

Of course, everyone hated the dress, but that was okay, she didn’t give a rat’s ass. Of course, she pretended to be disappointed, giving her mother yet another boost. The higher they are, the harder they fall.

January continued until she got to the dress Lydia chose. By that time, she and Lydia were on bottle number two. It felt perfect on her. It was a stunning gown. One she could see Logan approving of. She heard the bell of the door indication someone had entered.

“That’s my cue.” Lydia exited the back door, and January walked out onto the stage like a queen. Before her mother had time to shoot down yet another dress that wasn’t her choice, January choked on her own tongue when she met Andrew’s stunning eyes. When he said he’d serve Melody, she didn’t know he meant he’d serve her.

* * *

Andy whistled low.“Wow, Miss Thing, you are looking like a dream in that number.”

Logan entered unseen and found the dressing room. After turning off the lights, he cracked the other door open to observe the room. His eyes locked on January’s back. He could only see her partially from his vantage point, but she was stunning.

January’s mother stood and sputtered and spewed like the old shrew she was. “Excuse me, but who are you and what are you doing here?” A look of almost recognition was slowly seeping into the old bitch’s eyes, but it wasn’t quick enough, because Andy took and maintained control of the situation.

“Ah, the esteemed Melody Thorne, I presume. What a thrill to finally…actually, meet you. I’m Andrew Wellington.” Andy extended his hand and went in for a cheek kiss, which of course the older Thorne shied away from, until the other lady leaned in a whispered something to Melody.

“Did you say Wellington? Of the—”

Andy interrupted. “I see my name precedes me. I bet you’re rethinking that greeting, now aren’t you? Never mind, I only offer once, and of course, it was merely a social courtesy I extended. I shan’t make the same mistake again. By the way, this is for you.” Andy bowed like he had just been introduced at court.

It was clear, even from this limited view, Andy’s insult had fallen flat, and she was ripping into the envelope like a gift. Not waiting, Andy started explaining the cease and desist order to her as if he were a waiter explaining how the daily special was prepared. He was so damn enthusiastic. When he paused and turned to January, Logan knew it was time.

“January, sweetheart, why don’t you go change? You are quite done here. For good.” Turning back to January’s mother, Andy picked up his previous explanation. “Now where was I? Oh yes, any attempt to slander or otherwise…” Logan clicked the door shut as gently as possible and melted into the shadows behind the curtain. The anticipation was killing him.

When the door opened, the swath of light didn’t touch him, but angry voices did. Andy’s was the most dominating and before the door closed again, January’s mother and the rest of the ladies were silent.

The sound of January’s sigh reached his ears. It was heavenly even with her frustration evident. “Lydia? Are you in here?” When no answer came, January starting speaking to herself, “How am I to find my shoes in the blasted dark?” Her voice was moving away and by her victorious, “ah-ha,” her eyes must have adjusted. Logan could wait no longer.

“Running yet again, little Rabbit?” Logan exited the curtain. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. What am I going to do with you?”

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