Page 5 of Fauxmance

I covered my eyes. "Oh my gosh, it doesn't fit. What am I going to do, Mom?"

"Just be calm. Let me try again. Sometimes these can be finicky."

"How can I be calm? I'm supposed to be a respectable member of the bridal party," I said. "My tatas look like I'm getting ready to star in an X-rated movie."

"Perky boobs aren't a bad thing," Mom said.

"My hips have expanded to the size of Alaska over night."

"Love that state."

"And I currently have no date and no dress! Ugh, how is this happening?"

"Baby, it's not the end of the world."

I shook my head. "I know that. It's just…Mom, I don't want to ruin Jas's big day. I've waited for this my whole life. I've prepared for it. I've dreamed about it. Some kids dream of going to Disneyworld or outer space. Not me, I've only ever wanted to be in a wedding, like all the girls you sew dresses for."

"I know," she said.

"And now, it's all falling apart," I said.

"What did you mean you don't have a date?"

"Sean broke up with me."

She frowned. "Are you serious?"

"Yes, he wants to date other girls, basically said I'd been holding him back all this time."

"What a load of BS. He's the one who's always held you back, baby. Making you go to his stupid golf games, bailing on you at inconvenient times—like this. You're going to be so much better off without him. I never liked Sean much, you know. Too smug and selfish for my sweet Magnolia."

I agreed with a lot of what she said, but that was beside the point.

"I guess it doesn't matter," I said, trying to convince myself it was true. "Considering my current state of dateless-ness and non-fitting dress, maybe it's best if I just"—I forced down the lump in my throat—"call Jasmine and tell her I can't be part of the wedding."

Mom crossed her arms.

"Like you said, it's not the end of the world."

Things could be so much worse. Heck, Mom, mysister and I had lived through way worsethan this. The world could be a terrible place. That didn't mean I wasn't disappointed, though.

"No big deal," I said. "My friends all think weddings are lame anyway. Who cares, right? I'll just stay home and eat a tub full of ice cream, watch romantic movies, and drown my sorrows."

"Are you finished?" Mom said.

I shrugged. "I guess."

"Good. I was waiting for the pity party to end, so I could say my piece."

Her gaze caught mine.

"You're still going to be in the wedding, Magnolia," she said.

"I don't see how."

"Ugh, I didn't raise you be a quitter."

My hackles rose at that. "I know, Mom. But the dress—"

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