Around fifteen minutes later, I carry my two selections to her room. I’m the last one, of course, and I join Teags on the small couch at the end of the small runway. This boutique isadorable, and Tristan told me his card had already been put down if Liv finds something. He’s absolutely sure she’ll findthedress today, especially since the fashion expert of our family is here—which apparently is me.
I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I love fashion. It’s one of those things that makes me happy—putting an outfit together and it coming out exactly how you pictured. It’s nice to have access to some cool vintage pieces, and I’ve even done a few collaborations with different brands.
But I hate the word expert because there’s always going to be some new trend that I don't understand, and fashion is like everything else—the trends come and go as they please.
I look around at the rest of the store while we wait for Liv to come out in her first dress.
“Vince is over there,” Teags tells me as she points in his direction.
“I wasn't looking for him,” I lie.
“Yes, you were. Something in the air between you two is different. Care to tell me what the hell happened in the mountains while you were away?” She smirks as she sips her drink.
Dammit.I should know nothing gets past her. “We might’ve kissed.”
“You guys—” I clamp my hand over her mouth before she shouts that statement to everyone. I feel her trying to bite my hand, so I let go after a few seconds.
“I feel like you enjoyed that too much.”
Teags just shrugs with a smirk.
“How much dark romance have you been reading while I was gone?”
“I don't know, maybe an entire fifteen-book interconnected mafia series, but stop changing the subject. You kissed your bodyguard? Once or a few times? Come on, Bree, don’t skimp on the details. Your sister writes smut, and I know you have the vocabulary to describe it in detail.”
“Are you guys ready?” Liv asks from behind the curtain, cutting our conversation short.
“Yes! Get your beautiful ass out here, Livs,” Cassie says from the other couch.
“You’re not getting out of this that easily. I’m coming over at some point, and we’ll be discussing that kiss in detail.”
“Kisses,” I say, a smile gracing my lips.
Teags’ eyes go wide, and I swear she’s about to lightly smack my arm, but Liv comes out of the dressing room and draws all of our eyes.
My sister walks out in a skin-tight mermaid gown. There’s a slit up to her knee, and the straps of the dress sit on her shoulders. It’s stunning, but I can tell by Liv’s face it’s not the one.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, Liv,” Parker says.
“Agreed,” Cassie says, her voice tight with emotion.
“It’s beautiful,” Liv says as she smooths the dress down. “But it’s not the one.”
“Well, we’ve got three hours left, Olivia. We’ll find your dress. Let’s try another one,” the attendant says as she picks up the train and walks back into the dressing room.
An hour and a few drinks later, the five of us have turned into a mess of tears as we keep talking about Liv getting married and reminiscing on our favorite memories. It’s been a really nostalgic day, and I file these moments away for later so I can remember them when I’m feeling down.
Most of my days aren't normal, and I appreciate these little pieces of paradise where I can be myself. Today, I’m just Liv’s sister, and that’s the most wonderful thing I can experience. I feel my phone buzz in my purse, and when I pull it out, a smile creeps up my face.
Vince: Are you feeling okay?
Bree: Never better. And I actually mean that for once.
Vince: Do you need anything? Water? Tylenol? Different shoes? Tissues?
Bree: I’m okay, but thank you for letting me have today. I know public spaces aren't great for me right now.
Vince: I’d do anything to see that smile on your face as much as it has been today.