Page 54 of Sweet Heat at Bayside
“We won’t make that mistake again,” Serena said under her breath as they walked by a crowd that had gathered around three young musicians.
“I should hope not,” Desiree said. “What if someone saw you?”
“Someonedid,” Violet said, earning another harsh glare from Serena.
“Oh my gosh,” Desiree said. “That’ssoembarrassing.”
“It’s not so different from everyone knowing about your sex life,” Emery pointed out.
Embarrassment flushed Desiree’s cheeks. She motioned ahead of them to an alley sandwiched between Puzzle Me This, an elaborate game store that was painted in vibrant shades of purple and pink, and Coconuts, a cedar-sided sunglass store. “Swank, the boutique where I bought the dress, is right down that alley.”
Serena was glad for the change in subject.
“We should stop and see Sky afterward,” Violet suggested. “I could use a new tat.”
Sky Lacroux-Bass owned Inky Skies, a tattoo parlor on the other side of the game store.
“You need another tattoo like I need more yoga clothes,” Emery said.
“I would like to stop into the flower shop and talk to Lizzie,” Desiree said. “And if there’s time, Brandy, too.” Lizzie Barber owned P-town Petals and was handling the flowers for Desiree and Rick’s wedding. “I know we have to be back in time for Serena to meet Drake, so if we run out of time, it’s okay.”
“Anything else, Queen Bee?” Violet asked as they turned down the alley.
“Oh gosh. Do I sound like that?” Desiree looked frantically from one friend to the next. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted to thank Lizzie for answering all my questions this past week and to confirm the tasting session date with Brandy. The tasting is set for the weekend after Drake’s grand opening. You guys are all still planning on coming, right?”
They all answered at once as they approached the boutique, assuring her she didn’t sound stuck-up and that they wouldn’t miss the tasting. The boutique was located in a narrow, two-story house that had seen better days. Remnants of teal scuffed the wooden siding. The windows were shrouded behind big leafy plants, and a pink diamond-shaped sign hung over the door with SWANK! painted in vibrant yellow.
An adorable blond guy sat on the steps, reading. His hair was several shades of blond, cut military-short on the sides, longer on top, and brushed back from his face in a puffy, trendy style. His white dress shirt was unbuttoned four buttons deep. The sleeves were rolled up to just below his elbows. He wore a stylish pair of navy shorts with white polka dots.
He looked up as they approached and said, “There’s my beautiful princess bride!”
He set the book down and pushed to his feet, whipping off his dark sunglasses and revealing soft, friendly blue eyes. Several colorful beaded bracelets adorned his wrist, and a single leather anklet set off his muscular, tanned legs. He slid his feet into a pair of flip-flops and pulled Desiree into an overzealous embrace, air-kissing both cheeks.
“Hi, Donovan,” Desiree said.
“I see you brought your entourage this time, and not your prince.” He lowered his voice and said, “They’re gorgeous, but Ricky’s better eye candy for me.”
They all chuckled.
“BetRickyloves that,” Violet said snarkily as they made their way inside.
“I’m all eyes, not hands-on, sweetheart,” Donovan said. “You must be Violet, the motorcycle-riding, badgirl sister I’ve heard so much about.” He raked his eyes down Violet’s black T-shirt and cutoffs to her biker boots. “Mm-mm. Woman, you have got it all going on. I have been searching for the perfect dress for you ever since Desiree told me about you.”
“This should be interesting,” Emery whispered to Serena.
As Donovan went behind the antique dresser he used as a counter, Serena took in the mayhem that was Swank. Several chandeliers and lanterns dangled from exposed joists in the ceiling. Teal and yellow walls looked as though the color had been drained from them, like aged fruit, and dresses were displayed hanging from simple hooks. Antique dressers were placed haphazardly, draped with scarves, mismatched lamps, and other accessories. Funky racks held dresses, skirts, and blouses of all styles and colors, with seemingly no organization.
Serena grabbed Chloe’s hand and said, “Please give me a few hours, some paint, and a really great handyman. I could make this place look incredible, instead of like someone’s closet exploded.”
“Shh,” Chloe chided her.
“I’ve got your gorgeous wedding dress ready and waiting in the dressing room, princess,” Donovan said to Desiree as he came around the counter holding a garment bag. He handed the garment bag to Violet and waved to a row of curtains in the back of the store. “Why don’t you two chickies go try your dresses on, and I’ll get to know your friends.”
Violet sneered at the garment bag. “I’m not wearing any frilly stuff.”
Donovan huffed out a breath. “Honey, I had strict orders from your sister, who clearly adores you, not to find anything too girly. No frills, fuss, or muss. Trust me, sugar. You’re going tolovethis dress.”
“I’mnotwearing heels,” Violet insisted.
