Page 51 of One More Chance
Charlotte hesitated, then sat down on the edge of one of the uncomfortable chairs and proceeded to tell Megan all about the letter that either her sister or her mom had hidden from her.
“Have you asked Lauren?”
Charlotte shook her head. “She’s been so busy we haven’t had the chance to talk about it – and I just found out yesterday.” Charlotte collapsed back into the chair, “There’s no excuse for my behavior, Meg. I’ll apologize to the girls and make it up to them, I promise. Someone took this whole experience away from me, without even asking me...” Charlotte spread her arms wide and gestured around the bridal shop. “I want you to have the perfect wedding since I didn’t.” Charlotte leaned forward and put her face in hands, her elbows on her knees. “I’ve been terrible.”
Megan stood up and embraced her friend. “Charlotte, I’m going to say this out of love, so don’t take it the wrong way, okay?”
Charlotte looked up and wiped her eyes, leaving an inky trail of mascara across her cheek. “I can take it,” she smiled, her voice cracking.
“You’re thirty-three years old. That’s not old. You haven’t lost the opportunity to do anything, so stop feeling sorry for yourself. You’re going to be the most gorgeous bride this town has ever seen IF you decide to get married.”
Charlotte sat up rigidly in the chair and stared at the carpet. Megan had never spoken to her like this before. Charlotte was the one who doled out the tough love. She looked up and saw Megan standing with her arms wide open. “Remember, I said that with love,” she smiled. “And today, all I need from you is to be my friend and give me your honest opinion about the damn dress, so I don’t end up looking like a cake topper. Stop trying so hard and just be my friend.”
“Shit,” Charlotte whispered and wondered if there was a bridesmaid equivalent to bridezilla. She stood up and let Megan squeeze her tightly.
“You go try on that first dress. The girl, I mean, Jessica, knows which one the frontrunner is,” Charlotte said and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be right back,” she said as she jogged out of the store in search of the closest liquor store. She found what she was looking for and raced back to the bridal shop, breathing heavily.
“Jessica,” she smiled at the saleswoman. “Could you please bring out your best champagne flutes?” she pulled a bottle of the most expensive champagne she could get at the local liquor, and a non-alcoholic sparkling cider from behind her back.
“Coming right up,” she replied.
“And get one for yourself too,” Charlotte yelled as she disappeared into a back room.
“It’s time for us to have a little fun,” Charlotte smiled and expertly popped the cork. “Ladies, I’ve been on edge lately. I’m so sorry for being a total and utter beehive.”
“Beehive?” Megan raised her eyebrows.
“I’ve been spending too much time with my niece,” she laughed. “I apologize for being a total raging bitch.”
“Apology accepted,” Melissa said.
Megan walked out of the dressing room and all three of the bridesmaids gasped. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were pink as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. The dress was simple, yet elegant; like if Kate Middleton had gotten married on a beach, this is the dress she would’ve worn. With its body-skimming silk and lace with cap sleeves, Megan looked like an angel.
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Charlotte said and handed Megan a champagne flute with sparkling cider. “But, it’s not up to me,” she caught herself, asking, “Do you like it?”
“I love it,” Megan sighed. “But I think it’s a little out of my budget.”
“Actually, Miss, that dress is on sale right now for two thousand dollars,” The shop clerk smiled.
“But the tag says eight thousand,” Megan pulled at the cardboard tag pinned to the dress.
“It’s a special deal. Um, because you’re buying off the rack and we don’t have to alter it. You know, seeing as your wedding is in a few weeks.” the shop girl stammered, and Charlotte smiled at her. The girl wasn’t a good liar, Charlotte was happy to pick up the extra six thousand to ensure that her friend had a dress that made her eyes light up.
“You’re so beautiful, sis.” Ariel had tears streaming down her face as she hopped off the couch to hug her stepsister.
Melissa held up her champagne flute. “To Megan and Josh.”
“To Megan and Josh,” the group chorused.
The door chimed and the group heard a commotion from the main room. “You’ll have to excuse me for a moment,” Jessica said. “I’ll be right back to help you out of your dress.” She set down her glass and left the sitting room.
“Josh is going to lose his mind when he sees you in that dress,” Melissa smiled. “It fits like it was made for you.”
The shop girl returned followed by a huge mountain of a man in a suit. He took a quick walk around the room and spoke into a radio, “All clear.”
