Page 50 of One More Chance
Charlotte could see Melissa struggling and interjected. “It’s a no from me.” The shop girl’s smiled faded as Charlotte picked apart the dress. “It’s not you. It hides your ass. I know you; you’re going to be pulling on this all night.” Charlotte grabbed the strapless bodice and jostled it around. “Especially when your boobs get even bigger.”
“I think it’s a little, um, stiff.” Melissa agreed. “You two are getting married in Chance Rapids, not at the Palace Hotel ballroom.”
Megan cradled her belly through the layers of silk, lace, and sequins, “I just worry about this showing.”
“It’s not 1965,” Charlotte said. “Embrace that bump, that little baby should be the highlight of the ceremony. It’s the only reason for all of this.”
Megan’s mouth dropped and she slowly turned to face the trio of bridesmaids seated on the tufted sofa.
“That’s not what I meant,” Charlotte said.
“What did you mean, Char?” Megan put her hands on the billowing fabric.
“I’m going to pick out another dress,” the shop girl said, backing away from the brewing confrontation.
“Wait.” Charlotte held up her hand and pointed at the shop girl, “I’m going with you.”
The girl paused, frozen in place. She looked to Megan for instruction, but Megan was still staring at Charlotte.
“Do you think I’m making a mistake?” Megan asked.
Charlotte took a deep breath, her pointed finger keeping the shop girl frozen in place. “Absolutely not Meg. You and Josh are soulmates. If you would give me a second without jumping down my throat, all I meant was that we are rushing to get this wedding done before the baby comes.”
The shop girl’s shoulders dropped from her ears and her fake smile returned.
“I’ve been pretty hands off this whole thing, but there is no way in hell I’m letting you walk down the aisle in that monstrosity. Melissa, you coming?” she barked.
“Yes, ma’am.” Melissa stood up and so did Ariel.
“You sit down,” Charlotte pointed to the couch and Ariel sat obediently.
Charlotte grabbed Melissa by the forearm and dragged her off to the back of the store, marching back shortly with an armload of dresses.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” Megan pulled Charlotte aside.
“Sure.” Charlotte handed the stack of plastic covered dresses to the salesgirl. Charlotte knew that she was being high maintenance, but she wanted to make sure that Megan was making the right decision.
The two women stepped outside of the dressing room and into the main store. Megan shoved her hands in the pockets of the thick terry cloth robe.
“Is something going on?” Megan asked.
“No, why?” Charlotte crossed her arms in front of her.
“If someone gets to be a bridezilla, it’s me. Not you. You were rude to Jessica and condescending to Melissa and Ariel. I won’t have it.”
“Who is Jessica...?”
“See, you’ve gotten so high up on that horse of yours – Jessica is the saleswoman helping us. If you would’ve been paying attention instead of sitting on your phone the entire time, you would know that. I’m asking if something is wrong because I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt. There’s got to be something wrong for you to be acting like this because if there isn’t, somewhere along the line you’ve lost who you really are.”
Charlotte subconsciously took a step back. Megan hadn’t physically hit her, but her words stung just as badly as a slap to the face, if not worse.
“I’m sorry Meg. I’m dealing with a tough client and with all this wedding planning, you and I haven’t really had the chance to sit down and talk. I found out some news about my past. I thought that I was okay with it, but I guess I’m not.”
Megan gestured to the two regal looking chairs in the corner and the two of them sat down. “What is it?”
“We should get back,” Charlotte replied.
“You’re my best friend. I care about you more than a damn dress.”
