Page 81 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
“You definitely need a car of your own,” Melody agreed. “But we can totally figure that out. You’re doing amazing, Liz. I’m so happy for you.”
“I couldn’t have done this without you,” Liz gushed. “If there wasn’t a counter between us, I’d hug you so hard. I’m just so . . .”
“Happy?” Melody supplied.
“Yes. That’s the perfect word for how I’m feeling.” Liz laughed giddily. “This is going to go down as one of the best days ever for me. Nothing can ruin it.”
Melody’s stomach tied itself into knots. Her news about the potential sale of the store might ruin it. Maybe she should save that tidbit for another day. “Well, here’s some more good news for you.” She lay the bag on the counter.
“What’s that?” Liz asked, her gaze flicking between the bag and Melody.
“A present. Kind of. Look and see.”
Liz pulled the bag toward her and peeked inside, her breath audibly catching. She reached inside the plastic covering and pulled the dress out, holding it up against her body. “It’s . . . wow. This was donated?”
“Mm-hmm. It’s perfect, right?” Melody asked, unable to contain her own enthusiasm.
Liz looked up with tears glimmering in her eyes. “It couldn’t be more perfect. Thank you.”
Melody shrugged. “I didn’t really do anything except pull it from a donation pile.”
“Who would get rid of this beautiful dress?” Liz wondered out loud, smoothing her hand over the fabric.
“I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter. It’s yours now.”
Liz folded the dress back up and placed it inside the bag again. Then she placed the bag below the counter. “Best day ever,” she beamed.
Yeah, the information about the store could wait. Melody wanted to think that Liz would be happy for her, but something told her it was more complicated than that.
To: Bri Johnson
From: Liz Dawson
Subject: Tonight’s the night
Bri,
I have my dress on and it’s a perfect fit. I feel like Cinderella, which probably sounds stupid, but I do. I’m all dressed up—I barely recognize myself—and just like Cinderella, I feel like there’s this ticking time bomb over my head, ready to implode this whole happily ever after. I know that’s my anxiety talking, and that’s probably not the case. I know that in my head, at least. I’m not sure my heart will ever fully realize that though. I think a heart is like an elephant. It remembers and doesn’t forget. Anyway, I’m wearing a beautiful dress, my hair is curled, and I have the charm bracelet dangling on my wrist. This is a momentous occasion for me. I’m going to try to enjoy it—one breath at a time.
xx,
Liz
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
LIZ
“Breathe. Just breathe, Liz.” Liz leaned over her knees and covered her face. She was breathing heavily and talking to herself. This was not a good start for the night.
“Liz? . . . Liz, you okay?” Rose’s voice carried past the locked bathroom door followed by a knock. “Liz?”
“I’m okay,” Liz said, managing to sound convincing enough. At least to her own ears. Liz’s mother would have been able to hear the slightly shrill note playing in her words, but probably not her sixteen-year-old sister.
“It’s just, you’ve been in there a while. Josh is going to be here soon, and you said you’d take photographs.”
Liz sat up and closed her eyes, inhaling and exhaling deeply. “I will. I just have a touch of an upset stomach.”
“Ew. TMI, sis.”
