Page 25 of Betsy
Sierra looked at me. I shook my head. There wouldn’t be a need to find any more dresses for Nicole or Amanda to try on. Those two were perfect for them.
“How are you all doing?” The attendant supposed to be the expert floated over to us with a disingenuous customer service smile on her lips.
“We’re fine, thank you.”No thanks to you.I returned her false good humor by pushing the corners of my mouth up.
“Can I pick out any more gowns for you ladies?” She stopped between the two changing rooms.
The curtain to one, and then both, opened.
“Oh my. Those aren’t the dresses we chose. Did I put y’all into the wrong rooms?” She looked as if she were trying to frown but physically couldn’t. “I’m sorry for the mix up. I’ll go grab the right gowns and get you two in them in a jiffy.”
Yes. Go,I mentally commanded.Get out of here.
Amanda was blinking rapidly, her hand fanning her face while Nicole stood as if stunned, unable to speak.
“These are the ones.” Molly spoke what I’d already known. “Let me take pictures for Jocelyn.” She moved around the brides-to-be in a circle, snapping photos with her phone while dashing away tears with the back of her hand.
Nicole moved to the mirrors and pedestal first. Stepping up on the riser, she inspected herself in the reflection from all angles.
“Do you like it?” Sierra asked tentatively.
“I can’t believe it’s me,” Nicole murmured.
The dress fit like it had been made for her; every line, every curve. The dress was bold and unapologetic. Everything Nicole embodied. Instead of trying to quiet or hide her like the first dress had, this one gave Nicole an air of power and self-confidence that did indeed make her look sexy as anything.
A sob shook Nicole’s shoulders.
Sierra’s gaze shot to mine. “We made her cry!” she shouted in triumph.
Nicole’s sniffle turned to a snicker. She pulled her daughter into her arms for a big hug.
“No more giving Drew grief about having a real wedding,” I mock-lectured. “You wear that gown and you make him eat his heart out.”
Amanda mounted the platform next to Nicole’s. She looked classy and elegant. Timeless.
“This is the softest thing I have ever had on my skin,” she said in awe.
“Just wait until the wedding night. Peter won’t be able to keep his hands off you.” Molly winked.
“Can we please remember the young ears in our midst?” Nicole scowled.
Sierra giggled.
The bell over the entrance clanged, signaling a new customer.
Good. Maybe the sales clerk with no taste would remain occupied.
Amanda splayed her hands over her thighs. She met my eyes through the mirror. Her chest rose and fell beneath the sweetheart neckline. “I want to ask you something, Betsy, and I really want you to say yes.”
Unease wound its way between my ribs. Amanda’s nervousness made my finger twitch.
Ridiculous. She was one of my best friends. Of course I’d say yes to anything she asked if it was in my power to grant her request. I’d do anything for my friends.
“I…” She licked her lips. “I want you to sing at my wedding.”
A high-pitched ringing filled my ears.
“You have such a gorgeous voice,” she rushed on. “I don’t know why you don’t let other people hear you sing. Is it stage fright? I don’t want to make you do something if you really don’t want to, but it would mean so, so much to me if you could sing ‘Bless the Broken Road’ when Peter and I have our first dance as husband and wife. Please?”
