Page 92 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
Chapter Thirty-Two
Ivy
“A Vera Wang original?” Mrs. Min arches an eyebrow.
“Why not? It’d be perfect,” Yuna says from the passenger seat.
I just look at the two ultra-fashionably dressed women and say nothing. I was hoping to spend my Sunday quietly with Tony, then look at some bridal catalogue. Instead, we’re in Bobbi’s Escalade. One of Yuna’s mom’s people is in the car with us, seated behind me and taking notes. I can hear the soft click sound her tablet is making every time she types something. Unlike Yuna and her mom, the woman in the back is in a black skirt suit with the hemline ending just above her knees.
The rest of Mrs. Min’s attendants are following in another SUV, driven by a chauffeur who came with her from Korea. Apparently he’s the reason it took Mrs. Min so long to come. He didn’t have a valid passport.
I’m not sure why we need to have seven of Yuna’s mom’s people tagging along to go dress shopping, but I don’t ask. Besides, it’s a good thing we’re traveling in a big group. The killer who missed last Saturday probably won’t try anything when there are so many people around.
It would’ve been helpful if I got to talk to Yuna about the wedding plans yesterday, but Mrs. Min had her people pack up Yuna’s things and move her into a hotel suite, next to the one Mrs. Min is using.
I’m just grateful Yuna and her mom are both using English to communicate, even with each other, so I can understand what’s going on.
“Not enough time,” Mrs. Min says. “Besides, everyone gets a Vera Wang original.”
My eyebrows rise. I’m pretty certain not every bride gets a dress as expensive and exclusive as that.
Still looking at Yuna, Mrs. Min adds, “Four of your cousins got them, so we can’t repeat it for a fifth time. But you’re right—Ivy needs something original. So we’re going to Avery Parker.”
“She’s in New York,” Yuna says.
“No, she isn’t. She just opened an L.A. location. I spoke with her last night.”
“Who’s Avery Parker?” I ask.
“A designer my mom likes. When Avery was new and unknown, Mom invested in her and made her known,” Yuna says.
“If you weren’t so stubborn about being an old maid, she could’ve done your dress first.”
“I’m only twenty-seven!”
“I was married for three years when I was your age.”
“Yeah, but that was the Dark Ages.”
I’m glad I’m not drinking anything, because I might’ve choked. Yuna refuses to give even an inch.
“I’ve raised you wrong. Talking back to your mother like this. And in front of your friend. What will Ivy think?”
Oh crap.Don’t drag me into your argument with your daughter!
“She’s thinking, ‘My best friend sure knows her own mind.’” Yuna twists until she can see me. “Aren’t you?”
Really, Yuna? You expect me to respond?I slide my gaze in Mrs. Min’s direction. She’s smiling serenely.
I force a smile. Should’ve given them Harry’s “I’m Switzerland” disclaimer, but now, it’s too late. “Well. Yuna does know her mind…and so does her mother.”
“She can’t speak freely because of you. You shouldn’t pressure her,” Mrs. Min says to Yuna.
“That’s what I was going to say,” Yuna mutters.
Mrs. Min ignores her daughter and says something to the assistant sitting behind us. She then taps her tablet, and the GPS gets a new address.
“That’s Avery Parker’s boutique,” Mrs. Min explains to Bobbi.
