“They say there’s someone for everyone. Now, honey, what would you like to wear?”
I found a few ivory colored dresses that were actually quite lovely. I went into the dressing room to try them on. One was an A-line tea length dress with lace and beading, but the A-line didn’t hang as nicely as I’d like over my full hips.
Next, I tried on a vintage chiffon tea-length dress that had a strapless bodice, but a filmy mesh halter. The skirt lay smoothly over my curves. I felt pretty and I had a moment of sadness that this wasn’t real. Five years ago, I’d have been giddy to putting on this dress and marrying Simon.
“Mr. Stark.” I heard a voice that sounded like Sinclair’s outside the dressing room.
“Deputy Mayor,” he said, confirming my thought.
“Oh, Sinclair, are you looking for a new dress for your debate coming up?” Nancy asked.
“I will. I was walking by on my way to the office and noticed people in here. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”
“Oh, we’re right as rain, aren’t we Mr. Stark? He’s getting married, you know.”
“No kidding?”
I looked through the curtain in the dressing room to see what was going on.
“Yes, to the nice young reporter lady.”
I wanted to hide in the dressing room, but this was what Simon was paying me for and I didn’t want to mess this up for Mason.
I stepped out. “What do you think, honey?” I put on a surprised expression. “Sinclair? What are you doing here?”
Her eyes narrowed as she studied me. “Just checking in with Nancy.”
I looked at Simon. His eyes were dark as he looked at me, but not with menace or anger. No, if I wasn’t mistaken, he liked this dress.
“You know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” Sinclair said.
“It seemed to work alright for you and Mr. Jones,” Simon said.
Wanting to avoid a pissing contest between Simon and Sinclair, I said, “Ms. Bitmer, I’d like this one.”
“It’s a lovely choice. It looks beautiful on you. I’ll wrap it up for you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Simon said, pulling out his wallet and handing Nancy a giant wad of money. “We’re on our way to get married now.”
“Oh!” She giggled as she took the money.
Sinclair looke
d at me. “Are you sure about this Erica?”
“Oh yes.” I leaned into Simon, pressing my hand on his chest and looking up at him lovingly. “Simon and I just rediscovered our love. I’m very happy about it.”
“Rediscovered?” Sinclair asked.
“Yes,” I said looking at her. “It’s a long story.”
Simon’s fingers pushed back a tendril of my hair behind my ear. His eyes were intense, making my breath stall in my chest. “I always regretted losing you.”
Was that true? No. This was a farce. But if it was, he was a better actor than I was.
“Well, then, I wish you both all the happiness,” Sinclair said.
Simon broke the gaze and gave out a small laugh. “I appreciate the attempt at civility, Deputy Mayor.”