“I have my own money, Marco.” I glare at him.
“I know, but this is for our wedding. Allow me.”
“What?”
“You need a dress for Saturday. Your bridesmaids also need dresses. So go, shop.”
Bridesmaids? Plural? I’m about to question him when Lina comes bouncing down the stairs in all her glamorous glory. Her hair is tied back into a slick ponytail, and even in jeans and a t-shirt, she looks like she could walk the runway.
“Oh my God, you must be Petal! Words do you no justice. You’re beautiful. Is it okay if I hug you?”
The smile that crosses Petal’s face is infectious. It almost makes me sad that Lina isn’t going to be a permanent friend.
“Er, duh. Come here, gorgeous!”
They both squeeze as tightly as the other. As they separate, Petal does her thing, holding Lina by the arms and really looking at her. Lina doesn’t flinch, she just accepts what’s happening.
“So much light.” Petal’s eyes flick over Lina’s shoulder at Marco, ever-so-briefly but I see it, and she smirks as she stares into Lina’s soul. “Sometimes secrets are okay.” Winking, Petal lets go of her and settles into Ev’s side. He can’t hold her like he usually does, as he’s holding crutches, but he kisses the top of her head with a serene smile anyway.
“Your car is here, Miss Fox.” Stefano appears out of nowhere, as usual, holding the front door open for us.
“I’ve told you to call me River, none of that Miss Fox business. Keep Mr. Grumps out of trouble.” I laugh as I give Stefano a shoulder nudge before being pulled back by my wrist.
Marco spins me to face him and takes my face in his hand, bringing my head closer to his so he can devour my mouth like a starving man.
“Dude, that’s my sister.”
“Oh, look at how sweet they are.”
“Gross, that’s my brother.”
They all speak at once as Marco pulls away, kissing my forehead before turning me again and spanking my ass as I walk out.
“Have fun, Dolcezza.”
* * *
We have been shopping for hours, but I won’t complain too much. The staff in this shop have been very attentive. One of them even went out to a local vegan place to make sure Petal and Ev had snacks. Marco booked the appointment in this wedding dress store on Madison Avenue, and I have a sneaky feeling he’s made it worth their while for just hosting us. This amount of attention isn’t normal, and nobody else has been in to shop.
Petal and Lina have found their dresses, and I’ve tried on two floofy things that make me look like I belong in fairy land. All I asked of the girls was that they chose something that made them feel beautiful. I’m not all about the matchy-matchy, and considering this wedding is a whole big farce anyway, they might as well have new dresses that they like.
Petal’s is all black, but with a rainbow petticoat that flares out like a tutu underneath the short skirt. The top half is corseted with long, black-lace sleeves, with accents of shiny rainbow-colored crystals throughout. It’s perfect, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw it. She took some persuading, insisting she would be able to find something in a local thrift store rather than contributing to a big chain, but when she found out the shop we’re in is family-run, she conceded.
Lina’s dress fits her curves like a glove, the deep blue satin hitting her in all the right places as it falls around her hips to her feet. It’s sleeveless, but she’s chosen a matching blue chiffon wrap to wear with it, mainly so she’s covered up while her parents are there, then she can remove it when they’re gone.
Ev has been so patient with us all, sitting on the couch opposite the changing rooms and giving encouragement with each new gown. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head when he saw Petal in her first outfit, it was so tight it looked painted on.
Now that the girls have their dresses, I have no more excuses to avoid finding mine. The two I’ve tried on were mainly for shits and giggles. I may be marrying Marco for a contract, for money, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to look and feel like the queen I’m pretending to be.
“Miss Fox, I have a dress your fiancé has chosen for you in the changing room. Please follow me.” The main lady that’s been helping us, Julia, must be in her fifties, and she told us she’s been working here for thirty years. It’s clear she loves her job, the smiles she gives with each new dress on a body are always real.
“Okay.” I turn to address the others, “I’ve got one to try, get ready to cry your asses off with how beautiful I’m about to look when I come out.”
With a thumbs up from Ev, and excited claps and mini squeals from the girls, I follow Julia into the changing area, skeptical about what Marco has chosen for me. Because of course he fucking has. I might just get one of the floofy ones to piss him off.
“You know the drill now, darling. Into your undies, please.”
After stripping down, I wait in anticipation for what I’m about to see behind the zipped bag. Wait, does that mean he’s already bought it?