“You still can be. I need a maid of honor who isn’t suggesting zoos and parks for dry bachelorette party venues. Besides, the dress was impossible to get on the goat.”
I kicked her ankle under the table.
“Hey!” She laughed. “You better gear up to give me an awesome bachelorette party, too.”
“Wow, I hadn’t thought of that.” At first, I imagined a spa day. Then I thought, No. Bigger. It wasn’t like I couldn’t afford it. And I wanted my best friend to feel like the most important bride ever.
Because to me, she was.
* * * *
Holli and Deja had their wedding in the Tribeca Rooftop garden, beneath a warm night sky. The ceremony began at sunset, with both brides walking down the aisle together in their gorgeous dresses that couldn’t have been more different from each other if they had tried. Holli had chosen a short, sequined, form fitting halter dress with a fluffy marabou skirt and pink striped tights, all in a neon pink that threatened to make our eyes bleed, while Deja wore a sleek, elegant satin gown that hugged her curves and trailed a modest oval train behind her. It was pink, as well, but a gentler blush color. Both brides wore matching stargazer lilies in their hair. And although there were no pink chickens in attendance, the ceremony managed to be beautiful and romantic somehow. They exchanged their vows under a trellis entwined with ivy and white roses, and when the officiant pronounced them wives for life, I couldn’t hold back my sniffles.
The reception was just as gorgeous, with a fantastic band and an epic buffet-style dinner of unbelievable comfort foods. And after the happy couple’s first dance as wife and wife, I danced with Holli, and both of us tried to lead.
“I’m so glad you’re here tonight,” she told me, tears shining in her eyes. “And you look fantastic in that. I told you that you would.”
I tried to find the most tactful way to agree with her without actually agreeing with her. It was difficult to drum up enthusiasm for a ruched magenta satin tube dress, especially with a giant sequined flower sewn at the hip. But it was Holli’s wedding. I would have worn a paper bag if she’d asked me.
I changed the subject. “You’re married. I can’t believe it.”
“I never thought it would happen.” Her gaze strayed to Deja, who was dancing with her very handsome stepbrother. The love on Holli’s face overruled any protest she might have made in the past about never getting married. “I guess you have to just meet the one. Not that I believe in that ‘one true love’ bullshit. You have to meet one of the ones.”
“Oh, shut up. You believe in one true love. You found her.” I’d never seen my friend happier with another person. Holli had dated rock stars, models, she’d gone to a Knicks game with Leonardo DiCaprio, but I’d never seen her in love.
Well, except for with the George Washington Bridge. But I wasn’t sure it was reciprocated.
“Speaking of one true love, I think it’s really cool that he came tonight.” Holli nodded toward the table at the edge of the dance floor, where Neil was making small talk with one of Holli’s cousins.
“He’s not mad. I don’t think he ever was. Deja told him everything before she told me everything. He actually seemed sorry to have to let her go.”
“She was probably the best assistant he ever had,” Holli said, and when I made an outraged noise, she protested, “What? You weren’t a very good assistant. You slept with your boss.”
“You’ve got me there.” I shrugged. “I’m glad I did, though. Hey! Neil taught me something at Emma’s wedding. Spin me.”
She did. I stepped on her toes.
“I love you, Sophie. You’re the sister I never had because I didn’t want to have to share my parents and they were afraid I might hurt a new baby.” She hugged me tight. When she stepped back, a sheen of tears made her eyes glisten. “Go on. Go dance with that old man you’re going to marry.”
Neil was already making his way across the floor, and I realized Holli must have motioned him over. “May I cut in?”
“Always.” Holli bowed at the waist, circling her hand in the air, a parody of regal propriety. “Thanks, by the way, for the Vegas thing.”
“My pleasure. Though I hope whatever you two got up to there wasn’t too illegal,” he mock scolded.
Holli’s gaze canted upward as she flopped her raised hands in an animated shrug. “You know that saying. What happens in Vegas should involve law enforcement, or else it wasn’t a very good trip.”
“I don’t think that’s the expression.” I laughed, and she just shook her head as she walked away.
Neil’s arm slid around my waist, and I gazed up at him. “Thank you for being here.”
“You love Holli, so I love Holli. It isn’t a sacrifice.” He gave me that gorgeous half-smile of his. “Keep that in mind when you have to be in the same room with Rudy.”
“I will try.” I grinned up at him. “You know, after two weddings in one year, I think I’m fine with putting off ours.”
“Thank goodness for that,” he said with genuine relief. “I don’t want to get dressed up again for a very long time.”
“But you look so nice.” I slid my hand down the front of his jacket. “Then again, you look nice in everything.”