“I do. This is scheduled to be a beach wedding if the weather cooperates. I’d like something very romantic.”
Mia doesn’t say another word but rushes out to the floor and starts pulling dresses off the rack. Another associate comes in with champagne. She pours and hands them to us, offering her congratulations. Quinn hands her my phone and asks if she’ll get some pictures.
When Mia returns with an armload of dresses, butterflies swarm in my stomach. I choose six to try on. Mom helps me while Quinn describes what she’d like for her own dress. Pretty soon, we have all three associates helping our group, even suggesting dresses for Mom and Michelle.
I’m not crazy about the first dress, but everyone insists on seeing it, so I walk out to model. Quinn instantly agrees it’s not right, but it helps give Mia an idea of what works for me. She removes the other five from the room, telling me she has a few in the back that were sent as samples that haven’t been put on the racks yet.
As we wait, I sip more champagne and look at the dresses Quinn has chosen. Since Nate and Quinn are the only two in the wedding party, she can pick what she wants. Her words from the beach last January come to mind, and I turn to the sales lady in my most serious, business-like voice possible.
“Do you think we can see this dress in pink, violet, blush, baby blue— anything soft?”
There’s a sharp intake of breath followed by a low murmur that turns into a screech. “YOU PROMISED ME NO PASTELS!”
The whole room goes quiet until I start howling, not able to keep a straight face. Others join in as Quinn turns bright red. Soon, she can’t hide her smile and laughs along.
Mia returns with four more dresses and ushers me into the dressing room, shooing my mom out. She says something about the full effect.
When I get the third dress on, I know immediately. It’s the one. Mia sweeps my hair up off my shoulders and secures it with a clip.
“Perfect,” she whispers. “Give me your phone and wait five seconds before walking out.”
I do what she says, and the minute my crew sees me, an audible gasp flows through the room. It’s obvious, they like it too. Someone hands a tissue to my mom, who clearly needs it for the fat tears rolling down her cheeks. No one speaks until Quinn breaks the silence.
“Hot Damn! We’ve got it!”
I smile in agreement and twirl around, seeing Mia snap pictures. For the first time in days, my sadness is replaced with giddiness. Now, I need to find Bryce to share my excitement.
Chapter 23
Bryce: This has been a bigger deal than originally expected. My phone is dying, promise to call you as soon as I can. Love you baby.
This was the text I received sixteen hours ago. I re-read the same chapter for at least the sixth time. It’s useless. There’s no way I can concentrate on anything. My phone rings, and Nate’s number comes across the screen.
“Hey! You okay?”
“Yeah, it’s been a long few days. Listen, I don’t want to get into your business, but Mom told me how upset you were the last couple of days. I’m going to recommend you don’t take it out on Bryce. He’s had a fuck of a lot happen, and most of it has been shit. Shawn’s situation turned ugly, and Bryce waded in like a true leader. He’s impressed a lot of people.” Nate lets out a tired breath. “I’m pretty sure not being able to talk to you has him on edge as well.”
“Is everything taken care of?”
“Yes, it is. Bryce and Liza took the lead on this. I was support.”
At the mention of her name, my skin chills. I had the suspicion they worked together but hearing it confirmed sucks.
“Thanks for calling with a heads up. Hopefully he can call soon.”
“I got home about noon and crashed. Swore I heard him, but he’s not here. There’s a chance he went back to base to finish paperwork.”
He was home and didn’t call me? What the hell?
Before I can say anything, a doorbell rings in the background.
“I need to go. We’ll talk in a few days.”
Curiosity gets the best of me, and I tease him. “Who’s there? Is it mystery girl?”
“None of your business… Hanging up now.”
“Love you,” is all I get out before the phone clicks.