Salvation (Surrender 3)

“I think so. Even though I haven’t seen your sketches, Raven said you designed a dress for her mom and it was phenomenal. Iwantphenomenal.” She says it so fast, I almost can’t understand.

“Raven said it was phenomenal?” Emotions bubble within and one tear falls with the compliment.

“Jesus Christ! We have another emotional one. I can’t stand all you criers. What the hell? I hoped Ember was a closet badass. One compliment and she’s boo-hooing. Good job, Abbi.”

And this is why everyone has a love hate relationship with Charlie. But since I love it, I straighten my shoulders and shoot back, “Bitch, I’m not even close to boo-hooing. There must be dirt in my eye.”

She burst out laughing, and the rest of us join in, even Hank.

“Do you know what you want, Abbi?”

“Is that a yes?”

“Only if you promise to be honest with me. My style may not match your own, but if it doesn’t, I have a network of designers I went to school with.”

> “No, I’m pretty sure I want one of yours. I had no idea the times we’ve been out that you’d done your own dresses. And in my head, I want a combination of things.”

As she tells me her vision, an idea comes to mind and I pull my sketchpad out from under the counter. I flip to an unfinished drawing and make a few notes. She goes silent as she sees what I’ve done.

“Holy shit, that’s it. Can we add a romantic ruffle to that sleeve?”

“Ruffles? Do you think I’m wearing a ruffle? I’m the girlfriend of a rock and roll star. I can’t wear a ruffle.” Charlie slides between us.

“You can also not wear it at all.” Abbi glares at her. “Raven’s married to a rock and roll star, and she’d wear a paper bag if I asked.”

The two banter back and forth for a few minutes as I add some romantic touches. Ella looks around and goes straight to Chloe’s jewelry display.

“Abbi!” she screams, and all our heads whip to her. “Look at this set. It’s perfect for your dress.”

Abbi squeals and runs over with Charlie following. The necklace and earring combination is one of my very favorites. As they hold it up to the light, I agree it’s the perfect color to match the bridesmaid dresses.

“Ember, I thought I’d wear the necklace Jimi gave me on my graduation as my jewelry, but this would bring in a whole color motif. Do you think it’s tacky?” Abbi looks at me with questioning eyes.

“No, more and more brides are adding color to their wedding attire to give an edgy feel. It’s trendy, sexy, and without seeing your dress, I bet it would be beautiful.”

She pulls out her phone and shoves it in my face. I inhale loudly at the sight of her in the gown. “You are beautiful. Absolutely perfect choice for your body type and skin coloring. The beading is elegant and woven to absolute measurements. Satin and lace combinations show the image of shine and angelic when you walk.”

“Are you speaking English? It looks like a fucking dress to me.” Charlie rolls her eye.

“No, she described it as only a professional could. It’s perfect on her.” Ella grins at me.

“Shit, I wish I would have known sooner. You could have designed a wedding dress for me,” Abbi says.

“No, no, no. I don’t do wedding dresses. What you have is perfect,” I tell the little white lie. I have designed a wedding dress, but only one. It’s my dream dress.

“I’m buying this jewelry set.” She jumps around and waves her hands in the air.

I bounce in place with excitement. “It will be perfect! And my aunt and I will help with the dresses if you buy the material.”

They all stop and stare at me. Abbi tugs me into a hug and squeezes so tight I lose my breath. “Thank you.”

“Of course. What are friends for?”

She looks at me with a glimmer in her eye. “The way Jimi explains it, we’re family.”

Two hours later, I’m floating on cloud nine as I walk into Aunt Chloe’s house to find my dad. His car is out front, but Hank insists on walking me in. I set the champagne on the counter and call out for Dad, only to hear a loud clanging in the office.

Hank rushes by, telling me to stay. He emerges a few minutes later with a sad look on his face.