"I wore that for a homecoming in high school. I was afraid if I left it at home, Mom would donate it to Goodwill, and it was my favorite of all my fancy dresses."
Even on the hanger, I couldn't have asked for a better dress. The top is shiny silver with spaghetti straps, while the skirt is white organza. "I hope it fits."
I don't know what I'll do if it doesn't.
"It should. I was smaller back then. Go try it on."
I rush to the bathroom, my hands shaking as I zip the zipper. It's a little snug, but I can get through the afternoon in it. The neckline plunges enough to be sexy without making me look trashy.
But the best part is that it's totally giving me Keira Knightly vibes. She wore something with a similar skirt when she got married, though I think hers was Chanel Haute Couture.
I walk out of the bathroom and twirl. "It's perfect."
Marley clasps her hands to her chest. "It's perfect," she agrees. "I can't believe you're actually getting married. I can't believe this is all happening."
While normally I'd beg her to come, I'm nervous about how it would all play out in front of her. I'm not that good of an actress. If this were real though, I'd never be able to do it without Marley by my side.
"I know. I've … I've never felt this way before." Totally insane that is. "We just knew and, I don't know, it seems like the most romantic thing ever." I work on my makeup so I don't have to look at my best friend.
Somehow it's easier to lie to her if I'm not making eye contact.
Marley finishes picking up my clothes, even going so far as to hang some up. She pulls a pair of strappy silver heels out of my closet. "I think these will work."
And suddenly, even though it's a fake marriage, I don't want to get married without my ride-or-die there. "You have to come. I want to share this with you too. You have to be there."
Marley squeals and I squeal, and then I return to finishing my makeup. We're too busy squealing to notice Xavier standing in the doorway. It's not until he clears his throat, scaring the bejeezus out of us, that we even realize he's back.
By the way, when you're trying to put lipstick on and someone startles you, there's about a one hundred percent chance you're going to end up drawing way outside the lip line.
This has never happened to Julia Roberts. Though it would totally have happened to Hugh Grant if he wore lipstick.
"Marley's going to come with us," I say, not making eye contact as I dab at the pink streak on my cheek.
"Actually, I can't. I want to, but I have to get back to work. Can you go after I get off? I don't want to miss this."
It occurs to me that it's the middle of the day on Thursday. "No, the appointments are super limited and with the holidays coming up, it was either this one or wait until January. And how did you get here now? It's the middle of the day."
"I told them I had a doctor's appointment, but I have to get back. Tessa is out sick, and I have to assist Dr. Simmons with his in-office procedures. There's no one else to prepare his sterile fields and clean up." She sticks out her bottom lip. "If it were any other day …"
I hang my head for a moment. I know Marley can't drop everything. There are patients who have actual real needs, not just my pretend wedding. Still, I'd feel better with her there.
Marley gives me a quick hug goodbye, taking care not to mess my face or hair. "Xavier, can I talk to you for a second?" she asks, as she walks by him.
Knowing Marley, she's going to threaten him into taking care of me. I shouldn't be surprised. Marley designated herself as my mother hen when we first met. I look around the room and realize it's neater than when we started. Yup. That's Marley for you.
Xavier returns to the doorway, a slight flush on his cheeks.
He looks me up and down, and if I'm not mistaken, I see his jaw go a little slack. "You look quite smashing. Lovely. Truly lovely." He clears his throat. "Uh, are you ready to leave? There's a fee if we're late, and we're the last appointment of the day."
Heat fills my cheeks at his compliment. I don't think he's ever even commented on my appearance before. "I just need my earrings." I put in a pair of shiny cubic zirconia studs, and then I do a little twirl. "What else do we need?"
Xavier is reading from his phone. "The marriage license we'll get there, ID, money, and masks. And it looks as if your friend wouldn't be allowed in anyway. No guests."
"That stinks. I'm so over this whole COVID thing. But at least I'm not one of those brides who spent thousands on a wedding only to have it canceled. I never anticipated a wedding at all."
But as I say it, I start to think about all the wedding things I won't have. Like my dad giving me away and cake and …
"I can't say I did either. Certainly not like this. But you can't have a proper wedding without this." Xavier pulls a small bouquet of white flowers out from behind his back. The roses, lily of the valley, and greenery are absolutely perfect. I press my lips together, unable to form words.
