Macy is wearing a sophisticated black velvet gown with silver beading, her hair swept into an elegant updo that required professional assistance, and jewelry that catches the light like she’s wearing captured starlight. She looks like she should be gracing the cover of a luxury lifestyle magazine.
Jordy stands beside her in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that makes him look like he stepped out of a James Bond movie, and he’s got his hand resting gently on Macy’s arm in that universalplease don’t start anythinggesture that boyfriends develop when dating women with strong opinions.
Buffy, meanwhile, has chosen a warm burgundy dress with a simple A-line silhouette that’s elegant without being showy, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, and she’s wearing what appears to be vintage pearl earrings that have that family heirloom glow about them. She looks beautiful and comfortable, which is apparently driving Macy to the brink of insanity.
“Oh, Buffy,” Macy says with a smile that could freeze champagne mid-pour and probably kill houseplants at fifty feet, “that’s such a...practicaldress. Very budget-conscious of you. How refreshingly economical.”
“Oh my word,” I gasp as I make my way over.
And here we go,Jordy thinks with resignation.Someone needs to change the subject before she really gets going.
“Buffy, I think you look great,” Jordy says to his own peril.
Really? That’s his solution to defusing his girlfriend? Complimenting another woman? The sister she apparently can’t stand, no less?
Both Macy and Buffy gasp because, let’s face it, we can all see the vengeful writing on the wall.
“What the fresh hell?” Macy gapes at Jordy, and suddenly the poor guy’s face turns colors as he realizes the depth of the violation he just committed. “I will deal with you later,” she says through gritted teeth before turning back to Buffy and baring her fangs. “But yes, you look adorbs—even my boyfriend has a sudden crush on you.” She stomps on his foot, and he quickly retracts it with an audibleouch.
“Um, thank you?” Buffy replies with genuine warmth, completely missing the verbal stiletto that just got aimed at her heart. “I found this dress at an adorable little boutique in town. The owner said burgundy was perfect for holiday parties.”
“Did she now?” Macy’s voice drips with false interest usually reserved for relatives she only sees once a year and pretends to like. And sadly, Buffy might just qualify. “Well, I suppose not everyone can afford actual designer pieces that weren’t assembled by underpaid workers in someone’s basement. This gown is from Milan, naturally.” She holds up her arms to showcase the red number she’s encased in like a sausage. “Custom fitted by people who actually understand their way around fabric and the human anatomy. I realize you have limited resources.”
“Macy,” Jordy says quietly, as he tries to pull her close, “maybe we should?—”
“Macy,” I snip, but Buffy holds up a hand as a small crowd begins to gather.
“Limited resources?” Buffy gives a solid blink in Macy’s direction.
“Oh, you know.” Macy waves a manicured hand dismissively like she’s swatting away poverty itself. “Shoppinglocal, findingdeals, making do with what’s available in your price range. I admire people who work within such... challenging financial constraints. It builds character.”
“Oh, come on, Macy.” Mom steps up. “You owe your sister anapology, and not the passive-aggressive kind you wrap in sarcasm and call festive.”She’s going for blood tonight like a well-dressed vampire with a fashion degree,Mom huffs to herself while watching a car accident in designer clothing. “Buffy looks beautiful tonight.” She turns back to Macy. “And frankly, she deserves to enjoy this party without being verbally accosted to death.”
“What? I’m being supportive!” Macy protests with mock. “Not everyone can have unlimited shopping budgets and personal stylists. Some people have to be more creatively frugal. It’s inspiring, really.”
Oh, good grief,Georgie thinks while looking straight at me.She’s going to make that poor girl cry on Christmas Eve. Step in, Bizzy, or I’ll be forced to. The only reasonable way to put a stop to this is with a duel—with chocolate swords in keeping with the theme.
Anything but that.
“I think we all look wonderful,” I interject quickly, recognizing the signs of another impending verbal massacre. “It’s amazing how the whole town cleaned up for tonight.”
“Yes, well,” Macy says, finally turning her attention away from Buffy long enough to survey the crowd with the critical eye because we all know she’s judging the masses for their holiday fashion choices, “some efforts are more successful than others. Though I have to say, Bizzy, that navy gown is quite ambitious for you. Very sparkly.”
The way she saysambitiousmakes it sound like I’ve attempted to become an astronaut using only duct tape and wishful thinking.
“Come on,” Jordy says firmly while extracting his girlfriend before she can inflict more psychological damage on innocent bystanders. “Let’s check out those chocolate fountains before someone calls the fashion police.”
“Thank God for that man,”I mutter, watching him guide Macy away as if he’s clearly had practice managing my sister’ssocial disasters. “Buffy, you look fabulous. And for the record, I bought this dress at a thrift store.”
She belts out a genuine laugh. “Same,” she says, and we share a fist bump. “I’d better go track down Skittles and see what kind of trouble she’s getting into now.”
“Let me know if that trouble involves my four-footed cuties,” I call after her.
Ben swoops in and leads Mom and Georgie by proxy over to the dessert table. And I’m about to hunt down my handsome husband when I spot Jennilee Holly coming this way.
Jennilee is once again the perfect hostess, gliding through the crowd with Southern grace and making sure everyone feels welcome. She’s wearing a stunning gold gown that shimmers like champagne, and she’s managing the logistics of this event with the kind of professional efficiency that makes me wonder if she moonlights as a party planner.
“Bizzy, honey!” she calls out, appearing beside me with a champagne flute and that trademark smile. “Isn’t this just magical? I’m so glad y’all could make it!”
