“All right. I like what I’m seeing so far, and your sales approach is spot-on. Close the deal.”
“Generous leg room,” she fluffed the wide skirt, “easy on the straightaways, and perfect for that long, relaxing ride down the aisle.”
I applauded, so did everyone else.
“So, like, love, or hate?” Cheryl asked.
“Can I try it on before I answer?”
“Yes, you absolutely may. You can also tell me on first blush what you don’t like about it. No, it’s fine. I can see it in your face. Something about this isn’t what you’re looking for.”
“She doesn’t even know what she’s looking for,” Jean said.
“I think it’s too…spangly.”
Cheryl blinked. “Spangly? The jewels?”
“Yeah, aren’t they a little…flashy?”
“It’s your wedding,” Myra said, bumping her shoulder into mine. “Live a little.”
“Hear, hear!” Jules crowed. “Spangle that bitch!”
“We can do a little less flashy if you want,” Cheryl said.
“Let’s try this one. This little beauty is for the gal who likes feeling the wind in her hair. The detachable skirt allows for tight turns and easy handling. Once Ryder sees you in this convertible number, he’s never going to remember to keep his hands at ten and two.”
I grinned. “I’m willing to try that one too. No sparkles and smooth, uh, is that satin?”
“Yes.”
“I like that the long skirt comes off, and there’s a shorter one under it. But that…um…convertible bit on the top?”
“It’s sleeveless, yes?”
“I don’t want that much chestage out in the open.”
“Oh, my gods,” Jules moaned. “Delaney. Dearest. You will wear a turtleneck at your wedding over my damn dead body. Even then I’d rise from the grave with a pair of scissors and make emergency alterations.”
“Wow,” I said. “That is…something.”
“That is love.” She toasted me with her glass and took a sip. “You’re welcome.”
“Is this a yes for trying on?” Cheryl asked.
“Yes.”
“Fabulous. This is going much smoother than I expected. Okay, I’m going to pull out one more kind of dress. Ready?”
“Lay it on me.”
“This is something that might catch the eye of a collector. Modern, clean lines, while still carrying the fine heritage of the designs that have come before it. You will note the luxury exterior is made all the more remarkable with fine attention to the details: Lace. Only white lace.
“No spangles. No fluff. Nothing that detaches or removes. The discerning eye will note a smooth undercarriage—nothing too over done—understated elegance, easy elegance. Timeless.”
She held up the dress: a long sheath with lace covering it, and what looked like fitted sleeves made of that same white lace.
“Okay,” I said. “I can see the appeal of this one. It’s simple.”
