Mitch laughs. “I find that to be one of her best qualities. That… and her ability to fill out that gorgeous dress.” He eyes me appreciatively, and my cheeks warm with pleasure. Under his gaze, I feel like a supermodel.
“I suppose you’ll want to meet the bride and groom, Adam,” Mother says, changing the subject. She waves to my sister and her real-estate mogul fiancé. Jude is twice my sister’s age, but he’s attractive for an older man—and far too good for Delia, if you ask me.
While Jude tries to end a conversation with a group of men, Delia walks over to join us. Her cocktail dress is bridal white with red and gold embroidery on the bust. It’s a lovely dress, butit hangs like a paper sack on her too-thin frame. I nearly gasp at the sight of her.
I knew she’d been militant with her bridal diet and exercise regimen. It’s all my mother has talked about for months. She keeps telling me how much weight Delia’s lost as if it’s a good thing. I hadn’t given it much thought, but Delia looks downright unhealthy.
She’s naturally thin and usually has healthy, glowing skin. But now she looks pale, gaunt, and frail, like she’s recovering from an ailment.
“Doesn’t your sister look amazing?” Mother asks me. “She’s been so dedicated to her wedding diet.”
“I love your dress, Delia,” I hedge.
Her eyes trail up and down my body, just as our mother’s had. “Yours is very… red.”
My skin flushes crimson again, but Mitch laughs. I can tell that it’s forced, but no one else can.How can I already distinguish between his real laughter and his forced laughter?He squeezes my hand reassuringly. “Red is a Christmas color, is it not?”
Delia tilts her head in thought. “Yes, but on Al’s pale skin, it stands out, you know?”
“In a good way,” Mitch says, gritting his teeth.
Delia shrugs. “I suppose Al would stand out in any dress.”
My shoulders sag, “Please don’t call me Al.”
Delia waves a hand dismissively. “You know I mean nothing by it.” She turns to Mitch, a hint of a smile on her lips. “The girls in school used to call AllisonAlbecause she preferred to wear men’s sweatshirts. They fit her, um,body typebetter than women’s clothing. So, our schoolmates gave her a man’s nickname.” She giggles like it’s a hilarious memory.
It was actually Delia who started the nickname, but who’s keeping score?
Mitch’s face darkens. “Ophthalmology isn’t my field, but I can recommend a doctor for you.”
“Excuse me?” Delia says, blinking in confusion.
“I’m an orthopedic surgeon,” Mitch says slowly, like he’s talking to someone stupid. “So, I can’t treat the issue with your eyes.”
Mother loses patience. “What on earth are you talking about? What issue with her eyes?”
“If Delia thinks Allison looks anything like a man, then I’d suggest a specialist examine her eyes. She’s obviously in dire need of a checkup.”
“Well, I never!” Mother exclaims. Delia’s cheeks are pink, and she stares at Mitch with contempt.
Jude joins us then, immediately picking up on the tension. He glances between Delia, my mother, and Mitch. “Did I miss something?” he asks with a frown.
Mitch scowls. “Allison is a goddess, and anyone who doesn’t see that is a blind fool. There’s nothing wrong with a woman with curves.”
His words cause tears to sting the backs of my eyelids. Why do I let Mother and Delia bring me down? I should be more comfortable in my skin. I like my curves when they’re not around to cut me down.
To my surprise, Jude holds his glass in the air. “Hear! Hear!”
Delia glares at him. “I worked very hard to lose weight for the wedding.”
“I know,” Jude says. “And you are always beautiful to me. But you may remember that I proposed when you were twenty pounds heavier, and I thought you were stunning then, too.”
Delia storms off and Mother chases after her. Jude sighs, nodding at Mitch and me before following them.
Mitch leans down to whisper into my ear. “You’re the most gorgeous woman here, and your red dress is drop-dead-sexy.How much more of this party must we endure before I can get you out of here and strip it from your body?”
“Let’s go now,” I suggest, surprising myself with my sudden bravery.
