I collapse onto the velvet bench inside the dressing room, cradling my head in my hands as I try not to overthink this.
By this time tomorrow I’m going to be married, and then what? What happens next?
She returns a little while later with several other dresses, “To be honest, I didn’t think you were a ballgown type,” She tells me, “I think mermaid will be best for you.”
I nod as if agreeing and watch as she takes a pure white gown from a hanger. It’s silk with no adornments at all, but it doesn’t need them. There is so much beauty in the simplicity of it that it almost takes my breath.
She grins when she sees me staring, “This is from ournew collection, it’s technically not on sale yet but I just knew you’d love it.”
My fingers reach out to touch the material of the dress, breath in my throat. I would wear this. “Let’s get it on.” She says.
She helps pull the dress over my head, adjusting it down my body and it feels like heaven against my skin, so soft and silky it brings goose bumps up across my body.
The straps are thin, and the dress is form fitting, lining every curve like it’s a second skin. It has a cowl style neckline that droops low in the front allowing the space between my breasts to show, almost down to my naval and the back is completely open, leaving me nearly bare to my ass. A series of small buttons then work down the back of the dress before it sweeps into a long trail.
“I don’t think we need to try on anymore,” The woman says on a whisper.
I shake my head, agreeing with her.
“Let’s go show your friend!”
At this point, it didn’t matter who I’m marrying, this dress is stunning.
“Oh shit!” Willow gasps, standing abruptly, “Oli you look…”
I blink as I turn to the bigger mirror to get the full picture, the one in the fitting room didn’t do this dress enough justice.
The material is snow white but almost pearlescent, a shine to it that throws off hues of pink and purplesand it fits like a glove. I’m still staring when the woman starts pulling at my hair, clipping it back to show off my shoulders and long neck, drawing attention to the bare skin of my chest.
“It’s a dress that doesn’t need any jewelry,” She tells me, “Maybe a pretty pearl clip to tie up your hair, did you want to try a veil?”
“No veil.” I shake my head.
“Do you want to try on more?”
“No,” I tell her. “This is the one.”
“I just can’t believe you’re getting marriedtomorrow” Willow breathes, blowing at her coffee before she takes a sip. Dennis hadn’t argued when I’d asked if we could go for coffee since the dress fitting barely took any time at all. The dress was being shipped to Malakai’s house this afternoon, along with the shoes and accessories I’d chosen to match.
“You’ll be there, right?” I panic, leaning forward as I feel my eyes go round.
“Well obviously,” She scoffs, “The invitation was attached to the message I got about the dress fitting. I’m your bridesmaid.”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” She shrugs, “I didn’t say no since I knew you would have asked me anyway.”
That’s true. I guess I could give Malakai a little grace, I didn’t want this wedding but at least he’s making the day a little better for me by allowing my bestfriend to be with me. I wonder if he’s invited my sister too though it’s unlikely, considering the history.
“Do you have a dress?” I ask.
“Mm,” she nods, sinking back into the chair, “Blue.”
“Well okay, I guess,” I look towards Dennis who stands outside, leaning casually against the car but he’s watching us, like a goddamn guard dog. He’s barely said two words all day and just stands there and scowls like the world has wronged him.
“So, what’s it like?” She asks, “What’shelike?”
I drag my eyes to my best friend, “I hate him.”
