“You’ll be able to dance in those,” I say. They’re not too strappy and the heel isn’t too high. Just as well, because Ed is five ten.
“I hope so.”
“You haven’t practiced?” I ask. “You should wear them around the house.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mom says. “She doesn’t want them ruined before the big day.”
“She’s got a point, Mom. I should break them in. They’re not the most uncomfortable shoes, but if I just wear them around the house, it might help me spend the day on my feet.”
Mom tuts, but she doesn’t argue.
“And what do you think about the veil?” Katherine asks, looking at me. “Do you think I should go longer?”
“Absolutely not,” Mom interrupts. “Fingertip is the only acceptable length.”
“You’re right,” Katherine says.
“I like your hair up like that. With the veil on top.”
Katherine breaks into a grin. “Me too. It’s a bit different for me. But I like it.” Her gaze slides to Mom. “Mom’s not so keen.”
“Katherine has such beautiful hair. I think she should show it off.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to show it off. There’s all the celebrations leading up to the wedding. Not everyone will be at every event, but you’ll get to wear your hair down plenty on the other days.”
Katherine nods. “Yes. That’s a good point.”
Mom exhales more loudly than she needs to. “You can’t help pushing your opinions on everyone, Lucy. You should let Katherine make her own decisions.”
Katherine and I give each other a knowing look. My mother is nothing if not a hypocrite.
“I agree with Lucy,” Katherine says. “I want my hair up on the day.”
Mom lets out a little huff. “Of course you do.”
One of the shop assistants comes through and starts to ask Katherine lots of questions about the fit.
“And have you come up with something to wear for the days leading up to the wedding?” Mom asks me. “You can’t just leave it to the last minute and expect to find something.”
“Mom, I don’t leave things until the last minute,” I say. Truth is, I haven’t made my mind up about what to wear. I have options, but I haven’t bought anything yet. Not that I’ll be admitting that to my mom. She’ll just take it as proof that I’m as unreliable and flighty as I’ve always been.
“Just make sure you don’t wear that cardigan,” she says, nodding at me.
Katherine confirms her choice of veil and tells the tailor she likes the neckline and the length. There’s some discussion about the zip, then Katherine heads back into the changing room.
One of the assistants pops her head out from around the corner and beckons me into the changing area, where my bridesmaid dress is hanging. It’s a pretty, off-the-shoulder, pale-blue dress. It’s understated and elegant, just like my sister.
I change quickly and am pleasantly surprised at how well it fits and how the blue suits my skin tone. I was a little worried I’d look washed out, but of course, Katherine has picked the perfect shade. I turn one way and then the other, trying to see myself from every angle.
“Come out,” Katherine calls from the seating area. “I can’t wait to see you.”
The assistant brings me a pair of silver pumps, and they fit like a glove. I feel like the princess to Katherine’s fairy queen. It’s like traveling back a quarter of a century and playing dress-up again.
I step into the seating area and glance between Katherine and Mom.
Katherine and I grin at each other. “It’s such a pretty color,” I say.
“I’m so pleased you like it,” Katherine says, her eyes wide and happy. “You look beautiful.”
