Page 59 of Pure Abandon

I open the door to Gwen standing in front of me, holding an ivory dress. “Try this on.”

“You haven’t even looked at the one I have on!” I huff.

“I hate it. Here.” She shoves the dress in my hand. “This is the one.”

I hold up the ivory dress. “I am not wearing white. It’s not my wedding day.”

“Put it on.” Gwen walks away. Flashbacks of my prom, formals, and even wedding dress shopping pop in my head. The woman is maddening to shop with.

And just like with my prom dress, formal, and wedding dress… she is right.

Damn her.

The gown is exquisite, worldly, and makes me look like a goddess. It is a Theia form-fitted number with a low, soft V neckline and spaghetti straps. The silk fabric clings to my body but hangs delicately as it swoons down my hips into an elegant cascade of delicate petals. The hemline drapes gracefully on the floor. I look like a goddess walking on a bed of floating white rose petals.

Ivory on ivory, it is the epitome of classic. I’m in love.

I open the door to allow Gwen to gloat, but she isn’t there.

“Mom?”

Picking up the bottom of the dress, I sneak barefoot out of the dressing room. Where did she go?

As I’m about to turn around back into the dressing room, I hear a familiar voice.

“He wanted to spend time together tonight, but I was already at the mall. I mean, he can’t ask me last minute to spend time with him. A girl needs to pamper!” She lets out a laugh.

Hiding behind a rack of clothing, I eavesdrop on the conversation.

“You have to see him. He’s gorgeous! And his body is to die for… Yeah, yeah… We run together… In the park… Yes, totally hot bod. It makes it all worth it.” She continues.

What is worth it? Who is she running with? And is she talking to herself? I slide down to the floor and squat low so she doesn’t see me. I have to get a glimpse.

Putting my hands on all fours, I crawl around the rack. Shirt sleeves and price tags are hitting me in the face as I peer around the side of the rack.

It’s her.

The lioness!

The girl from the park, who knows my husband and calls my son Jack, is on the phone and looking at a display of undergarments. Very sexy undergarments, I might add.

What’s her name? Beth, Brie, Baily… Shit!

“We are seeing each other Tuesday. I know, right?” She continues. “I have to find something killer to wear. We are going to…” She starts to walk away. I can’t hear. I crawl closer.

I’m about to round the corner when I’m interrupted by a pair of feet. I don’t know those feet. They are clad in black aerosols. Cowering down, I gaze up hesitantly. I’ve been caught by a salesgirl.

“Excuse me, miss. May I ask why you’re crawling on the ground in a thousand-dollar dress?”

A thousand dollars!

I slowly creep up to a standing position.

“I… um…” My mouth goes dry.

She crosses her arms and taps her foot. This day just can’t get any better.

“There you are!” Gwen emerges by my side, holding Jackson. “Oh, don’t you look beautiful!”