“I like this one.” I smile at the memory.That’s the night Cole gave me my love mark. I’m pretty sure I will have thatmark for the rest of my life.
“You’ve worn it before? We can pickanother one.”
“No, it will drive Cole crazy.”
“When did you wear it last?”
“It’s been a while. My second night inLas Vegas with Cole when I met his dad, and we were pretending to be engaged. Ithrew a royal fit over the clothes, because they cost so much. He pulled thisone off the hanger and told me to wear it. I think he likes me in it.”
“Wow, your life has definitely been aroller coaster the past month, hasn’t it?”
“Uh—yeah, that’s an understatement.” I’mso ready for things to settle down. “I’m looking forward to the wedding onSaturday. It’s kind of like hitting the reset button. After the ring ceremonyand reception, we’re going on a real honeymoon. I can’t wait.”
“I totally understand. Things have beencrazy for you and Cole.”
I hold my fingers about an inch apart. “Yeah—alittle bit. What are you going to wear?” I try to ask as nonchalantly aspossible.
“Oh, I’m going to wear a black dress Ibought at Classic Remake. Nothing special.” I can tell she isn’t thrilled withher choices.
I jump up and down. “I have something foryou. Will you let me give you your bridesmaid’s gift early?”
Laura looks at me, confused. “Sure.”
I jump off the bed with too muchenthusiasm and run into the closet, and grab the dress bag and box sitting nextto the luggage and run back into the bedroom. “Here you go.”
She still has a confused look on herface. “It’s not your bridesmaid dress silly, just open it.” I hold the hangerwhile she pulls down the garment bag zipper.
Laura curses and then slaps her handsover her mouth. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious.” I say, grinning from earto ear.
“Holy shit, Kate.” She pulls the pinkombre spandex dress out of the bag, holding it up to her. “Is this…is it a…”She can’t seem to finish her sentence.
“A Herve Leger bandage dress? Yes, yes itis.”
“Kate, I can’t.”
“Yes, Laura you can. Now open the box.”Laura opens the box and I get the same expletive as the first gift. “I’vealways wanted a pair of booties. When did you get such good taste in clothes?”
I sit back on the bed, laughing. “It’scalled a personal shopper.”
“Thank you so much, Kate.”
“No Laura, thank you for always having myback. For knowing when to push me and when to just support me.”
“You are so welcome. So did you have yourpersonal shopper pick out all your clothes for your amazing honeymoon toHawaii?”
My eyes get wide. “Shut up! How did youknow about where we are going? Cole won’t even tell me how to pack.”
“Oh hell! I didn’t even know that was asecret. Your mom mentioned it.”
“Ha! Ugh—no more secrets.”
“I promise no more.” Laura crosses herfinger over her heart. “Cross my heart, hope to die.”
“Thank you.”
“Okay, we better start getting ready.”Laura throws the blush dress at me, standing up. “I will see you in a few, yahooker.”
