by Denise Carbo
“Afraid not. It’s not a typical wedding attendant dress choice. I had it in the party dress section, but the bride said it was perfect for her colors and theme.”
“I wasn’t aware my cousin was planning a night club theme for her wedding.”
Kelly places her hand on my arm as she laughs. “I didn’t ask, but the wedding dress she chose is similarly styled. She had me shorten the design by several inches. She’s your cousin?”
“Do you think I would contemplate wearing this for anything less than family obligation?”
“You do seem different from her other attendants.”
I raise my eyebrows and give her a sideways glance. “I hope you mean older and wiser?” I am a few years older than my cousin and her friends, but seriously, I would never have worn a dress like this when I was their age. Of course, I already had twin five-year-old boys.
When Franny, Lucinda, and I went out for our girls’ night I wore black jeans with a red blouse. Franny dressed similarly while Lucinda did wear a form fitting blue dress, but it ended just above her knees and only showed a hint of her impressive cleavage. Of course, we didn’t go to a nightclub, we ended up stopping at the mall and then having dinner at a restaurant. Hanging out with friends and being able to hear our conversation is much more my speed and idea of a good time than loud music and too much alcohol. Maybe I am old.
“I was leaning towards tasteful and approachable.”
It’s my turn to laugh. “Okay, let’s get this over with before I lose my nerve.”
“Let me get you that strapless bra.”
She disappears and I step into the dressing area and pick up the sides of the dress to inspect it a little closer. There are see through panels in the waist.
Kelly returns and holds out a tiny strapless bra. “As you can see, your choices are limited for undergarments if you want to ensure they don’t show.”
“You’re not kidding.” I drop the dress and take the bra. “Well, this explains Violet’s comment about signing up for a gym membership.” She had ended her email by mentioning the fitness club in town was running a discount special. A less than subtle dig about my mom body?
“You’re beautiful. I don’t think you have anything to worry about once you get past the exposure elements of the dress.”
A snort escapes me. “Very diplomatic.”
A chime sounds in the store and Kelly looks towards the front. The dressing area is at the back of the store on the left. A large circle platform in the middle has mirrors strategically placed around the area. For brides to see and show off their dresses? The other side of the platform has a loveseat and two armchairs for viewing. “I’ll greet the customers and be right back.”
“Take your time.” I close the curtain and sigh before removing my clothes and donning the bra and dress. Studying my reflection in the mirror produces another sigh. My budget won’t stretch to cover a gym membership, but I can spring for a set of weights or something. This dress leaves no secrets. My arms could use toning. Sit-ups and crunches might help my abs. At least my legs look fairly decent—even if they’re way too exposed for my comfort level.
“How are you doing, Olivia?” Kelly stands just outside the changing area. The tips of her black pumps are visible beneath the curtain.
“Seriously thinking about that gym membership.”
She laughs and I hear someone else say, “Olivia?”
I peek my head out while keeping the curtain closed to cover my body. “Hey Franny.”
Franny and Lucinda stand by the circle platform together. She tilts her head to the side and half smiles and half frowns. “Did you start without us?”
“I knew I recognized you from somewhere, but it just didn’t click. You work for Franny.”
I glance up at Kelly standing on the side and nod.
“She’s also one of my bridesmaids.”
“And I’m one of my cousin’s, remember?”
“Oh, are you trying on the dress? Let us see!” Lucinda claps her hands together.
Squeezing my eyes closed and grimacing I drop the curtain and stand in the entryway.
“Holy smokes!”
I open one eye at a time. Franny and Lucinda are both standing there with their mouths agape.
Franny grins. “Wow, you’re really hot.”
“Not the adjective that came to mind when I saw it, but thanks.”
“You look great. That’s your bridesmaid dress?” Lucinda scans me from head to toe. Her wrinkled brow and the perplexity etched on her features is surpassed only by the surprise dripping from her voice.
“Uh huh, it sure is.” I smooth the material over my hips hoping to stretch it a little. No dice.
“Why don’t we get those measurements taken so you can relax and help Franny find her wedding dress?” Kelly glances over her shoulder. “Franny, I’ve hung several dresses in the bridal dressing area. Why don’t you look and see what strikes your fancy while I finish up with Olivia? I’ll only be a couple of minutes.”
“Okay.” Franny smiles and whirls around to search the first changing area which is easily twice the size of the one I’m standing in.
“Don’t try anything on until I can see.” I duck back into my spot and step back so Kelly can fit.
Kelly closes the curtain. “Don’t worry, this will be quick. You won’t miss anything.”
She’s as good as her word and takes the measurements before stepping out and closing the curtain so I can change. “Just leave everything in there.”
I scramble back into my own jeans, T-shirt, and canvas shoes. When I step out, Franny and Lucinda are sorting through the dresses hanging up.
“Are you thinking a princess style dress, or something more fitted?” Lucinda holds out the wide skirt with lace and sequins.
Franny fingers the tiny gold cross on her necklace. “I don’t know.”
“Then you need to try on assorted styles and see how you like them.” I walk over to join them.
“Exactly why I put out an assortment for you to look at and try on. Although, if I might make a suggestion?” Kelly lifts a dress off the hook on the opposite side. “With your coloring and shape, I saw this one and immediately thought of you.”
The dress is champagne colored rather than white, strapless, and fitted throughout the bodice and hips. The skirt drapes and widens down to an ankle length.
Lucinda wraps her arm around Franny’s shoulders. “Oh, you have to try that one on. It’s gorgeous.”
“It’s not white, is it?” Franny steps closer to the dress.
“No, it’s not. If you have your heart set on white, I can keep the style, but change the color.”
Franny raises her hand runs a finger along the draped material of the bodice. “I don’t have my heart set on it, I just never considered anything but white before.”
“With your ivory skin and red hair, I think this color is perfect for you.” I step closer. “You have to try this one on.”
Franny wrinkles her nose. “My hair is orange.”
“Even better.”
Kelly tilts her head towards Franny. “Do you want to try it on?”
“I really, really do.”
We all smile. Kelly helps Franny while Lucinda and I walk over to the sitting area and sit on the loveseat.
“I’m so nervous and excited. I understand the excitement, but why am I so nervous?”
“Because your baby sister is getting married and you want it to be perfect for her?”
She grabs my hand and squeezes. “Yes, exactly that.”
The doorbell chimes and Rebecca, Franny’s other bridesmaid, sails inside, scanning the store. She spots us in the back and strides towards us. Her brown hair brushes her jaw as she bends over and drops her large tote sized purse on the floor. “Am I late? The flower delivery was late this morning and I had to get my assistant ready before I could leave.”
I shake my head and Lucinda pats the arm of the chair next to her. “Franny is trying on the first d
ress now.”
“Excellent.” Rebecca sits and crosses her legs.
I glance at Lucinda. “Is your mother coming?”
“Yes.” She looks at her watch. “But I told her one o’clock so we would have a little time for Franny to settle into the process before the storm that is our mother descends.”
I pat her on the leg. “You’re a good maid of honor and sister.”
She tosses a smile at me. “I’ve been slowly taking over the crucial parts of the planning to ensure it is what Franny wants. Mother has graciously allowed me to assist.”
Rebecca glances over at the closed dressing area and back to Lucinda. “We need to schedule an appointment to discuss floral arrangements.”
“Absolutely. I’ll call you later to set something up.” Lucinda folds her hands over her knee. “Oh, this is such fun.”
The scrape of the curtain sliding open over the rod sounds and we all swivel our heads in that direction. Kelly sidesteps out of the way and stands to the left. Franny steps out.
Lucinda gasps and jumps up.
My mouth drops open. “Oh Franny, you’re a vision.”
“Nailed it one, you bitch.”
We burst out laughing over Rebecca’s remark. Kelly guides Franny onto the platform.
Franny looks down at the dress and over to us. “Do you really think so?”
Lucinda stands with her hands clasped to her chest and tears in her eyes. “You’re so beautiful.”
“You absolutely do, but what’s important is how you feel in the dress.” Kelly fluffs the skirt and puts her hands on Franny’s shoulders to turn her towards a set of mirrors.
Franny’s hand trembles over her lips.
The door chimes and we all glance toward the door. Ms. Elaine Dawson glides in wearing a powder blue pant suit with matching heels and purse. Three strands of pearls circle her neck. Her blonde hair is swept up in a fancy do with a pearl comb on the side.
Lucinda bears a strong resemblance to her mother. She has the same cool elegant beauty, but Lucinda has a warm heart. From what I’ve seen and heard, her mother’s is encased in the center of a giant glacier.
She stops dead and stares at Franny on the platform. Her hand flutters up in the air and then she drops it and strides forward. I could swear there’s a tear or two in her eyes.
She stops next to the platform and her gaze travels over Franny. I clench my hands together between my knees. Please say something nice for Franny’s sake. Don’t ruin this for her.
“Mother, isn’t she beautiful?” Lucinda walks over to stand next to her mother. She leans forward and grabs Franny’s hand.
“Yes, she does. I think you should wear your hair up, perhaps a French twist. A veil at the crown, and a few tiny flowers threaded in your hair.” She tugs at the material on Franny’s waist and glances over to Kelly. “This will have to be taken in, of course.”
Kelly steps forward. “I’ll take measurements and tailor it for Franny if this is the dress she chooses.”
“Of course this is the dress.” Ms. Dawson pulls the bodice up a bit. “Stand up straight, Francine.”
Franny’s wobbly smile grows. “Yes, mother.”
Chapter 18
Sweat pours down my face. I wipe it off my forehead with the back of my hand before it can drip into my eyes and sting. Sia belts out a pop ballad in my ears as my feet pound down the pavement. I swing right onto my road. Less than a mile left of this morning’s run.
Gold, orange, and red leaves on the trees wave in the cool morning air. The sky is a clear blue with a few puffy white clouds. A good start to the day.
A car approaches so I hug the side of the road being careful not to slip in the wet brown leaves coating the sides. It slows as it approaches, so I lift my gaze and search the interior. Luke is behind the wheel.
I haven’t heard or seen him since our lunch date last week. He mowed my lawn while I was at work on Sunday. I have yet to supply him with baked goods this week as a thank you. The dress fitting took up all of Monday and studying for midterms lasted most of Tuesday.
He lowers the passenger window as he stops next to me. I jog in place and pull an earbud from my ear and lower the volume on my music.
“Hey Legs.” His gaze scans me, lingering on my legs before raising back to meet my gaze.
Okay, not feeling quite so self-conscious anymore in my pink tank and black bike shorts.
The rumble of his voice does funny things to my insides. What is it about body chemistry between two people? A look, the sound of his voice and my engine revs.
His lack of calling or dropping by to ask for a second date has had me second guessing his attraction. Maybe he’s just not that in to me.
“Hey yourself. Where are you off to?”
“Halloween emergency. Barb bought Joey a costume weeks ago, but he’s been wearing it around the house so much it ripped. So, I’m off to the mall to hopefully find an identical match to avert a major meltdown.”
“Aw, that’s sweet. You’re a good uncle and brother-in-law.”
He shrugs. “What are your boys doing for Halloween on Saturday? They’re still young enough to go trick-or-treating, right?”
“Definitely. Superheroes still rule in my household. What’s Joey’s costume?”
“Dragon.”
“I bet he’s adorable. I want to see pics. Are you going trick-or-treating with them?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Dressing up?”
He drapes an arm over the steering wheel. “As in a costume? No. You?”
“It’s a tradition. I’m going as Wonder Woman this year.”
“That I would like to see.”
“Then you’ll have to drop by on Saturday before we head out.”
Luke glances up into his rearview mirror. Another car approaches. “I better get going. Barb is ready to tear her hair out over the costume catastrophe.”
He lifts a hand in a wave before driving away. I continue my run.
Did his silence mean he wasn’t going to drop by? Damn it. Now I’m going to be wondering about it for the next two days.
* * *
“Olivia, there’s a very handsome man out here asking for you.” Lucinda wiggles her eyebrows comically. “The sexy neighbor perhaps?” She takes a few steps closer into the bakery kitchen where Franny and I are. “He’s got a smile which could melt icebergs. How could you think he was a serial killer?”
“Um…well, he never smiled much before and I really don’t think that’s a factual measure of whether or not someone is a serial killer.” I walk over to wash my hands at the sink. The food dye I was coloring the frosting with dots my fingers. I shake my head as I scrub my hands. I’m a messy baker.
What is Luke doing here? He didn’t mention stopping by this morning when I saw him during my run. Is he here to show me a picture of Joey in his costume?
Lucinda has already disappeared back up front by the time I turn around. Franny grins and walks over. “I want to finally meet this neighbor of yours.”
I walk through the archway with her hot on my heels.
It’s not Luke. “Oli!”
I dash through the opening in the counters and jump into my brother’s waiting arms.
He swings me around and gives me a tight squeeze before dropping me back on my feet. Oli got all the height in the womb and left me with the crumbs. He’s six foot one to my five foot five.
“I thought I would surprise you.”
“You definitely did. Do Mom and Dad know you’re in town?”
“Not yet. I stopped here first.”
Lucinda clears her throat behind me. I glance over my shoulder. Her and Franny are standing side by side behind the counter with smiles on their faces.
“Oh…” I turn all the way around and hold his arm in my hands. “Oli this is Franny and her sister, Lucinda. You’ve heard me talk about them a hundred times or more. Girls, this is my brother, Oliver.”
They both say, “hi.” Franny wave
s and Lucinda wiggles her fingers in the air.
“Ladies, it’s a pleasure.” Oli nods and grins. “You never told me how beautiful they were. I would have stopped by much sooner.”
I bump his arm with my shoulder. “Behave, Franny is taken.”
His gaze settles on Lucinda. “Are you spoken for too?”
Lucinda props a hand on her hip. “Not anymore.”
I shake my head and smile and then look up at Oli. “How long are you in town for? Are you staying with me or Mom and Dad?”
“Not sure and I thought I would crash on your couch this time. We need to catch up and I haven’t seen my nephews in a while. How am I going to do my uncle duty and corrupt them if I stay at Mom and Dad’s?”
I glance at Franny and Lucinda. “He means it too. He thinks it’s his sworn right to teach them things like belching the alphabet and potty humor jokes only boys can possibly find funny.”
“It’s a written rule in the uncle handbook.” Oli stuffs his free hand in the pocket of his trousers. “I also need a chance to check out this new neighbor you told me about. One minute you’re telling me you think he’s a serial killer and the next you’re assuring me he’s harmless and mowing your lawn every week for you.”
I gnaw on my lip and glance at Franny and Lucinda. They’ve got identical smirks on their faces. Okay, I won’t be receiving any help from them.
“About that…” How do I explain I’m kind of dating that neighbor now?
“Why don’t you leave early and go spend some time with your brother?”
I glance at Franny. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. It’s after three anyway and Luce is here to help. Go.”
“Thanks, Franny.” I take off my apron and walk behind the counter to grab my purse. I give her a hug and Lucinda grabs hold of me to hug me too.
She whispers in my ear. “Is he single?”
I laugh and nod as I turn to go.
“Ladies, I hope to see you both again.”
I push Oli towards the door before he can pursue Lucinda or the other way around. I love them both, but I’m not sure I want to see them together. Lucinda is in the middle of a divorce from her dirtbag husband and Oli is the love them and leave them type. He’s never been serious over a woman.