After practice I waited for him at the bottom of the bleachers. “Hi,” I said, feeling a bit sorry for him.
His smile warmed my heart. “Hey, Holly, you’re looking really good out there.”
“Thanks.”
“So how am I doing?” His eyes searched mine.
“I, uh, don’t know about this STAN thing anymore,” I said.
“What do you mean?” He followed me across the gym. “I agreed to it, remember? So what’s the problem? I’m doing what you wanted.”
I stopped to look at him. Really look at him. “It’s all wrong, Jared. Every single part of it.”
“How’s it wrong?”
“Because STAN is turning you into a…a…”
Thwe-e-ep! It was Stan’s whistle.
I spun around. “Now what do you want?” I said.
“Lay off, Holly.” Stan stood at the volleyball net, clipboard in hand, and glared at me.
I looked first at Jared, then my cousin. “Huh? I don’t get it.”
Stan folded his arms. “Keep me out of whatever it is you’re talking about.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. “It’s nothing about you,” I said, trying to force a straight face.
Jared grinned, too. “Yeah, it’s nothing, man.”
I eyed my cousin, holding his precious clipboard. Driving him crazy with STAN was perfect genius. He’d never believe we weren’t talking about him—never in a zillion years!
He was glaring at me now. “And stop telling everyone about the wedding, too.”
“What’s eating you?” I said.
“You know what. There shouldn’t be a wedding at all.”
“You’re pathetic,” I said as he sauntered back to the bench and sat down.
“What’s buggin’ him?” Jared said.
“He’s a pain, that’s what.”
Jared stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Maybe both of you should back off…give each other a break.”
I stared at him. He was starting to sound like Danny, telling me what to do. “You’re doing it, too, Jared,” I said.
He looked confused. “What? What did I say?”
Thoughts of STAN whirled in my head. Jared’s personality was changing—for the worse. The fun-loving Jared had disappeared, and in his place was…what?
I sighed. “Maybe this scrutiny test was a big mistake. I mean, you’re so different. Nothing like you used to be. I think STAN’s turning you into someone…uh, someone awful. Let’s just forget the whole thing.” I turned and headed for the girls’ locker room.
“Holly, wait!”
I turned around. “Not now, Jared. It’s over.” And this time I ran all the way down the steps to the locker room, leaving Jared standing in the middle of the gym floor.
It felt good getting away from him…and Stan. In the shower, I let the water beat on my back for the longest time.
Mom pulled up in front of the school. “Hi, Holly-Heart, ready to shop till we drop?”
“I’m ready, sure. Can’t wait,” I said, settling into the front seat. “We don’t have much time before the wedding, you know.” I pulled a piece of paper from my backpack.
Mom glanced over. “What’s that?”
“We have to be organized about this if you’re going to have a perfect wedding.” I held my list up.
She smiled. “I should’ve known.”
“First we need invitations, and they must be mailed this week.”
Mom looked horrified. “This week?”
“Yep. Six weeks in advance of the special day. That’s this week.” I opened my backpack, scrounging for a pencil. “Another big item is flowers, you know. And a photographer. We must have pictures, lots of them. And…food. What would a Thanksgiving Day wedding be like without food? How do turkey hors d’oeuvres sound?”
“Slow down, Holly,” Mom said, finding a parking space in front of Footloose and Fancy Things. “Aren’t we getting ahead of ourselves? My wedding day is important, but it’s not the first time, you know. Second weddings shouldn’t be too showy.”
“Says who? You’ve waited a long time for the right guy to show up. And if Daddy had been thinking straight, he’d have come to his senses and married you again instead of—”
“Holly, please. Let’s not get into that.”
“Do you agree with me—this wedding has to be special?”
She nodded. “Special, just not too fancy.”
“Where’s your list?” I asked just as Mom got out of the car to feed the meter.
“Relax—please? My list is right here,” she said, pointing to her head as we made our way into my favorite shop.
Footloose and Fancy Things was the most exclusive shop in Dressel Hills. The cushy decor and soft music reminded me of a big-city department store. There were mirrors everywhere, and luxurious chairs to relax in while waiting for someone to come out of the plush dressing rooms and model an outfit. That someone happened to be my mom. She deserved the best fashion critic there was—me.
Modeling an off-white dress with a gentle brocade bodice and sleeves, Mom stood before me, smiling. “This is ecru,” she said. “It’s appropriate for a second-time bride.”
“Why not a white gown?” I argued. “And shouldn’t it be longer? You know, with a train?”
Mom rolled her eyes. “Darling, maybe we should talk.” She sat down, sinking deep into the soft armchair beside me. “I said before, second weddings usually aren’t too showy.” It was almost a whisper. “I haven’t changed my mind about that.”
“But you didn’t have a big wedding with Daddy; why not throw a big bash with Uncle Jack?” I insisted.
“Did it ever occur to you that Uncle Jack might want to have a say in the planning? This is his wedding, too.”
“Okay, we’ll let Uncle Jack decide a few things,” I said.
Mom looked at me sideways. “Maybe you’re getting too caught up in this,” she muttered, hoisting herself out of the chair.
As soon as she disappeared into the dressing room, I dashed to the bridal section. That’s when I spotted the perfect dress for a bride. I couldn’t wait to show Mom.
When she came out to model another dress—a pale green just-below-the-knee-length thing with ripples for a hem—I took her arm and escorted her to the dazzling white dress with a chapel-length train fit for a queen.
“Now this is you.” I stepped back, admiring the enchanting dress. “Please, Mom. Just try it on.”
Mom smiled. “It’s lovely, dear, but it’s not me.”
“Mo-o-m,” I whined.
“I’ll make you a deal,” she said, lowering her voice. “I’ll choose my wedding dress, and you choose yours. Okay?”
“That’s not funny,” I said. Then a fabulous idea popped into my head. “What if I choose the dresses for Carrie, Stephie, and me to wear for the wedding party. What do you think?”
“Sure, that’s okay with me, Holly-Heart.” She stroked my hair.
Things were looking up. Mom would say almost anything now to get me off her bridal train, er, out of her hair. So while she went off to try on another nonbridal look, I browsed through the Juniors section of the dress shop.
The trouble with weddings is, by the time you’re old enough to have one, you’re too old to know what’s cool and what’s not. With that thought, I reached for the gorgeous hot-pink dress with beaded silver accents that was calling out to me. The fabric shimmered all the way down to the striking beaded hem. I was holding in my hands the perfect choice for the coolest junior bridesmaids’ dresses in Dressel Hills, Colorado. Wouldn’t Mom be thrilled?
THE TROUBLE WITH WEDDINGS
Chapter 15
I waited with Mom as the cashier rang up her boring cream-colored dress. “I found the perfect dress in Juniors,” I told her. “You have to see it, Mom. We could order three of them exactly alike for Carrie, Stephie, and me.”
Her fingers were busy touching the brocade bodice of her wedding dress. Her mind was apparently a zillion miles awa
y. “That’s nice,” she said, handing a credit card to the clerk.
Just then Andie’s mother showed up. “Shopping for your wedding, I see.” She eyed Mom’s purchase. “Your dress is lovely.”
Lovely? She hadn’t called it fabulous or beautiful. So I was right. The dress was definitely average—ho-hum. I couldn’t stand by and let Mom’s wedding day be average. It had to be extra special…even memorable. And I would see to it.
Mom showed off her dress, chattering with Mrs. Martinez. Then she signed the credit card purchase slip.
“Excuse me, Mom,” I said, interrupting her. “Can you come look at the dress I found in Juniors real quick before they close?”
But Mom was caught up with Andie’s mom and, of course, wedding talk. “Here, honey, go ahead and order the dresses if you’d like to,” she said offhandedly. “I’ll be across the street at the florist. Meet me there.” Then she handed her credit card to me.
Well, I instantly tore off in the direction of the glitzy hot-pink and silver dress. Just the thing to add pizzazz to a wedding that, so far, seemed to be headed in the direction of Dullsville.
Quickly, I found the dress on the rack again. My size. On the shelves against the wall, I discovered a pair of shoes to match, along with beaded hair accessories. I placed the order for two more dresses—in Carrie’s and Stephanie’s sizes—and hurried out of the store. I was glad the white plastic completely concealed the flashy dress I’d just purchased.
When we arrived home, I would surprise Mom and model it. She’d be so impressed with my choice. After all, weddings ought to be an occasion for celebration. Especially at Thanksgiving.
Back at home, Uncle Jack greeted us at the front door. His hair was messed up, probably from being playfully attacked by the kids. Stan was at the library doing homework again. He’d been hiding out there a lot lately. Maybe he thought if he hid from reality it would go away.
“Whatcha got there, Holly?” Uncle Jack asked, trying to peek under the plastic.
Mom intercepted. “No sneaking peeks. First look is on our wedding day.”
“That goes for the bride’s dress,” he teased. “Not for the daughter-of-the-bride’s dress.” He planted a kiss on my cheek.
“It’s our new tradition, right, Mom?”
Mom looked puzzled. “Traditions are repeated customs. I don’t know about Jack, but I intend this to be my last wedding.” Uncle Jack burst into laughter and kissed Mom. And not on the cheek, either.
With that, I dashed upstairs to hang up the dress. But my eye caught something taped to my bedroom door. Stopping to look more closely, I discovered a list of phone calls. Danny’s name was listed, followed by his phone number.
Uncle Jack called up from downstairs. “Holly, did you find your phone messages?”
I leaned over the banister. “Thanks, Uncle Jack.”
“Looks to me like you need a private secretary,” he teased.
Inside my bedroom, I carefully removed the plastic. Then I closed the door and slipped on the most fabulous bridesmaid dress ever.
Standing in front of the mirror, I posed like a model. Swinging my hair up off my shoulders, I held it there, admiring the color and style of the dress.
Suddenly I remembered last Easter. Carrie had found the most incredible dress, a silk one, complete with a silvery embroidered hem. But the colors weren’t right for Mom. And she absolutely refused to buy the hot-pink Easter dress. Carrie had complained and whined and nearly threw a fit, but none of that changed Mom’s mind.
I stared at the mirror, twirling myself around. I was determined to wear this dress to Mom’s wedding even though it had exactly the same colors as the dress that got away…from Carrie, anyway.
First look on the wedding day…Mom had told that to Uncle Jack.
Well, that goes for this dress, too, I thought, giggling. What a sensible idea. One that would spare me from having to return three perfectly gorgeous dresses. Even if Mom didn’t like it, everyone else would love the brilliant pink color and shimmering silver beading. I was so sure.
Pulling the plastic over the hanger, I hung my bridesmaid gown toward the back of the closet. With zillions of wedding plans on her mind, maybe Mom would forget about this purchase. I could only hope so.
It was time to return some phone calls, starting with Andie. I hurried to the hall phone.
“What’s up?” I said when she answered.
“Not much. Where’ve you been?”
“I went shopping with Mom to pick out her bride’s dress today…uh, sorta. She didn’t like the one that looked like a real bride, so we compromised. She got the dress she liked, and I picked out dresses for the girls in the family.”
“Matching dresses?”
“Uh-huh. The clerk said they’re one of a kind, the only dresses like them in Dressel Hills.”
“That’s cool, I guess.” She sounded glum.
“What’s wrong?”
“Stan. He’s weird.”
I wasn’t too surprised. Especially after what had happened today after school. “I warned you. My cousin can be positively maddening sometimes.”
“Well, he’s mad, at least. At his dad for getting married again.” She paused. I could hear her take a breath. “And at you, Holly.”
“At me? Again?”
“He said you’re spreading stuff around about him.”
I sat on the floor in the hallway. “Well, let him whine all he wants. The fact is, Jared and I were not talking about him, and that’s the truth.”
“Jared? How’s he fit into all this?”
“It’s nothing, really.”
“You just lost me,” she said. “But speaking of Jared, I ran into him after school at the Soda Straw. Amy-Liz and I popped in for sodas, and there he was. Holly, he looked really awful. Like someone just died.”
“Really?” I felt guilty.
“Yeah, he looked miserable, so I went over to talk to him, and he wouldn’t even look at me. Then I got a bright idea. I bribed Amy-Liz to go and flirt with him. And she did. But he kept his face down the whole time. Then he said the weirdest thing, without looking up.”
“Like what?”
“He said, ‘Take your flirting somewhere else. I can’t talk to you now.’ Can you believe it? You and your test have turned Jared into some kind of weirdo.”
“How do you know what he said to Amy-Liz?”
“I have proof.”
I wasn’t sure what she was getting at. “Huh?”
“Proof,” she said again. “Will you be home tonight?”
“Sure, why?”
“I’ll be right over,” she said, hanging up without even a goodbye.
Now what? I hung up the phone. Just as I did, it rang. “Got it,” I called to Mom. “Hello?”
“Well, hi there, Holly.” It was Daddy, calling from California. “How’s everything going?”
“Fine, thanks. How are you?”
“We’re fine here.” It bugged me when he said we. “How’s school?”
“Okay. Except for Stan.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“He’s causing trouble for me at school.”
“Your cousin Stan?”
“Uh-huh.”
“That’s hard to picture. He’s always been one of the best kids around.”
“Well, he’s changed.”
“I wonder…could it have something to do with his dad getting married again?”
I held my breath. How’d Daddy know? “Um, maybe” was all I could say.
“I think I understand your cousin’s motivation. Stan’s probably worried about having two more sisters in his family.” Dad chuckled.
“Did Grandma Meredith tell you the news about the wedding?”
“Yes, and she seems quite happy about your mother getting remarried.” He paused. “I’ve been wondering, Holly, how do you feel about Uncle Jack becoming your stepdad?”
I tried to swallow the rising lump in my throat. I opened my mouth, but no
thing came out. I mustn’t cry, I thought. Daddy will get the wrong idea.
“Holly, are you there?”
I coughed. “I’m okay.” But my eyes were clouding over with tears. “You know, Daddy, Uncle Jack will always be an uncle to me. Just because he’s marrying Mom doesn’t mean he’ll take your place. No one could ever do that.” Just saying that made me feel better.
“I didn’t intend to upset you, honey. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Uncle Jack’s lots of fun. Mom’s in love, and everything’s fine.” I wondered if Daddy believed me, the way my voice sounded so quivery.
“You’re crying, honey, aren’t you?”
“Not because I’m sad, Daddy. Honest.”
“Well,” he said, “I’m happy for your mother. And Uncle Jack, too. He’s getting a terrific wife.”
I couldn’t believe he’d say that. Why hadn’t he stayed married to Mom instead of leaving us and messing up our lives? I didn’t say what was on my mind, of course, just asked him if he wanted to talk to Carrie. When he said that he did, I ran to find her.
Carrie shyly took the receiver. She and Daddy still hadn’t talked much since he’d reentered our lives last winter. Meanwhile, I sat on my window seat thinking about Daddy’s question. What made him think Uncle Jack could replace him, now or ever? I squeezed Bearie-O hard. It was then I realized Daddy might’ve been upset with the news of Mom’s wedding. It must be lousy finding out your wife is marrying another man. Even though she’s not your wife anymore.
Just then a knock came at my door. “Holly, are you in there?” It was Andie.
I leaped off my window seat and met her. “Wow, that was fast.”
She pulled an MP3 player out of her backpack.
“What’s that for?” I asked.
“The proof I told you about. Just listen.”
She pressed the play button. “Take your flirting somewhere else.” The voice was unmistakably Jared’s. “I can’t talk to you now,” he was saying.
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