Say Forever(42)

"Four." Tia frowns at me. "But we were hoping for more."

"Can't you come up with two other bridesmaids?" Marie interjects in the same tone I use on my brothers whenever they get caught doing something naughty.

I look over my shoulder for Grace to come save me, but she and Violet are in the corner of the store, heads bowed toward each other. Grace's tone rises every so often, and I realize they must be arguing.

My shoulders fall. "No."

"Violet can do it." I gape at Grace, as she drags Violet toward us.

"Violet in a dress?" I blurt and then slap my hand over my mouth when Violet's cheeks flush a deep scarlet. I mouth "sorry" to Violet, but I don't think it helps. She casts her gaze to her scuffed boots as Grace tightens her hold on her arm.

Just then the front door chimes and I'm nearly blinded by Karri's hair.

"Hi, Christina." She smiles and waves, clearly oblivious to me rolling my eyes at her as she skips through the shop toward us, her heavy boots making a muffled thudding sound on the plush carpet. I'm surprised to see she's dressed much like Violet, in cowboy boots, worn jeans and a work shirt.

"Congratulations on your wedding," Karri says in a much too perky, and much too sober, tone. Before I can stop her, she pulls me in for a hug.

"Thanks," I say, baffled by this sudden change in my ex-BFF. I pull back and search her gaze for any signs that she's stoned out of her mind but her eyes are clear and vibrant.

Huh?

"Ahhh. We've found a fourth bridesmaid."

My heart stops beating for an eternal second when I see Nora's gaze fixed on Karri.

Karri takes a step back. "M-Me?" she stammers. "You want me to be a bridesmaid?" Despite Karri's incredulous tone, there's a wistfulness in her gaze. I don't like it one bit.

"I don't think so," I say as I square my shoulders and glare at Nora, then Karri.

"I remember you." Nora crosses over to Karri and settles her hand on her arm as if they're old friends. Then she flashes me a wide grin. "You two were practically joined at the hip when Christina was in high school."

Karri tilts up her chin. "We were besties."

"Things change," I groan as I cross my arms.

Nora's demeanor suddenly shifts, and I'm reminded of the way weather in Texas can go from sunny and calm to cloudy and stormy within the blink of an eye. "Beggars can't be choosers, Christina." Her mouth hardens as she points a finger at my chest. "You need a fourth bridesmaid."


***


"Are you coming out or what?" Grace is pounding on the fitting room door where Violet has barricaded herself.

I've got a wedding-induced migraine, so I'm nursing a ginger ale while I sink back in a cushy, oversized chair, wondering how the hell the day of my dreams is turning into my worst nightmare. Tia has just revealed to Marie the shocking news that she thinks Grace and Violet may be lesbians. Marie is sulking in a nearby chair. After she begrudgingly tried on the red dress we chose, Marie refuses to try on anything else, claiming the dresses Grace and I like are for "putas." I'm not sure what a "puta" is, and I get the feeling I don't want to know.

Grace has already changed back into her jeans and turtleneck, but she looked incredible in the shimmery red silk dress. It had a V neck, tapered waist, and just the right amount of swish when she twirled. Not to mention the fact that her long, lean legs looked absolutely stunning in it. The best part is I think this bridesmaid's dress will complement the red flowers on my gown. I can see why Marie doesn't like it. Like me, she's short, but she's got a much thicker build. When Grace twirled and the iridescent colors caught the light, she reminded me of a rose in full bloom. Marie looked more like a turnip that's been sprayed with a water hose.

Finally, the door to the dressing room creeks open, and Violet, or what was once Violet, hesitantly steps out. I jerk up and slosh ginger ale down my shirt, letting out a low whistle at the bombshell before me.

"I look stupid." Violet glares at Grace who looks as stunned as I feel.

The salesladies gave Violet a wig of straight goth-black hair with cropped bangs, hooped earrings, and someone even painted her face with mascara and cherry lipstick to match the dress. The red heels compliment Violet's mile-high legs.

She looks runway model perfect. If it wasn't for that pained, constipated look in her eyes, I'd say Violet makes a damn fine girl.

Grace's gaze travels the length of her girlfriend, and her bright eyes darken as she licks her lips. I know Grace is thinking about dressing room sex right about now.

"Babe." Grace stroke's Violet's slender arm. "You look good enough to eat."

I hear Tia whispering even louder to her niece. "I told you they're lesbians."