“Fine.” He grabbed a heavy coat from next to the door and walked outside. “You call me if she needs me.”
“You’re on speed dial.”
“Now you’re just pacifying me.”
“The sooner you let me handle this the sooner she’ll be off to that dance. Go!”
He walked out and she regretted how much she enjoyedseeing him rattled. It was sweet. She looked at the staircase, then at the bag of gear. She should’ve made him carry it up before he left.That’s what I get for being so bossy.
With both hands on the handle of the overnighter, she hoisted it up the stairs one step at a time, steadying it on each tread as she went. At the top of the stairs she dropped the rolling bag to the floor and then rolled it down the hall.
She tapped lightly on the door. “Misty?” When there was no response she tapped again. “It’s Vanessa. Are you in there?”
A wimpy “Yes” came from the other side.
“Can I come in?”
“Why?”
“It’s the night of the big dance. We have to get you ready.”
“I’m not going.”
“You can’t miss the dance.”
“I can, and I am.”
“Does your date know yet?”
“I can’t call him. I’m cry-y-ying.”
“I can hear that. Will you please let me in?”
A meager “Yes” followed. Vanessa opened the door. The light was out, but she could see Misty lying on her bed in a heap. She flipped the light on. “Get up.”
“It’s a disaster.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
Misty thrust her hand out from under the covers. “Yes, it can. Look.” She thrust a picture of the dress she bought online at her.
“This is an adorable dress.”
She ripped back her comforter and hopped to her feet.
“Oh. No?” Vanessa knew that she was standing there mouth agape, and that that was not going to comfort Misty, but shewas right. Itwasa disaster. The dress looked about three sizes too big, and what was left of her eye makeup was on her cheeks. For the most part. “What in the world?” She tugged and pinched at the fabric.
“See!”
“I do. This is horrible.” She tried to look for a bright side. A couple of quick darts, a belt, or tweaks would snazz up the dress. “Well, maybe if…” She dropped her hands to the side. “Nope. You’re right. This is the pits.”
Misty started laughing. “You suck at making me feel better.”
Vanessa joined her in the amusement, and they both started laughing. Misty’s tears rolled down her face, but at least she wasn’t in a heap on the floor.
“I brought in the big guns, but girl, I’m not sure I can rescue that dress.”
“It doesn’t even look like the picture when it’s on the hanger.”
