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“Although,” Poppy piped in, “since it’s going to be an outdoor wedding, bright colors like red would be perfect. Meg? Come on. We’re all waiting.”
“I’m only trying this on for you because I agreed to try everything on before I could veto it. But there is no way I’m wearing this to the wedding or anyplace else,” she said, coming around the corner.
It didn’t matter what the dress looked like or how it fit, from the miserable expression on Meg’s face as she came out, it was clear she wouldn’t feel comfortable in it, which was what mattered.
“I look like a stuffed sausage roll,” she said, holding her hands around her wider waist that was straining in the fabric.
Waverley was well aware of what it felt like to be a dress size—or more—above the norm and immediately empathized with the woman. “You know, the waist could easily be let out, and with a few more tweaks, we could make the fit exactly to your measurements.”
Nina nodded in agreement. “Everything can be adjusted.”
Meg looked down at her generous breasts that were barely covered by the thin spaghetti straps. “I don’t think I’ll feel comfortable in this no matter what tweaks you make,” she said glumly.
“It’s fine, Meg,” Poppy said. “We have a bunch more still. Let’s try on something you chose,” she said and put her arms around her friend as they went back to the dressing room.
This went back and forth a few more times until they reappeared in red satin dresses in the perfect shade that reminded Waverley of a ripe watermelon and with a design that flattered them both.
“You both look gorgeous,” Avery said, smiling broadly as she turned to Waverley, who nodded her agreement. “Meg? What do you think?”
Meg was studying herself, turning around to the side for another look while they all waited. “Let’s be honest. Any kind of dress is going to feel funny for me. But I think as dresses go…I like it.”
The women exhaled in unison. The wide shoulder straps definitely offered more subtle support for Meg’s chest, and the vee neckline and the A-line skirt provided a flattering hint of cleavage while also creating an illusion of a slimmer waistline.
“Now we can all breathe easier about the most important aspect of this wedding…dresses,” Poppy teased.
“Well, what’s important to you,” Avery added and laughed. “Now Waverley, I know we only just met, but if you’re going to be around in mid-July, I’d love for you to come to the wedding.”
“I’d like that,” she said, touched by the invitation.
Nina stepped forward, waving to an associate. “Why don’t you ladies head back and we’ll get your measurements.”
With the women occupied, Waverley wandered through the store again. She stopped at a display of sunglasses, realizing that with her upcoming trip to Florida, she could stand a few accessories that would help her feel more comfortable. With an eye to her budget, she selected a pair of wedge sandals, a bright set of hoop earrings, one pair of sunglasses, and a pretty Kelly-green blouse that, with a couple of darts sewn under the arms, would be perfect. Taking her selection to the counter, she mused about whether she’d pair the top with a skirt or her favorite pair of navy ankle-length pants as the saleswoman rang her up.
“That’s one-twenty-four twenty-two.”
Waverley stared inside her wallet, realizing that she’d only brought enough cash for her lunch, not enough to cover this total. Leaving her options to either return most of the items, a mortifying prospect since the other women had rejoined her and were standing next to her while she finished up, or pull out the credit card with her full name emblazoned on it.
The card was new, opened a couple of months before, after all her other cards were unceremoniously closed and her credit score tanked. The limit was a measly five hundred bucks, but it was at least something to have for those rare emergencies.
Not to mention, it was hers. All hers.
Taking her chances, she pulled out the card and slid the strip across the machine. With any luck, the saleswoman wouldn’t even see the name associated with the card.
As the woman grabbed a bag and carefully folded and placed the items inside as the transaction processed, Waverley was feeling optimistic. At least until the woman returned to the computer and stared at it before turning her attention back to Waverley.
Really looked at her, as if trying to work out the name of the person on the card and who she’d probably seen in some of the media coverage that had been everywhere a few months before with the person in front of her.
And even though Waverley’s face was wider and puffier, there must have been enough of a resemblance between the two as the woman glared at her and shook her head. “Please sign and check ‘agree’ if the amount is correct, Ms. Abbott.”
Waverley scratched her signature on the screen and held her breath as the receipt printed. The woman took the receipt and dropped it in the bag before pushing the bag toward her. Unlike the friendly farewell she’d said to the prior customers, the woman just stared at Waverley in stony silence.
At that unfortunate moment, Nina appeared next to the saleswoman. Without even looking at the name on the screen, she lifted the bag and handed it directly to Waverley and smiled. “I hope you find everything to your liking, Ms. Abbott.”
So she knew who Waverley was.
“Thanks,” Waverley said weakly. Taking the bag, she raced from the store as the other women followed.
Outside, she breathed in deeply before letting out a shaky breath.
