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Chapter 23
Throw away the dictionary and make your own definitions. ~ Phoebe’s rules for becoming a better person
Imove the curtain aside to look outside the window. I sigh before moving back to sit on the couch in the bridal boutique.
“This is ridiculous. First, he kidnaps me. Now, he’s going to be my protector. Yeah, right.”
Suzie leans her cheek on her clasped hands and does an exaggerated sigh. “I think it’s romantic.”
“You don’t believe in romance, remember?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t believe in romance for me. For other people? I’m all for it.”
“You do realize you described a hypocrite.”
Hailey sighs. “Don’t bother wasting your breath. Suzie has her own definitions for things. I’ve tried buying her a dictionary. It didn’t make a damn bit of difference.”
“I think you should give him a second chance.”
I ignore Suzie and speak to Hailey. “You’re not kidding. Her grasp of the English language is abysmal.”
“I know what a second chance means,” Suzie argues.
“Yeah, sure. You just don’t believe anyone who wrongs you deserves a second chance. A guy kidnaps me and drugs me? Sure, he deserves a second chance. Someone cheats on you? Nope. No second chance for the guy. Hyp-O-Crite.”
Suzie growls, and I have to hold back a giggle. She sounds like a disgruntled puppy. I want to pat her head, but I know this puppy has all her teeth and isn’t afraid to bite.
The saleswoman joins us, her arms piled high with wedding dresses. She places the dresses on a hanging rack as she introduces herself. “I’m Darra. I’ll be helping you find the perfect dress today.”
She motions Hailey over. Hailey gets to her feet and trudges to the rack.
“You’re acting like you’re going to an execution. You should be excited about getting married to the man you’ve loved since you were a pimple-faced teenager.” Suzie giggles. “You should have seen her as a teenager. Talk about the ugly duckling transforming into a beautiful swan.”
Hailey ignores Suzie, which is pretty much her go-to mode for dealing with her best friend. “I have no idea how to do all of this.” She motions to the showroom with her arm. “Look at me. I have no idea how to look beautiful.”
I roll my eyes. “Are you serious? You’re gorgeous. With your body type, finding a dress should be easy.”
Darra nods in agreement but before she can start a sales pitch, however, Hailey rushes to me and grabs my hands. “Can you help? Can you show me what dress will look good on me?”
“Did you ask me to be a bridesmaid because of my fashion sense?”
Her cheeks pink. “No, but it doesn’t hurt.”
I motion to the saleswoman. “I’m sure she can help you. She’s an expert after all.”
Hailey squeezes my hands. “But I want your help.”
I sigh and get to my feet. “Fine. Let’s have a look at these dresses.”
She trails behind me as I go through the rack of dresses. “No. Yes. Definitely no. Yes. Are you kidding me? No. Worth a try. Yes.” I quickly divide the dresses. “Here,” I tell Darra as I hand her several dresses. “These are absolute no’s.” She takes the dresses and leaves.
Hailey stares at me with her mouth hanging open. “How did you do that? I thought I was going to have to try on two gazillion dresses.”
“Do they have food?” Suzie guzzles a glass of champagne. “The bubbly is good, but if you’re trying on two gazillion dresses, I’m going to need food.”
“She’s not trying on two gazillion dresses. You should never try on more than ten dresses. Otherwise, you’ll be all confused and unable to make up your mind.”
Hailey sticks her bottom lip out and pouts. “But how do I know which dresses to try on?”
