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‘The bride needs to be centre of attention,’ the assistant said, her stern expression not letting up. ‘We can’t have the maid of honour stealing the show, can we?’
Right, so that’s why Beth was dressed in an unflattering boring dress, the assistant was running the show.
‘Not that anyone could upstage Megan,’ Beth added, looking dejected. ‘She’d look amazing in a bin bag.’ She inspected her reflection again, pursing her lips quizzically. ‘The dress comes in other colours if you think a different one would be better?’
It wasn’t just the colour, he wanted to tell her, it was the whole thing. But how was he supposed to voice that without upsetting her? Then again, it wasn’t like she looked overly convinced by the dress.
He got up from the sofa and addressed the assistant. ‘Could you give us a moment?’
The woman hesitated, but when Beth nodded, she disappeared.
Matt approached the platform. ‘At the risk of sticking my neck out, can I make an observation?’
She sighed. ‘It’s okay, you can say it. I look awful, don’t I?’
‘It’s not you, it’s the dress.’
‘There wasn’t anything else I liked any better.’
He rubbed his chin. ‘What was it about this dress that appealed to you?’
She looked down. ‘Well, it covers my broad shoulders… and I feel kind of invisible in it.’
‘Why would you want to feel invisible? You’re maid of honour at your sister’s wedding. It’s a special occasion, don’t you want to look nice?’
She shrugged, but didn’t reply.
It was time to test out his sister’s theory. ‘While I was waiting, I saw this dress I thought you’d look amazing in. Can I get it?’
Her expression grew suspicious. ‘You want to choose my dress?’
‘If you don’t like it, just say.’ He went over to the rail and unhooked the bronze-coloured dress. ‘What do you think?’ he said, bringing it over and holding it up.
She studied the dress. ‘It’s lovely… but isn’t it too short?’
‘It’s knee-length,’ he said, holding it next to her. ‘And you have great legs.’
Her expression grew wide-eyed. ‘I do?’
He cleared his throat. ‘Trust me, you do.’ He handed her the dress. ‘There’s no harm in trying it on. Is it the right size?’
She checked the label. ‘It is.’
‘Then you’ve nothing to lose by giving it a go.’
‘Okay.’ She didn’t sound convinced, but she disappeared into the changing room.
Five minutes later, she reappeared wearing the dress.
The sight left him breathless. ‘Wow.’
She stepped gingerly onto the platform and turned slowly, viewing herself from all angles in the mirror. ‘You don’t think it’s too bold?’ she said, alarmed by the sight of her exposed back, where the material was cut away.
‘You look incredible.’
The assistant returned, pausing mid-stride when she spotted her client in a different dress.
Matt wondered whether he was about to incur her wrath, but she surprised him by nodding her approval. ‘Good choice,’ she said, circling the platform. ‘The halterneck flatters your broad shoulders, and the colour works wonders for your skin tone. Will the colour match the other bridesmaid’s dress?’
