AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Because Felicia has entered the room, not in the stately blue dress we thought she was wearing as stepmother of the bride.
But in a full-length beaded white gown. She even has baby’s breath in her hair and a tiny white veil over her eyes. All that’s missing is a bouquet.
Next to her, Ronnie looks like a flower girl.
She’s been in the room a full minute, and no one has spoken.
“Well?” Felicia asks. “What do you think? It’s the dress I always wanted to wear to an affair like this.”
I see how it is. Felicia married Ronnie’s father in a weekend getaway to Vegas that probably involved vodka and edibles, and she’s making up for everything she missed.
Ronnie tries to get a few words out. I can tell how much it’s killing her to say something nice. “It’s a lot.”
Felicia strikes a pose, fanning out her dagger nails. “Of course it is. An original Vera Wang. I would have nothing less for my dear new daughter’s wedding.”
Does she really think she’s doing Ronnie a favor here?
“I like Vera Wang,” Ronnie stammers. Her dress was off the rack at Dillard’s. In 1991. “Where’s Dad?”
Felicia examines a nail. “Your father’s leg is bothering him. It’s why I changed. I was going to save this gown for the reception, but it seems, my dear, that I’m walking you down the aisle!”
“What?” The word explodes out of me before I can stop myself.
Felicia gives me a sidelong glance. “You should be happy for us, Ensley.” She says my name is if it leaves a nasty taste in her mouth.
I step close to Ronnie. “You want me to do something real ugly?” I whisper.
Ronnie leans close. “Remember your positivity training. You’re all sunshine now.”
Right. I can’t afford therapy, so Ronnie paid for us to get training to cultivate the sunshine demeanor I’ve always wanted since moving past my difficult childhood. “I’mpositivethat I should do something ugly.”
For the first time since her stepmother invaded the dressing room, Ronnie cracks a smile.
I glance back at the rest of the bridesmaids. Ronnie’s older sister is serving as the maid of honor, but she’s watching us in astonishment like the rest of the puff-dressed observers. Aren’t we supposed to have Ronnie’s back?
Ronnie and I have been best friends since we were children. She was there when my mom died when I was five. And I was there when she lost hers. There is no tighter bond than that.
I have to do something about this stupid dress and prevent Felicia from ruining Ronnie’s entrance.
I glance around the room, searching for something that will help. I spot the fireplace tools. Is violence the answer?
No. I might get blood on my dress.
And then I see it. The perfect solution.
I hope someone is videoing it, because I’m about to be a viral sensation.
I can see the caption:Perfect bridesmaid saves wedding.
It’s a tray filled with crystal goblets. Champagne. White wine.
Andred.
I keep my voice casual as I walk over to the tray. “Felicia, may I offer you a glass of wine?”
Felicia smirks, her lurid lips glossy. She thinks she’s won me over. “Champagne, please.”
Ronnie watches me with concern as I pick up a glass of champagne for her stepmother, then choose wine for myself.
