AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pam and Melanie giggle but my deadpan expression sends them scrambling for composure.
"I won't get caught up in any fantasy," I tell them. Even though I’m kind of enjoying the planning phase. Liam will never know that. The initial ceremony is one thing. The marriage will be a whole different ball game.
As I'm reaching for the next dress, my phone buzzes. I speed read the text. It's from my boss, Mike.
I turn to Pam. "The network has agreed to increase my contestant bonuses." After the opening show, the producers panicked when they realized I wasn't part of the selection pool. Liam insisted on having me as his bride, leading to last-minute negotiations.
"And the newspaper promised a raise at work in return for exclusive reports."
Mischief colors Melanie's grin. "Well, look at you, Trina. Turning a fake marriage into a career opportunity. You're taking journalism to a whole new level."
I laugh, momentarily forgetting the TV crew on the other side of the fitting room door. Leave it to Melanie to find the silver lining in the most absurd situation. But I can make the best of this weird scenario. Watch me.
My sisters help me put on the second dress. The layers are never-ending, but between the three of us, we manage to work it out.
There's a gentle tap on the door. The retail assistant calls in a chirpy voice, "How are you doing in there? Ready to show us the first dress?"
Oh, that's right, I need to twirl around for the cameras. "Nearly."
I take a deep breath. I won't let this mock marriage define me. I'll stay true to myself, expose the truth, and navigate this rollercoaster ride with my head held high. All while wearing a glittery marshmallow.
I step out of the changing room. The retail attendant practically jumps, clasps her heart, and gushes recited praise about the gown. Is she serious or out for the big sale? I guess all the dresses have exorbitant prices as they don't have any price tags.
I make my way to a little stage set up in the center of the shop. With a flourish, the attendant places a veil on my head, as if it's the grandest crown in the entire bridal universe. I try not to giggle at the sight of myself in the mirror, a combination of princess and poodle. If this veil could talk, it might say,you're in way over your head, Trina. Run now.
But it's too late for running. I'm stuck in this bridal vortex, swirling down the toilet with cameras, sequins, and forced smiles.
"What do you think?" The woman asks.
I could go with this gown as a start to Liam’s punishment for choosing me. Imagine his expression if I walked the aisle in this tulle balloon?
Priceless.
But I’ll embarrass myself at the same time. I shake my head. "It's not me." I fluff out the tulle. "I'll try on the others."
Her smile remains in place. Not sure if it’s from Botox. The way her brows are plucked in a high arch, she seems forever enthusiastic. "Of course," she says.
She removes the veil, and I wince as the comb catches on my hair. Neither one of us reacts. We’re both pretending she didn't just pull several strands from my scalp.
I turn to step off the pedestal, and there's another cameraman kneeling before me. My heart leaps in my chest, and I almost trip on the train. My arms shoot up and flail in a backwards windmill. Pam is there in a flash and steadies my descent down the steps.
My cheeks flaming, I return to the first dress I tried on—the one that actually fit my athletic body. It's simple but elegant, timeless yet modern. Perfect for me in every way—except for the ridiculous veil they put on my head earlier.
Pam gets a text on her iPhone and her face lights up. "Aw. Dalton is so great."
"Let me see." Melanie squeezes in between us and peeks over Pam's shoulder. “Cute! Dalton’s such a great stepdad to Rex.”
I peer at the screen, and now we’re all scrolling through the photos Dalton sent. They're at the zoo for the day, keeping little Rex out of trouble.
Melanie enlarges the one of her husband, Adam, and nephew Rex acting like monkeys in front of the Orangutan enclosure. "What a good uncle he is. And might I say, daddy material, right there."
Pam angles her head. "You're not pregnant, are you?"
"Not yet. We're open to it, though." Melanie’s cheeks turn pink. "Let's just say, we aren't avoiding pregnancy. If it happens, it happens."
Pam wraps her arms around Melanie's neck. "So exciting. Rex will have a little cousin."
Melanie laughs.
