Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 109164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Next, she pulls out a long black and nude dress that dips so low in the front I’m not sure how she thinks the “girls” will stay in place. I don’t even need to veto this one as her eyes look like they may pop out of her face as she replaces it. She then eyes a white chiffon dress across the room and makes a beeline to grab it. Once standing in front of the dress, I see her scrunch her nose and turn to look me up and down. Pulling the hanger off the rack, she thrusts it at me.
“Try this on,” she orders, and I throw my hands in the air while shaking my head back and forth again.
“God, no. I’m not wearing that.”
“Why not? It would look amazing on your skin tone.”
“I’m not wearing white. Next.” My hands go to my hips as I stand my ground.
“You’re impossible. You know what? I’m going to grab some help. Stay here. Do. Not. Leave.”
I let my eyes roll back. “Fine, Mom.”
She sticks her tongue out at me and laughs as she turns the corner and goes in search of a sales associate. I pull my phone out of my bag and check my messages. One from Drew. My lips part into a huge smile.
Drew: My bed is lonely without you.
Me: You’re still in bed!!! Must be nice. Harper has me all over the city shopping—it’s torture!
Drew: I’m sure it’s not that bad.
Me: It’s pretty much like waterboarding.
Drew: Being a bit dramatic, are we?
Me: Shut it!
Drew: God, I love that mouth of yours.
Me: Shit, I see her coming back.
Drew: Let the waterboarding resume.
Me: You’re no help.
Drew: Sorry, babe, I’ll see you tonight and make it all better. And I’m sure no matter what you buy, you will look stunning.
My cheeks flush. God, I adore him. He has this way of making everything all right. Placing my phone back in my bag, I turn my head to Harper, who is quickly approaching with a tall, willowy blonde. When they are standing directly in front of me, the blonde reaches out her perfectly manicured hand.
“I’m Claudette. Your sister tells me you need a gown for the Night of Hope Gala. We won’t find anything in this section that’s appropriate, so I’m going to set you up in our private fitting room and pull a few dresses that will be perfect. Follow me.”
She flashes me a smile so bright I might go blind before taking us to probably the most beautiful fitting rooms I have ever seen. A gorgeous Louis XVI French sofa sits in the back of the room. It’s an exquisite shade of plum with hand-carved mahogany arms.
“Would either of you like a glass of champagne while you wait?”
“Would you mind if I had one?” Harper asks, softly.
“Of course not. Drink away.” I laugh at my sister and then turn to Claudette. “I’ll just have water, thank you.”
“Great! Let me grab both your drinks, and I’ll be right back.” She shuts the door, and Harper sits down on the couch.
“Pretty fabulous, right?”
“Yeah, it’s amazing. Not sure I belong here, though,” I say as I take a seat next to her. Her hand reaches across the couch and pats my knee.
“Of course you do, Bae. You deserve this and so much more.” My eyes mist, and I turn my attention away from her to halt the onslaught of emotions threatening to expel.
We sit in quiet until the door swings open and we are given our drinks.
Within ten minutes, a giant moveable rack of gowns is placed before us. All long and made with different fabrics. I look them over, and then one jumps out at me. A sheer, floral pattern, black lace gown. It’s the most beautiful dress I have ever seen. With the help of Claudette, I step into the gown, and Harper’s mouth drops.
“Wow, Bae! You look amazing,” she says, her eyes huge.
“Really? You think?”
“I don’t think, I know. Turn around and look at yourself.”
My breath leaves my body. If I thought the dress looked good on the hanger, it’s nothing compared to how it looks on me. It molds perfectly to every curve on my body. Pulling out the price tag from under my arm, I begin to choke.
“Oh my god, that can’t be right. Shit, Harp . . . This dress is—”
She holds her hand up to me. “Stop right there. This is my gift to you, and before you utter another word, don’t. I want you to have it. I’m so proud of you, and it would mean everything to me to give this to you.”
Tears well in my eyes, and I throw my arms around her neck. “Thank you. I love you.”
“I’m so proud of the woman you are becoming, Bae.”
A lone tear trails down my cheek. Her words mean everything to me. I hope I never let her down again.