Page 69 of Beyond Expectations

“I know, I know, but I don’t want people to judge. I’m nervous enough as it is going with Rhett to this thing, let alone having New York’s elite just thinking of me as cheap and easy.”

“First, you could never look cheap. And I remember you wearing a monstrosity you found in a discount bin that would have made most other women look like they worked the pole for a living. But no, you look frigging stunning. Plus, the salespeople wouldn’t appreciate you calling that dress cheap. Have you seen the price tag?”

I knew she was right, but it didn’t feel like the right dress and I needed it to be perfect.

“Fine, have it your way. But we’ve only got one more left and that’s the one I’m least sure about. I still am not convinced you’ll even like it.”

Begrudgingly, she shooed me back into the changing room, helped unzip me out of the dress, and left me to put on the final one. I hoped this one fit.

There was something special about not having a mirror in the changing room. It made the reveal just as much a surprise to me as it did to Ruby. Stepping out on tiptoes from behind the silk curtains, I did my best not to step on the back train, as I wasn’t wearing heels.

Ruby turned around from where she was standing and talking on the phone.

“I have to go,” she said to the person on the line.

Tentatively, she walked over and helped me step up onto the block in the center of the room in front of the mirrors.

Nervously, I opened my eyes and allowed myself to look at my reflection.

“Serena…”

Ruby’s voice barely rose above a whisper.

The dress was stunning. It was a Marchesa embroidered illusion A-line gown, a fanciful embellished tulle gown with an illusion neckline, short sleeves, and scalloped cuffs. The exquisite embroidered embellishments ran all along the bodice. The drop waist snipped me in, giving just enough illusion of my curves without my body looking very hourglass. The back had a button closure at the top, but it was an open back. The stretch silk lining felt soft and buttery as my hands ran down it, leading to the small back train.

I’d never felt so beautiful.

I remembered going to my senior year prom, my date and I shared a limo with Ruby and Roman. I’d worn a dark navy dress and felt this would be a life-changing moment, thinking and feeling like I would never again feel so special in a dress.

How wrong had I been?

Gently turning around, I looked from mirror to mirror, wanting to see it from every angle. I knew it was corny, but this gown made me feel like a princess. I knew this was the one.

My stomach felt giddy with excitement, knowing I’d get to show off this masterpiece with Rhett at my side at such an important event.

“I love it.”

I couldn’t help the massive smile across my face.

“You know how you said you didn’t want to wear the other dress because you were worried everyone would look at you?” Ruby asked. “Well, I can guarantee everyone will notice you in this dress. The women will be green with envy, and the men will wish they had you on their arm.”

Ruby’s words knocked me over and I felt a lump in my throat forming. Looking over at her, I saw her eyes were glistening.

“This is why I couldn’t have had anyone else come shopping with me.”

She walked over and gave me a massive hug.

“See? And you weren’t even sure I would like it.”

The dress was perfect, and I knew, despite its price tag, I wouldn’t talk myself out of getting it. After buying the gown, we took the elevator to the other floor, looking for shoes. With the dress being largely over budget, I was glad to find a gorgeous pair of nude Stuart Weizmann sandals for 30% off.

Ruby always teased me about how excited I was about getting a discount. Especially considering the irony of how much I had just spent on the dress.

We were in a little hole-in-the-wall pizzeria, and I was just finishing my last slice when Ruby steered the conversation from the workout class she was desperate to try out, to Julian.

“We had our first fight last week.”

I knew how much she hated fighting, and given she had waited until now to tell me, I knew things couldn’t have been good.

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