Page 10 of Allure

I grimaced. “I feel like a mermaid who got caught in a fishing net. Next!”

Mahalia’s pick was a vintage-inspired, tea-length dress with a full skirt and a delicate lace bodice. It was charming, but as I slipped it on, I realized it was a bit too snug in the bust area.

“Jenine, I don’t think this is going to work,” I wheezed, trying to adjust the bodice.

She peeked in and immediately covered her mouth to hide her laughter. “Oh, Lore, you look like you’re about to pop out of that dress like a jack-in-the-box!”

I couldn’t help but laugh along with her. “I guess Mahalia forgot about my girls when she picked this one.”

Finally, it was time for my choice. I had fallen in love with a strapless, beaded, off-white mermaid-style gown with a deep slit up the right thigh. It had a detachable long train that was attached at the left hip, giving it a fairytale vibe. As I slipped it on and Jenine zipped me up, I knew it was the one.

I stepped out of the dressing room, and Jenine gasped. “Lore, you look stunning,” she said, her eyes misty.

“I guess it’s time to show the folks,” I said, my voice a little raspy even to my ears.

I took a deep breath and smoothed the skirt of the dress, feeling a flutter of excitement in my stomach. With Jenine’s help, I carefully maneuvered out of the dressing room, making sure not to step on the delicate fabric.

As I walked down the hallway toward the platform in the center of the room, I heard the murmur of voices and the rustling of dresses. The moment I stepped into view, a hush fell over the entire store.

There, sitting on a plush velvet couch, were my mother, father, and Mahalia. Their eyes widened as they caught sight of me, and I couldn’t help but grin as I made my way toward the platform.

With each step, I felt the eyes of the other customers and staff on me but I didn’t feel self-conscious or nervous. Instead, I felt like a true bride, radiant and confident in the dress of my dreams.

As I stepped up onto the platform, I heard Mahalia let out a squeal of delight. “Oh my God, Lore, you look damn good!” she exclaimed, bouncing up and down on the couch.

My mother’s hands flew to her mouth, and I saw tears shimmering in her eyes. “Oh, my baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’re so beautiful.”

My father, who had always been a man of few words, simply stared at me, his eyes shining with pride. “Lore,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “You look perfect.”

I felt my tears welling up, but I blinked them back, determined to savor this moment. I turned to face the mirror, and what I saw took my breath away.

The dress was everything I never knew I could even dream of and more. The strapless neckline showed off my shoulders while the beading caught the light and made me sparkle. The mermaid silhouette hugged my curves in all the right places, and the deep slit up my right thigh added a touch of sexiness. And the long train, attached to my left hip, flowed out behind me like a river of ivory.

I ran my hands over the smooth fabric, marveling at the way it felt against my skin. This was the dress I would wear on the most important day of my life, the dress that would forever be a part of my story.

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, I heard a bit of applause from the other customers and staff. I looked up, surprised, and saw that everyone in the store was watching me, their faces alight with smiles.

Jenine stepped forward, her eyes misty. “Lore, you are a vision,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “This dress was made for you.”

I smiled and reached out to squeeze her hand. “Thank you, Jenine,” I said, my voice wobbling slightly. “For everything.”

As I stepped down from the platform and made my way back to the dressing room, I felt the love and support of my family and friends surrounding me. And I knew, in that moment, that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them all with a smile on my face and the perfect dress on my back.

THE WEDDING

Damn, I was getting married today. It felt surreal, but I was beyond ready. Being in the league, I had my fair share of a good time, but it got old quick for me. After the shit that went down with my parents, my father let me know in no uncertain terms that he would not be at yet another mistake I was getting ready to make. He also added that my mother wouldn’t be there, either.

When I got those messages, I couldn’t lie and say the shit didn’t bother me. It bothered me more that he truly didn’t trust a damn decision I made for my life unless he was the one in the driver's seat. But that was cool. I was going to make things work in the best way I could.

I didn’t bother calling my brother or sister about the wedding. I didn’t want them to feel as if they had to choose. I planned to go through this experience alone and hope my wife understood. I walked into my closet to pull my suit out and my doorbell rang. I checked my watch because I didn’t expect anyone to be here this soon to get me. I ordered a limo because I wanted my wife to feel special when we pulled away from the venue space.

I jogged out of my room and downstairs so I could get the door to let the driver know I would be down in a minute. I snatched the door open and my sister brushed past me, followed by her husband, then Kole. They were dressed up in formal attire.

I stood for a moment by the front door, then closed it to follow them into the living room.

“What y’all doing here?” I asked.

Alexis turned to face me, scrunching up her face at my question, then gripping her hips.

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