Not end of story, but it didn’t seem like her friend was open to discussing it now. Since she had a whole host of things she wasn’t sharing with Charlie, Cassie decided to let it go.

A woman came over with a tray containing two glasses of what she assumed was champagne. Cassie gladly accepted one, while Charlie finished off her glass and grabbed for the other.

“Miss Brown?”

“Yes.”

“Wonderful.” The woman nodded to Charlie. “Your maid of honor said you would be arriving soon. My name is Lauren. We are so excited for your big day, and here at Blushing Brides, we strive to find that perfect dress for each and every one of our clients.”

Tipping back her flute, Cassie gulped a very healthy portion of the—oh yummy, yes—champagne. She was going to need about six more of these to get through today.

“Now,” Lauren continued, tucking the empty tray under her arm. “What style are you going for?”

“Style?”

“Yes. Long, short, vintage, modern, princess, mermaid-tail? Cream, ivory, eggshell? What does your heart desire?”

Delta Jackson.

Sucking in a sharp breath, Cassie banished the thought and pasted on a smile. “I think a classic cut in ivory, no-frills, something simple. We’re having a small ceremony.”

“Something intimate, family and friends?” Lauren asked.

Cassie nodded.

A genuine guise of concentration passed over Lauren’s face. “I believe I know just the thing. I’ll go pull a few dresses.”

The woman turned and headed into the back. Cassie gulped down another swallow of champagne, the fizzy bubbly drink tickling her nose. The coffee she’d bought earlier still sat in her car, untouched—because gas station coffee was disgusting—and she hadn’t eaten any breakfast, so the alcohol created a pleasant buzz in her head.

Charlie opened one of the bridal magazines sitting on the coffee table in front of them, pointing out different bridesmaid dresses. Cassie sipped her drink, trying to pay attention, but her mind still fixated on last night. Had she done the right thing? Yes, she had. Then why did it hurt so much? Ugh, she needed more booze. Downing the rest of her drink, she looked longingly at Charlie’s half-full glass.

“Here we are.” Lauren’s cheerful return halted Cassie’s mad grab for her friend’s champagne.

“I’m sure we will find the perfect dress among these, but if not, I have a few other options in back.”

“Could we get some more champagne?” Charlie asked.

“But of, course.” Lauren gave a tight smile, then disappeared again.

“How did you know?”

Charlie gave her a dubious glance. “Oh come on. We’ve been friends for like, ever. I know your looks.”

Raising a brow, she tilted her head. “And what did my look say just now?”

“It said, oh dear God, I need more alcohol right now, and I will shiv someone to get it!”

She wasn’t sure she’d go that far, but her best friend did know her.

“I’m just…nervous is all.” And sad, and angry, and confused…

“Uh, huh.” Charlie nodded to the rack of dresses. “Start stripping.”

Cassie shoved her friend playfully, but rose and made her way to the rolling hanger of white frocks. A lump caught in her throat as she fingered the silky material. Women were supposed to be happy while wedding dress shopping. One of the happiest days of their life, right? This whole thing was fake for her though. So why did it feel as though butterflies had taken up residence in her stomach?

Lauren came back with fresh champagne—thank God—and motioned to a small curtained off area. “You can change in there. We also have a small selection of shoes and a lovely array of jewelry if you would like.”

“Thank you.” She grabbed the first dress on the rack, heading behind the curtain to undress.