Page 23 of Bride Games

20

Emma & Paige

Emma and Paige arrived at Bride & Joy at the same time. Emma hugged her friend. “Thank you for meeting me on short notice. I really think we need to get your dress ordered. I’ll bring Lucy and her friend, Grace, in soon. I’m sure they can wear something off the rack. They’ll be happy no matter what, as long as it’s pink.”

“I could use the distraction. Besides, this is what friends are for,” Paige said. “Lead the way.”

They were barely inside the jangling front door, when a tux-wearing Nigel rushed toward them, arms wide. “Emma and Paige. How lovely to see you.” He kissed both of their cheeks. “What a brilliant surprise.”

“Thanks, Nigel. We’d like to look at gowns for Paige. We only have an hour before Lucy is out of school.”

Nigel made a sweeping motion with his hand. “Be my guest. The gowns are over there.” His ears perked up when he heard a customer raising her voice near the cash register. “Sounds like an emergency up front. Have fun, ladies. I’ll check on you later. By the way, Emma, being in love looks brilliant on you.”

Emma embraced Nigel. “Thank you. Mind if we traipse around the store and get some ideas?”

“Traipse away.”

Emma squeezed Nigel’s hand before he scurried off. She shouted “Thank you” as she and Paige headed straight toward the racks of dresses. There were seemingly hundreds of choices. Row after row of fluffy, poofy, layers of dresses in every color hung on multiple racks. Short sleeves, long sleeves, bows, ribbons, sequins, and tulle.

Emma stared at Paige, wide-eyed. “This is going to besohard.”

Already in motion, Paige said, “Let me narrow this down.” Paige sorted through several dresses saying, “No, no, never, and not a chance.” Emma watched in horror as Paige was a thumbs down on nearly every gown. Undaunted, Paige sifted through the dresses as if she worked in fashion design in New York City. Eventually she pulled out two choices and turned to Emma. “One of these will work.”

Eyes bulging, Emma followed Paige toward a dressing room. “Let me know if you need some help.”

An assistant arrived and offered to unzip Paige who shooed her away. “Thanks. I’ve got this.”

Paige quickly changed into a silky orange dress with a peek-a-boo diagonal slit across the chest of the one-shouldered gown. The peep-hole in the gown was piped in hot pink. Emma sucked in her breath as Paige stepped in front of the three-paneled mirrors. The dress hugged every curve of the blond bombshell’s body.

“That’s gorgeous—and so flattering. How in the world did you choose it from all the others?” Emma’s eyebrows shot up as if she had overdosed on Botox.

“Practice. I know what looks good on camera and on me.” Paige turned from side to side as she scrutinized the gown. “I don’t think I need to try on the other dress, do you?”

“Not when this one is flawless.” Emma shook her head. “I wish I had an ounce of your decision-making skills.”

Nigel reappeared and gave a low whistle when he spotted Paige. “I’ve never seen that dress on anyone. I don’t even remember seeing it in my store.” He shook his head. “It fits like a glove. Let me see how long it’ll take to get that one in.”

“No need. I’ll take it off the rack. I’m not slowing down my friend’s wedding.” Paige locked eyes with Nigel. “If that’s okay?”

“All sorted then. This is bloody brilliant.” Nigel made another check in the air. “We’re knocking off your list, Emma.”

Emma put both hands on her chest. “You two are the best. Thank you for making this easy—at leasteasier.”

Paige handed the orange gown to Nigel. “Will you hold the dress at the store? I’ll pick it up before the wedding, I promise. I’ve got to get back to the station. I have some unfinished business to handle.” The threesome hugged before Paige rushed out the door.

21

Paige

Thrilled she had found a beautiful bridesmaid dress—albeit orange—which surprisingly didn’t look hideous after all, Paige drove to the station. Her happy thoughts unfortunately turned to Zach and Marie Fallon’s stupid party.I wonder why I haven’t heard from him?

Once she arrived at ATV 10, Paige settled behind her desk and busied herself by reviewing which players’ contracts had been renewed and which players were now free agents. Never in a million years did she think football would get her mind off her personal life. As she scrolled through the team rosters, Paige noted some were a happy surprise and other favorite players made her gut clench, especially when their agents got involved, delayed the process, and demanded millions on behalf of their clients. Paige knew it was part of the process but she liked a cohesive team, much like a unified television station. Paige read several of her favorite social media posts and barely noticed a knock on her door. When she felt someone’s presence, she jerked up, and stared at a dozen roses hiding the delivery person’s face.

“Someonereallylikes you.” The delivery guy put the bouquet on the edge of her desk. “Have a nice day.”

Paige gawked at the pink roses, dreading opening the card. She turned back to her computer but it was no use.Maybe they’re from Zach. Maybe he feel’s bad about going to Marie’s big splashy party without me.Stalling, she drummed her fingers on the desk, pushed back, and opted to go down the hall for more coffee. She knew she was avoiding the inevitable, and when she returned to her office, Paige immediately plucked out the envelope and read the card.

Didn’t like the white roses? I miss you. Let’s talk. Trent

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