Page 52 of Unravel You

“Fine. My brother’s not even here. Who’s going to tell me I can’t show a bit of skin?”

“That’s the spirit. I’ll go get it.”

I darted back to the showroom. Rebecca stood by a register with a red dress draped over her arm. I stalked toward her and stopped to browse the rack closest to the register. When she glanced my way, I smiled at her. “The dress looks amazing. I love that color.”

“Thank you. I wasn’t even shopping for an evening gown. I guess I just needed some cheering up.” She offered a sad smile that twisted my insides.

“What happened?” I put the hanger back, then realized she didn’t know I’d seen her. “I mean, why did you need cheering up?”

“Don’t mind me.” She waved her hand in dismissal. “What are you ladies shopping for? Your friend needs a lot of help.”

I hesitated because my plan was crazy. Not to mention Derek would definitely not be okay with it. “We’re having an engagement party in three weeks.”

“That’s great. I bet it’ll be lovely. Congratulations.” She stepped toward the cashier. Something about her felt sad to me. “I really do think your friend would look great in that black little number. I left it in the dressing room for her, if she wants to take a chance on it.” She winked.

The saleswoman, who insisted on dressing Anabelle like a little girl, scanned the dress. “That’ll be six thousand two hundred and thirty-two dollars.” If it were possible, her grin would have wrapped around her head.

Rebecca nodded, pulling out her wallet, which was thick with bills. She quickly counted the money and handed it to her. The saleswoman raised her eyebrows but recovered in the same breath. Money was money. I fisted my hands, conjuring all kinds of bad scenarios for Rebecca. Bruises and tons of cash couldn’t add up to anything good.

“Thank you. I had actually come out here to find it.” I took in a breath. “Hey, this might sound crazy, but if you’re available, um, maybe you can join us on Saturday, the twenty-fourth.”

“You mean, attend your engagement party? I don’t know.” She took her change back and put it away neatly in her wallet. “I mean I would love to, if you’re okay with that. If Derek doesn’t mind. I haven’t been to the country club in ages.”

Derek would probably mind. He’d been trying to keep the guest list to less than two hundred people. Would he notice one more? Too bad. I’d already extended the invitation, and I could tell Rebecca wanted to say yes. Anabelle was right we shouldn’t pry, but Rebecca looked like she needed a friend.

“I’m sure he won’t. He’d love to see you. Do you have the address?”

“I do.” She beamed at me. “I’ll see you Saturday. Thank you.” She grabbed her package and left the way she came.

I went back to the dressing room feeling better about Rebecca. When I walked in, Anabelle stood on the small platform facing the trifold mirror, her mouth slightly opened as she stared at herself. She’d found Rebecca’s choice, and it looked so freaking hot on her. “Omigod, Anabelle. That’s the dress.”

“I know. I love it.” She ran her fingers down her cleavage. The cut of the dress ended in aVjust above her belly button. “How do I keep my boobs contained in this dress?”

“Don’t worry about that. I have tape.”

Her eyes watered. “Thank you. I don’t even know why this was so hard for me.”

“You’re welcome. Mission accomplished.” I bounced a little in place, and we laughed together.

Anabelle turned her attention to the mirror and smoothed out the long skirt of the dress. The contrast of black against her pale skin was beautiful, like the painting she’d chosen for our bedroom: light and dark.

“I saw you talking to Rebecca. Did you find out what happened?”

“Nope.”

“You know, I’m starting to recognize that look on your face. You’re onto something. What is it? I want in.” She braced her hands on her hips. That dress was a bad influence on her.

“I invited her to the engagement party.”

“What? Why?”

“She needs a friend. Maybe she’ll open up at the party.” I raised a shoulder, biting my lip. “Do you have room for one more on the list?”

My plan was simple. Get Rebecca drunk and find out how she hurt her back. I’d be willing to bet there was a who behind all those bruises. Men could be so nasty sometimes. I knew that from experience.

Chapter14

You've Never Done This Before?

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