Page 21 of It's Complicated

All the difference in the world, I want to say, but I’m spared having to further argue by Kirsten’s voice calling from the distance, “I’m coming, ladies… close your eyes.”

The other bridesmaids all oblige, so, feeling none the less silly, I close my eyes, too.

I can hear the soft clack of Kirsten’s heels as she enters the room and the rustling of her skirt on the carpet, followed by another set of steps—she must be with a shop assistant. A pause. Then she announces, “Okay, you can open your eyes now.”

The bride-to-be is standing on the pedestal, looking positively radiant while a shop assistant fans out her train.

Kirsten is facing us, but the trifold mirror behind her doesn’t spare me any details of her utter perfection. The dress is a mermaid cut that would turn me into a bad-shaped pear, but on her, the effect is stunning. The strapless top flows into the mermaid-cut skirt, which is emphasized by a long train the shop assistant is showcasing to all its impressiveness.

My gaze travels away from the train to the sheer fabric of the bustier that hints at what’s underneath, hugging the bride’s curves in all the right places. A sweetheart neckline accentuates her prosperous cleavage. Her back is almost completely bare while the bodice makes her waist look tinier than ever. The whole dress is covered in an intricate lace pattern.

The woman herself is a vision. Her skin is flawless and her eyes shine with happiness. The absolute picture of the perfect bride.

Kirsten beams at her bridesmaids. “What do you think?”

The bridesmaids all ooh and aah and gush over how beautiful she looks, but I can’t form a single word. Staring at Kirsten, imagining her walking down the aisle while looking so beautiful to marry Aiden,myAiden, makes my mouth go dry.

I don’t care how it looks, I throw my head back and chug the rest of my champagne in one long sip. As I straighten my neck again, I make the mistake of looking around and meeting Kendall’s eyes. The bride’s sister raises an eyebrow at me. I try to smile, but it must come off as a grimace.

The shop assistant that’s been fussing over Kirsten, says, “And now the final touch.” She brings out a long veil and places it on top of Kirsten’s blonde locks.

“Isn’t she the most gorgeous bride?” the woman asks.

I want to die.

Another woman enters the suite, a seamstress judging from the needle pincushion wrapped on her wrist, making the small room suddenly very crowded. To distract myself while the seamstress prods and pinches Kirsten with needles to make sure the dress fits her even more perfectly, I take out my phone and shoot a quick text to Jace. I need the distraction.

To Jace:

So sorry I ruined all your chances at action for the wedding

From Jace:

Oh?

To Jace:

Apparently the bridesmaids were ready to wrestle in the mud to win your favors

From Jace:

*fearful face emoji*

Glad we’re fake dating then

To Jace:

Although, if we fake break up, they still might brush up their shiny leotards and fight valiantly to comfort the handsome, brokenhearted best man

From Jace:

We might have to extend the terms of our agreement, Lola

To Jace:

I knew I should’ve never started fake dating you, you’re so clingy it’s embarrassing

From Jace:

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