Page 93 of Lush

The mention of Serena twisted something in my gut. I missed my sister, but when she got like this, it was no use.

“I invited her,” Gigi admitted. “Against my better judgment.I thought she would pull her head out of her ass and come. But I see the evil heifer chose the dark side.”

“She must’ve decided she wasn’t ready,” I said evenly, keeping my tone measured. “And we can’t really be mad at her for that.”

“Serena is just an asshole.” Gigi lifted a cucumber and bit into it. “You said nothing wrong. She just mad ’cause it’s true.”

“Gigi,” I said.

“Ain’t nobody gonna beg her to talk to us,” Gigi said. “It’ll be a cold day in hell before I do that, and if you do, Lu, Imma punch you in the throat.”

Noelle glanced between us. “You don’t think she’ll come to the wedding?”

“She’ll be there, otherwise Mama will be on her ass like white on rice, and Lord, let’s not upset Mama,” Gigi huffed.

Jennie, Pauline, and Nina walked in, all smiles, chatting away.

“Hey, Laurene, I was just thinking about the wedding presents!” Jennie said with a bright, cheerful voice. She gently settled onto the comfy chaise longue, one hand resting on her baby bump. “Should we set up a registry at that home store downtown?”

Pauline clapped her hands together. “Oh, that place has everything! We can make it a fun day to browse. Nina, call the store. Have them shut it down for us for a day next week.”

“Yes, Mrs. Ashbourne,” Nina said.

I forced a smile. Home décor was the least of my worries. Spa staff entered, carrying a large garment bag and a small ornate box.

“We have a surprise for you,” Jennie said. “Your mom sent a gift.”

I was curious, but the moment they unzipped the garment bag, my stomach knotted. Fabric tumbled out, and as the bag fell away, there it was—the dress.

“Oh my God.”

It was a dress that belonged to a different life of mine. A different me. The same wedding dress I was supposed to wear to marry Conrad. Every eye in the room was on me, waiting for my reaction, but I was frozen.

“What…what is this?” I finally managed.

Pauline looked from me to the dress. “We thought you might want to try it on again. For old time’s sake, plus it saves us time.”

It wasn’t just a dress. It was a message, a sharp reminder of the life Mama expected me to live—to do what she wanted.

“Are you serious?” I snapped. “Why would I want to do that?”

“Because it’s beautiful!” Jennie insisted, clearly trying to be kind. “I mean, you never got the chance to wear it before, and…well, it’s just such a gorgeous dress. You deserve to have that moment.”

“It’s not just a dress,” I said, slowly standing. “It’s…” It carried pain, a reminder of a life filled with broken promises and forced decisions. “I—no,” I choked out, I staggered back, nearly tripping over my own feet. “I can’t…I can’t wear that.”

“You need to calm down, honey,” Pauline said. “It’s just a dress.”

I swallowed hard. I couldn’t do this today,again—not in front of them. “Excuse me.”

“Laurene, wait—” Jennie began, but I was already turning toward the rack of plush robes, reaching for one and slipping it over my shoulders.

“Lu!” Gigi and Noelle called my name.

I hurried down the quiet hall, my footsteps echoing sharply in the stillness. I turned a few corners when I finally reached the sauna. Pushing open the door, I stepped inside, the thick heat wrapping around me instantly.

The only sound inside was the gentle hiss of steam as I sat on one of the warm wooden benches, letting my head fall back.

The door of the sauna opened.

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