Page 75 of Hot Shot

“I don’t think we can do alterations in four weeks.”

“That’s okay. I know people.” I grin. I’m pretty sure any one of the seamstresses I’ve worked with can take this in before the wedding date. “I think it will work.”

“Let me clip it.” Cynthia uses big clips to tighten it at the back, and then I step out.

Hayden beams a huge smile. “Oh, Carrie. That’s perfect! I can’t believe the first one you tried on is so great! But I should have known, because, duh, you’re Carrie Garner and you’d look great in a pillowcase with armholes cut in it.”

Carrie laughs. “It needs to be taken in a bit, but I’m sure I can get that done.” I spin to show Hayden the back.

“Oh, are you sure?” Hayden clasps her hands together.

“Sure. You like it?”

“I love it.”

“Awesome! And we’re done!”

We pose together in front of the mirror, heads leaning together. “We look great!” Hayden’s smile glows.

“Let me take a picture.” I reach for my purse.

“You’re not going to put this on Instagram are you?”

“Don’t worry, Beck won’t see the dress.”

I take a photo of us in the mirror. I’ll crop and edit it later.

“What about shoes?” Cynthia asks.

“I need white shoes. Ugh.” Hayden grimaces. “White shoes are for nurses.”

I laugh. “Oh my God, no. And you don’t have to wear white shoes. Wear something fun . . . sparkly shoes. Silver shoes. Gold shoes. Oh . . . gold shoes! Yes!”

Cynthia magically produces a pair of gold metallic stilettos. Hayden gazes at the heels doubtfully. “Those are high.”

“Try them. Do they come in silver?”

“They do. What size?”

“Eight.”

In a moment we both have the shoes on and admire them.

“Okay,” Hayden says. “But these are probably coming off right after the first dance.”

“Maybe we should find something more comfortable for you.”

The store doesn’t have anything else in gold.

“I don’t know what to do,” Hayden frets. “I love them, but . . .”

“We have time,” I soothe her. “I’ll go online and look. Metallic shoes are super popular right now. I’m sure there’s something with a lower heel. Jimmy Choo . . .”

“Christ!” Hayden’s mouth drops open. “I’m not spending that kind of money on shoes I’ll only wear for a few hours!”

“You’ll totally wear them again,” I assure her. “Fundraising stuff. Even with a pair of jeans and a pretty top to go to a club.” I wave a hand.

“Yeah, like Beck and I are hitting the clubs all the time.”

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