Page 8 of Undefeated Love
Grace gave the date and both shop owners nodded. “No problem.”
The blonde grinned. “Tell me about all the dresses you’ve tried on today and what you didn’t like about them.”
This was going to take a while. Katlin sat in a comfortable sturdy chair interjecting points that others had forgotten.
Five minutes later, the brunette clapped her hands in front of her. “Conservative, flattering to your beautiful shape, and a little bit sexy.” She threw a glance to her partner who nodded.
Grace blinked. Opened her mouth then closed it. “That’s exactly what I want.”
The two shop owners turned and walked to different racks of hanging dresses. Each returned with one and stood in front of Grace.
“I love them both.” Grace bounced in place. “Where can I try them on?”
Nita, Lei Lu, and Tori gathered chairs next to Katlin’s and pulled out their phones. At each store, except for number four, they’d all taken pictures of their favorite dress. Comparing, they were almost identical choices.
Then Grace stepped out. “I love the way this one feels.”
All four Black Swans looked up and gasped.
“That dress is so you,” declared Nita.
“It’s perfect.” Lei Lu smiled.
Katlin completely agreed.
Tori stood and walked a complete circle around Grace. She looked at the two store owners for confirmation. “I think if it were tucked a little bit right here,” she pinched the material together, “it would accent her bustline just a little.”
“Yes, and what do you think about this length?” The blonde asked. There were several minutes of discussion before they decided on the hemline.
“The shoes are going to make this dress,” Katlin offered. “Sandals that lace to your knee would make it sexy as fuck. Plain white pumps are going to force the eye to the dress and your face. A simple sandal adorned with white rhinestones would give it a posher appearance.”
“You like the other one, too. Go try it on,” Nita ordered.
When Grace appeared in the next one, she stamped her foot. “This dress is awesome. I love it too.” She wiggled and twirled. “I love the way it moves when I dance.”
All the women offered suggestions on nips and tucks but in the end, everyone agreed the first dress she’d tried on at that store was the winner.
Grace handed the brunette her credit card. “I wish that second dress came in green. I’d buy it in a heartbeat.”
The shop owner spun around. “It does come in green. Almost the color of your eyes.” She walked over and picked up a large book. Flipping to the page of the bridal gown, she turned the page to the coordinating bridesmaid dresses.
“Can I order this green one in a size six, with the spaghetti straps, please?” Go ahead and put them both on that card.
“That gold off the shoulder is stunning,” Tori said almost reverently. “Does it come in tall?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the blonde answered. She glanced at Nita, Lei Lu, and Katlin. “So, have you decided that you’re going to wear these coordinating bridesmaids’ dresses?”
The other four women looked at each other and shrugged. “Sure, why not.” Nita pointed to the rose gold. “I’ll take that one with the jewel neckline. I’m a mother. I need to cover my boobs.”
“Traditionally, Chinese bridesmaids wear bright red, but I’m really attracted to this burgundy.” She looked up at the shopkeepers. “Please tell me that it comes in petite.”
The brunette smiled. “It comes in petite.”
“I’d like this one in a four petite with the sweetheart neckline and off the shoulder straps.” Lei Lu added, “In this pretty burgundy color, please.”
The blonde owner turned to Katlin. “And for you, ma’am?”
“Blue, please, in the halter. Size six.” Katlin then remembered she’d gained some weight, but the wedding was still a few months off. She grabbed the business card on the way out the door and tucked it into her purse with her receipt.
