Page 65 of How to Break My Heart
Ramona flattens her lips, then sighs. “I could reach out, I guess.”
“Why not do it now?” I say loudly, the sarcasm lingering in the air. “I’m sure he will agree to dinner. He is single and ready to mingle.”
I don’t know where that came from, but I want her to text him to see if he responds.
“You think I should do it now?” Ramona asks, reluctance clear in her voice. Her fingers fidget with the edge of her sleeve, twisting the fabric nervously. “At the lunch, he seemed preoccupied.”
“Seize the day,” I tell her before releasing a breath. “If you’re nervous, I’ll do it for you. Pass me your phone.”
Surprisingly, Ramona hands me her phone. Quickly, I type a message but realize that if I want him to respond, it can’t be too needy, or he’ll get spooked. It’s not like I want him to go on a date with Ramona. Actually, that thought makes my stomach turn.
But I commit to the damn challenge like a child.
“How about this…” I announce while typing. “Hey, would you like to catch up for dinner or drinks? Myles’s mother suggested I text you. Kisses, Ramona.”
“Kisses?Don’t you think that’s a bit…forward?”
I shake my head. “Forward is you wanting to go home with him at lunch last week. This is fine.”
Ramona’s eyes widen, but no one else appears to hear as the curtain to the dressing room opens. Maddy carefully walks out in a sweetheart pleated-satin corset dress with a chapel train.
“Oh, Maddy,” I gush, choking on my words. “You look stunning.”
Patricia nods with approval, but Georgina looks less than pleased.
“Maddy, darling. Wouldn’t a covered neckline be more appropriate?”
Maddy glances at me, pleading with her eyes for me to say something.
I stand, fixing the skirt, and say, “I think this dress is beautiful. After all, Maddy is the bride, so the decision isallhers.”
Patricia tilts her head but remains quiet, observing her daughter. “You look gorgeous. However, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try on something with a covered neckline. A bit of lace can look elegant.”
I shrug at Maddy, and with a heavy sigh, she agrees to head back to the changing room to try on another dress. Patricia follows her with a few of her own choices for Maddy to try on.
This happens another five times.
I’ve already drunk three glasses of champagne, so I can ignore the forced conversations with both mothers.
As for Aston, he hasn’t responded. I feel bad for Ramona, who has also drunk several glasses. Between the two of us, thiswon’tend well. Thankfully, Maddy drove, so technically, I could get blind drunk if needed.
Maddy walks out again, but this time—she is glowing.
I take a deep breath, covering my mouth, holding back the tears I so desperately want to cry from seeing her in the mostperfectdress. The sheer bodice creates a semi-off-the-shoulder illusion with nude tulle and floating tattoo lace. It’s not as covered up as Georgina would like, but it’s a great compromise, in my opinion.
The floating lace continues over the long sleeves, with the back of the dress open. Unlike some of the other designs, this dress hugs Maddy’s curves. The most stunning piece of the dress is the extra-long scalloped train made with corded lace.
“This is the one,” Maddy whispers, gazing at me with dancing eyes. “It feels perfect.”
I jump up, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. “It’s so you.”
“It is me.” Maddy pulls back with a grin.
As if the universe knew, the dress fits Maddy like a glove, needing minimal alterations. This is music to our ears given that the wedding isn’t far away. I reach for the tag on the dress, almost fainting from the hefty price. With $100,000 I could open anothertwocafés.
With the gown now chosen, next up are the bridesmaid dresses.
Maddy chooses two different styles so as not to overwhelm us. The three of us have agreed to try on both of them to see which one suits us better. The first is beautiful, suiting each one of our body types. The dress has a draped cowl neckline and a rich satin back.
