Page 124 of Red Mountain Burning
The Day before the Wedding
“You’re wearing polka dots to your wedding?”
Margot’s best friend, Erica, stared at Margot like she was crazy. She’d flown in from Vermont late the night before. It was 8:00 a.m., and they were upstairs in Margot’s bedroom.
“I’m not just wearing polka dots.” Margot held up her dress. “I’m owning polka dots tomorrow.”
“It’s not even a wedding dress.”
“I know. It was just something I had in my closet. It’s what makes me feel good inside. That’sallthat matters.”
Erica looked at her like she’d gone mad. “I…guess…I approve.” Erica was quite a bit older than Margot but dressed like she was still thirty. She’d never been afraid to get a little work done, tightening up the loose spots and such, so she did look deceptively young for her age. Margot had missed her best friend. They’d raised their kids together and stood by each other’s sides as both of their first marriages fell apart.
“I wore an expensive sequined thing for my first wedding,” Margot said, “and look how that turned out. No, no, no. Not this time.”
“It’s not what I’d choose,” Erica said, “but I’m not Margot Pierce. I’m sure you’ll look lovely. I’m assuming Remi has approved?”
“That’s just one of the reasons why I love him. He said I could walk down the aisle in my muumuu if I wanted to.”
Erica circled a finger in the air. “Tell me we’re at least going to do something with your hair.”
Margot blew out a blast of air. “I’m not a savage. Of course, I’m doing something with my hair. I have an appointment at ten a.m. tomorrow with Johnny, who is the best in the Tri-Cities. And Joan is making me a crown of wildflowers.”
Erica looked at her again. “Polka dots and wildflowers?”
Margot crossed her arms and nodded proudly. “It’s my party, and I can do what I want to.”
“Well, that’s you in a nutshell. I’ll give you that.”
“All right,” Margot said. “Shall we go next door and see how things are coming along?”
“Absolutely.”
Descending the stairs, they found Remi sitting by the fireplace, sipping coffee, and looking at his iPad.
He turned. “I was just reading about the Château Smooth grand opening tonight. I can’t believe it’s really happening.”
Margot kissed him. “Don’t remind me. On the eve of our wedding day, no less. Let’s hope that’s not a bad omen.”
“Remi,” Erica said, “you are aware she’s wearing polka dots, right? I just want to be sure we’re all on the same page here.”
“I love Margot in polka dots.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Erica said. “Marijuanaislegal here, isn’t it?”
The three of them laughed.
“We’re walking next door to check on things,” Margot said. “You have your list of things to do, right, honey?”
“As soon as I finish this cup of coffee, I will be at your service the rest of the day.”
“Oh, my gosh!” Erica exclaimed. “You have him trained well. Can we clone him?”
“I’m not sharing,” Margot said, “that’s for sure.”
Erica asked Remi, “No bachelor party plans tonight?”
He set down his iPad. “Some of the fellas are getting together.”
