Page 72 of Rude Boss 2

“Yes, they do,” Mom says. “Look at this one, Quin.”

I look at the dress mom’s holding and it’s like staring into Essex’s eyes. I’m instantly in love. The bodice has a beautiful strapless sweetheart neckline while the skirt flares into a whimsical princess ball gown silhouette in layers. It’s amazing. When the bridal consultant comes over with the dresses she’s chosen for me, I say, “The search is over. I found the one. Imusttry this one on.”

“A lady who knows what she wants,” the consultant says. “Right this way.”

I go into a changing room, put the gown on and I’m amazed at how well it fits me. There are no mirrors back here, so I step out and walk to the floor where my mother and Ella are waiting for me.

“Ta-da!” I say to get their attention when I step out.

Mom covers her mouth with her hands. I knew the dress was gorgeous. I didn’t think it would bring her to tears.

“Ma, don’t cry.”

“I can’t help it. You look so beautiful, dear.”

“You do, Quin,” Ella says. “Wow. Just…wow!”

I look at myself in the mirror for the first time and I, too, am emotional because I never dreamed this day would come. I’m getting married to the man I always wanted. How could I be so lucky?

I drop right there on the floor and cry. Mom and Ella come rushing to my side, but I allow myself to cry because this is huge for me. I’ve listened to the women who told me I had to be married by twenty-eight or no one would want me. And how if I waited too long, my eggs would be dried up, and I’d never have kids. Or how men weren’t checking for women in their thirties to settle down and have a family with. Society puts so much pressure on women to belong – to reach certain milestones by a certain age, but I knew there was something better for me. They say, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. I could never fall for anything when I knew in my heart what – who – I really wanted.

Mom tells the bridal consultant to give us a moment, then she looks at me and says, “Talk to me, Quin.”

Ella hands me a box of Kleenex. I snatch a piece and blow my nose. I say, “I just never thought something this amazing could happen to me. You know, you go through life andthisjob doesn’t work, andthatjob doesn’t work and suddenly I don’t have anywhere to live, driving a car that’s on its last legs and asking myself over and over again, is this it for me? Is this all there is to my life? Gosh, I wanted so much more for myself, but I always felt like whenever I took two steps forward, I took a step and a half back.”

“Well, now you’re moving in the right direction,” Ella says. “And I know we were questioning you about him earlier, but if Essex makes you happy, go for it.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Mom says. “Now, let’s get you up. You’re going to ruin the dress before Essex has the chance to tear it off you.”

“Mom, stop,” I say, tickled as a warm sensation journey over my cheeks.

When I’m standing again, looking in the mirror, Ella says, “Gorgeous.”

“Thank you, Ella.”

Mom says, “Oh my Jesus. Dear, did you see the price for this one? It’s seven-thousand dollars!”

“Ma, it’s okay. Essex gave me his card and told me to get whatever I needed.”

“My kind of man!” Mom exclaims.

“Wait, hold up…” Ella says. “Is that an ice cube on your finger?” She takes my hand and gawks over the ring. “Oh my…how on earth did I miss this?”

“Essex said it was a Blue Nile diamond,” I tell her.

“I thought it was!” Mom says. “It has to cost at least two hundred thousand.”

I shrug. “I don’t know what it costs. I care about the man more than I care about the ring.”

“I raised you well,” mom says. She calls the bridal consultant over and tells her we’re getting the dress and after I pay for it, we’re off to find their dresses.

Mom suggests we get lunch first since we skipped breakfast and as we settle down at a quaint little deli, I get a call from Essex.

“Hey,” I answer, all smiles.

“Hey, you. I see you’ve found a dress.”

“How’d you know? Are you following me?”

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