Page 97 of Absinthe Minded

“Can I wear a strapless with my bust size?”

“Not all mermaids are strapless. I envision you in a halter neckline, mermaid bottom, very old Hollywood.”

“That sounds perfect.” Years before, I’d spent days poring over bridal magazines with my sister. I knew the lingo well enough to picture the dress.

“Good. Next question.” Clair hesitated as if nervous to ask. “Would you consider lightening your hair to a paler shade of blonde?”

I glanced at the mirror at my dark blonde hair. I’d never colored it. “Do you think it would look better?”

“It would brighten your complexion and bring out your eyes.”

“Sure. Why not.”

“I’ll call my guy. He’s the best. Do you have time to do it this afternoon? You’ll want it done as soon as possible. I wouldn’t suggest waiting until the day before the gala.”

“Let me ask.” I pulled the curtain aside. “Do I have time to get my hair done today?”

“Yes, for all three of us. Shanna has to get the red out of her hair or she’ll look like a Christmas tree in her green dress,” Dahlia said.

I turned back to Clair. “Would you ask if the salon has time for three appointments?”

“Let me make a call.” Clair seemed too excited. She walked to the other salesperson and whispered something to her. When she returned, she rubbed her hands together and grinned.

The next time I came out of the dressing room, I practically floated on a cloud of filmy fabric. “This is the one.”

The dress draped in a Grecian style that left my shoulders bare and gathered at my wrists in woven silver bangles. The matching belt made my waist look tiny, yet didn’t feel confining. Best of all, the color gradually faded from silvery white to the same robin’s egg blue as my eyes.

Clair handed me a delicate metal mask in the same silver as the belt and bracelets. One large white plume sprang from the side of the mask, sparkling with tiny crystals.

“Oh, Maggie…” Shanna brought her hands to her mouth.

“No, no, you can’t wear that, or you’ll upstage me.” Dahlia grinned.

I stared at myself in the mirror, speechless.

Clair knelt to check the hem. “Once she lightens her hair, with her pale skin and blue eyes, she will look like a Nordic Queen.”

Shanna and Dahlia stood and admired the gown up close.

I couldn’t tear my gaze from the mirror. “Do you think Gabe will like it?”

“Yes, it’s perfect.” Shanna embraced me.

“Careful, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d softened toward Gabe.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I have to like the big jerk. He makes you happy.”

“I have one more for her to try on.” Clair helped me down from the platform.

“This is the one. I don’t think you can top it.” I followed her into the dressing room.

She pulled a silk scarf from her pocket. “I don’t want you to see yourself until I’m finished.”

Part of me wanted to get the heck out of there, but she’d piqued my curiosity. I sat while she tied the scarf over my eyes.

Nearly blind, I had no choice but to allow Clair to put me into the next dress. The woman fastened something on my head, and I knew—she’d put me in a wedding gown.

I trembled as Clair led me to the platform. Behind me, my friends gasped and whispered.

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