Page 39 of Devious Vows

Laney smiles, leaning forward to eye the old woman. “I wasn’t supposed to be, I’m not part of the wedding party. But Ollie sent me when he found out about the fitting today so you weren’t alone.”

I don’t say anything but the thought of Remy sending Laney here solely because he knew how much I’d hate this flutters in my gut. He shouldn’t even be caring about how I’d feel about this. But I have to say I do appreciate her being here.

Delaney points at the older woman, “Can you shake her? Make sure she’s still breathing?” Turning, I look at the old lady, whose eyes I now realize are closed and have been the whole time. She just scowls in her sleep, apparently.

How relatable.

I laugh until I realize she’s being completely serious. “What? How old is she? Do you think we can leave if she is dead?” She huffs at my last whispered question, watching as I reach over to lightly shove the lady’s arm. “Hey…”

“What?!” she screeches, the sound bouncing around the room and making both Laney and I jump on the other side of the couch.

“Well. She’s not dead,” I mumble, both of us trying to sit inconspicuously on the couch.

“Have you seen the bridesmaid dresses yet?” I sit back in the cushions, picking at the edge of my shirt. I shake my head at Delaney’s question and she continues, leaning closer to whisper to me, “They’re almost identical to yours.”

Sighing, I try to hide how angry it actually makes me by shrugging. “Mom told me on the way here the entire wedding is going to be…” I pause, lowering my voice. “…my wedding.”

Laney shakes her head, clearly annoyed. “I can’t believe my mom let them do that. If anything, you think she’d be thrilled to plan another wedding.”

Three women I don’t recognize come shuffling into the room, giggling among themselves as Francesca stands before everyone, champagne flute in her hand. She waits for it to quiet down as another blonde woman stands at her side.

The blonde opens her mouth at Francesca’s nod, “There’s a few faces here I don’t recognize, so I guess I’ll start by introducing myself.” She lets out a little giggle, some of the other women around her laughing along. “My name isBlancheand I’m Viva’s mother. Thank you all for coming today to help my baby girl find her dream-come-true wedding dress.” My eyes roll into the back of my head as I give Laney a quick look. “She’s getting her dress fitted now so Francesca and I thought it would be a good time to get you guys in your own dresses.” She looks at a store associate as she rolls in a rack full of dresses, hands lightly clapping together. “Perfect! Oh, I’m so excited!”

Delaney and I share a look but neither of us comment as we stand, moving forward with the other three women who came in before Blanche’s speech. “I should introduce myself,” I whisper to Laney, mostly trying to convince myself.

She just shrugs. “Or don’t.”

Giving her a look, I step closer, injecting myself into their group. All three of them stop talking, staring at me. “Hi, I’m Beverly. I don’t think we’ve met before.”

One of the women, who has short dark hair, smiles. “Oh right! Blanche told us you’d be here today. I’m Chelsea.” She points to the women on her right respectively, “This is Becca and that’s Anna.”

“Nice to meet you.” They smile, a small chorus of “You too” following before we all awkwardly stand there.

“Well, I guess we should try on our dresses,” Chelsea says and they all move forward, searching through the rack for their size.

I follow suit, eyeing Delaney as I do.How awkward.Thumbing through them I can’t help but notice they’re nearly identical to mine, just like Laney had said. They’re a soft satin blush, with a V-neck, fitted waist, and flowing shirt. The only difference to mine is that the straps are a little thicker and there is a slit in the skirt. Otherwise, identical.

Laney comes up to my side once I have my dress in my hands. “At least you know you’ll look good in it.”

I laugh, but I don’t feel it. “I suppose.” With a sigh, I eye the dressing room. “Well, let’s get this over with so we can get out of here.”

Walking to an open dressing room, I put the dress on the hook and toe out of my sneakers, taking my phone from my jean pocket before pulling them off and my oversized tee to drop onto the bench behind me. I stare at the dress a moment, my fingers running over the soft fabric before I buck up and slip it on.

The dress really is beautiful.

I run my hands over the skirt, my flash of leg a sexy touch to the otherwise simple dress. I almost wish I had thought of it when picking the gowns out. A ping from my phone draws my attention and I pull up my messages to see I have a few.

Donny Boy: Heard you were at that dress fitting today…

Donny Boy: Send nudes *tongue out emoji*

Andrea: Are you making kettle corn?

Donny Boy: Julian said you’re making kettle corn tonight. I’ll be there at six.

Andrea: Donatello said he’s going to your place at six. I’ll be there at five.

I snort, closing my phone without replying.I’ll message them later.Taking a moment to collect myself, I push open the dressing room door and step out into the main room.

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