Page 26 of Beyond The Barre

She twisted to get a better view of the sleeveless midnight-blue gown. This was almost as bad as swimsuit shopping. All she could see were the imperfections—the lumps, bumps, and bulges, and her widening waistline.

Audrey knocked on the changing room door. “How’s that one?”

Scarlett sighed. “Nope. I think I need something more conservative. With long sleeves.”

“In the middle of summer? You’ll boil.”

Scarlett shrugged her way out of the close-fitting dress. She’d rather boil than give anyone a reason to laugh at or judge her. Hanging the dress up, she glanced over at the six other outfits she had already tried on and disliked. The pink was too short, the grey washed her out, and the lilac showed everything.

“How about that black one I showed you?” Scarlett called through the door.

“It was more of a mother-of-the-bride dress,” Audrey replied from the other side. “Besides, you can’t wear black to the wedding.”

“Then maybe I shouldn’t go at all.” Perhaps this was just a sign that it was too early in their relationship to be seen out so publicly. People would look at her and wonder what on earth Linc saw in her. Better she stay at home or better yet, go to the gym and put in an extra workout. God knew she could use it. All the pasta and bread she had been eating with Linc was going straight to her hips.

“Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t chicken out now.” Audrey tossed another dress over the changing room door. “Try this one. If you don’t like it, we’ll take a break.”

They had already been shopping for hours. This was the fifth formal-wear store today. Maroochydore was running out of options.

Scarlett readjusted her strapless bra so it flattened out the bulge which had formed under her armpit, then she gathered the dress. It was a dark turquoise in colour with a high neckline, loose sleeves, and tie at the waist. She slipped it on and smiled. The flowing skirt came just below the knee, and the belted waistline showed off the curve of her waist . She turned to see herself from every angle in the mirror. All her bulges were covered, and it wasn’t tight or clinging anywhere. This she could do.

“Well?” Audrey urged.

Scarlett opened the door and stood back so her friend could judge for herself.

“Wow.” Audrey’s eyes bulged. “That looks really good.”

“Formal enough for a wedding?”

“For this wedding, yes. You could put some really cute heels with it and maybe even a hat—”

“No, no hat. We’re not in England.”

“Okay, but cute shoes at least.”

Scarlett looked down at her bare feet which were misshapen and permanently blistered from her dancing career. “Closed in shoes. No one needs to see these toes.”

Audrey threw up her hands in surrender. “Okay, if that’s what you need. You really are too hard on yourself though. You are beautiful. Most women would love to have your figure.”

Scarlett shrugged. “Other dancers in my company had better physiques . And better feet. I used to be able to wear things in the kids’ section. Not anymore.”

“Why don’t we get this paid for, find some shoes, then go to Chloe’s evening yoga class?” Audrey suggested. Her friend knew her so well. That was just what Scarlett needed after the exhausting day.

“Deal. You go start looking for some shoes while I get out of this.” Scarlett closed the door and gave herself a final look. She was tempted to take a selfie, but experience had proved that dressing room selfies could be very harsh and critical, so instead she untied the dress and changed.

Everything would be fine, she kept telling herself. She would get her hair and makeup done so no one would see the dark bags under her eyes or the extra skin under her chin, which had appeared practically overnight.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Everything would work out just fine. At least that was what she hoped.

As they left the shop, with the dress carefully wrapped in tissue paper, Audrey pulled Scarlett into a coffee shop. “I’m dying for some caffeine,” she exclaimed.

After ordering their skinny cappuccinos they both sank, exhausted, into their chairs.

“Thank you for coming with me today. It means a lot to me.” Scarlett smiled at her friend.

“Of course! My pleasure.” Audrey’s eyes lit up. “Remember those costumes we had to wear for The Nutcracker?”

“Oh, they were so scratchy!” Scarlett laughed at the memory. “Did you like being in the corps?” she said, referring to the group of dancers who were not principals or soloists.

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