Total pages in book: 238
Estimated words: 231781 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1159(@200wpm)___ 927(@250wpm)___ 773(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 231781 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1159(@200wpm)___ 927(@250wpm)___ 773(@300wpm)
“Banks,” I repeated. But then I remembered. “Nikova,” I said to myself and then to her. “Nik? You’re Damon’s sister?”
She looked surprised, nodding. “That’s right.”
And then Rika chimed in again. “And so am I, actually.”
Huh?
But she waved me off. “It’s a long story. We’ll explain later.”
She and Banks weren’t related, though, were they? Or else that train thingy was a whole lot weirder now.
“Winter Torrance,” the other girl approached slowly, holding out both hands.
I took hers, shaking it. “It’s good to meet you all.”
“And you know Alex,” Rika said, nodding behind me and then hopping back up onto the riser.
I glanced over my shoulder, seeing her lean against the wall, her bag hanging at her side as she gazed at us, almost looking like she was waiting for an invitation.
I hadn’t seen her since we left the train, and I wasn’t sure if she wanted to talk about anything.
Turning back to Rika, I told her, “You look really beautiful. Is that dress for a special occasion?”
“It’s my wedding dress.”
Her wedding dress?
Winter stepped up on the riser, running her hands down the fabric and then touching Rika’s face.
“It’s red.” She smiled. “I can feel it.”
The dress was strapless with red fabric, and a tight bodice featuring gold embroidery around the breasts. It hung on her like it grew out of her skin, and I loved her long blonde hair hanging down her back with it.
It was an unconventional dress color, but why was I even surprised? Why shouldn’t she do whatever she wanted?
Rika suddenly sucked in a breath and dropped her head, a couple of tears spilling down her face. “Best do this now and not down the aisle, I guess,” she told us, laughing a little as she raised her eyes again, looking utterly lost in a way that made her finally seem real. “So many emotions. My stomach is swimming. He’s never not did this to me, you know?”
I could relate. No matter how tough you thought you were, the one who owned your heart had the real power.
Banks spoke up, cooing, “Aw, that’s so sweet. You love him so much he makes you nauseated.”
I snorted, and Rika and Winter busted up with laugher. “To be frank, yes,” Rika barked playfully at Banks.
She twirled on the riser, the gown fanning out and the train rustling on the floor.
“He’s my life,” she said, “and I couldn’t be happier about that. Nothing is worth anything without him.” Turning, she looked at us, taking Winter’s hand as she gazed around the room. “I love you guys, you know? I love to fall, but I don’t want to do it alone.” Her chin trembled. “Thank you for being my family.”
I wasn’t so sure she loved me, having only recently met and all, but she was a little love drunk, so I took it. I hoped I was that happy on my wedding day.
She inhaled a deep breath and then clapped her hands. “All right, enough!” She wiped her eyes. “Champagne for everyone, and bring in the dresses!”
“Huh?” Winter asked.
But before Rika could answer, two carts of gowns were wheeled in, and a tray of glasses filled with sparkling, golden champagne.
“What is this?” Banks asked Rika.
Some lady carried the tray to Rika, and she plucked a glass of champagne off. “Pick your favorite and go try it on, so she can fit it,” Rika told us.
I looked at the racks, long dresses trailing to the floor in colors of black, silver, white, and gold.
Did this mean she wanted us in gowns, as well? Or…like bridesmaids?
“Rika, these are incredible,” Banks said, guiding Winter to the dresses. “Are you sure?”
Rika didn’t answer her, just dropped her eyes to me. “I hope you find something you like.”
“I don’t think—”
“Choose,” she said, cutting off my protest.
Then she spun around with the glass in her hand as the tailor checked the fit.
I turned, watching Banks and Winter sift through the choices, smiling and giggling like teenage girls, even though I knew they were both mothers now.
What was Rika thinking? I couldn’t be a bridesmaid, which I assumed that this was all about. She would only dress her bridal party, not the guests.
Still, though… I drifted over to the racks, seeing Banks pull out a black gown and Winter trailing her hands over the different fabrics.
I reached for a gold, sparkling A-line with long sleeves and a trim waist, but Alex cut me off, pulling a sheer silver off of the rack with a V-neck, spaghetti straps, and dark gray embroidery on it.
“This,” she told me.
I took it, not seeing how I could wear any underwear under this. It wasn’t see-through, but it was thin and hugged nearly every curve.
Banks and Winter disappeared into dressing rooms. I asked Alex, “Shouldn’t you be trying one on?”
“I have mine.”
Taking the dress, she led me into a small room and unhooked the white drapes, pulling them closed on us.