Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97921 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
I didn’t know this was what I wanted. After I tried on a bunch of gowns that looked terrible on me, Nyla picked this one. It’s the first gown that doesn’t make me look old and frumpy.
I look like a fresh young bride. I place my hand over my chest and my ring winks at me. It’s perfect. Tears come to my eyes.
“This is it.”
“You know I love you. I’m so glad you found what you were looking for. I’ll call you later, but I have to go,” Denise says as she comes over to me.
I lean down and kiss her cheek and give her a tight squeeze. “I love you too. Thank you for everything.”
“Anytime,” she says and pulls away and turns to the bridal shop attendant. “I’m paying for the gown. Here’s my card.”
“Auntie Denise, no. This is the most expensive one I’ve tried on. There’s no way I’m allowing you to pay for this.”
“Girl, it’s been years since anyone has allowed me to do anything. I’m paying and that’s final. Elijah and I decided this morning we’re covering the wedding. You do the planning and we’ll cover everything else. I gotta go, love.”
She rushes off and my heart swells with love for her and Dad. I turn back to the mirror and look down at my ring, then up into the mirror at the gown again.
“Oh my God, Ny. I’m getting married.”
“I know,” she says with trembling lips.
“Oh, no. What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing,” she chokes out.
I step down from the platform and rush to embrace my sister. I know her better than to think it’s nothing. She’s hiding something.
“It’s not nothing. Ny, I’m here. Talk to me.”
“I’m so deep in this I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know what I want or what I’m doing anymore.”
“Is this about Gio?”
She nods.
“Okay, so what’s with that? I don’t totally understand him or his lifestyle. Like, that’s the one off-limits topic between us. How are you fitting into all that?”
Nyla shakes her head. “No, this day is about you. We don’t have time for me to explain it anyway. We need to get to your cake tasting appointment.”
I purse my lips and frown. I can see she’s shut down on me just that quickly. I sigh and nod, turning to change back into my street clothes.
I’m dressed quickly and we race to make my appointment. I’m trying to get as much done today as I can. Denise and Dad offered to get me a wedding planner, but I want the experience of doing as much as I can for myself. Nyla and I will meet with a few planners next week.
“So, are you going to ask the girls to be bridesmaids?”
I smile, thinking of my roller derby team. We’ve become close over the years. I would love to have them as a part of the wedding. They all get me.
“Yeah, I think I will. I liked the pink dress you tried on. I think you all would look nice in that one,” I say to Nyla as we walk up to the cake shop.
Her phone rings and she answers me distractedly. “Yeah, I liked that one too. Um, Liz, give me a sec. Go on in without me.”
I look at my watch to see we’re running late. I go to pull the door open and enter alone. I step in and crash into someone.
“I’m sorry,” I say as I look up from my watch.
I’m surprised to look up into the eyes of none other than Jacob. He gives me a small smile. I look around for an escape route. I do not want to talk to this asshole.
“Hey, Lizzy,” he murmurs. “I wanted to talk to you. I don’t understand what happened. We were fine, and suddenly you’re not answering my texts or calls. You totally ghosted me. When I call the office for you, I’m always told you’re not there.”
“You call the office?” I shake my head. “You know what, never mind. Things weren’t working out, and then…”
I huff and frown, holding up my hand. “I moved on. There’s really nothing to talk about.”
“So that’s it?”
I go to step around him, but he blocks my way. He lowers his voice and leans into me. “Listen, do you know what you’re getting into with that guy? You should be careful. I’d hate to see you get hurt.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Is that a threat or something?”
He throws up his hands and looks at something over my shoulder before he turns his attention back to me. “It seems you’ve made your choice. I guess I got what I needed. You be safe, Izzy.”
I don’t like the way he says my name. As a matter of fact, all of his words rub me wrong. I turn to see him brush by my sister on the way out the door. I don’t miss the glare she gives him.