The rest of the bridal party is there, and so is my mother. I try not to groan out loud, but I think some of it escapes me as my mother’s gaze snaps to mine. Her disapproval of me is written all over her face.
Today is going to be so great.
“Bliss, I want to introduce you to my dear friends. This is Emerson, Desi, and Emerson’s daughter Gwen.” Cassy’s hand glides over them like Vanna White.
“Hey,” I say, trying hard to match their smiles. I promised Royce last night that I wouldn’t embarrass the family further. The first step is trying my hardest not to let on how much I’d rather have a jail-house tattoo than be here.
The little girl approaches me, her cute blonde curls bouncing and a broad smile on her face. “Nice to meet you.” She holds out her hand and I give it a shake. This time, my smile is genuine.
I swallow down the tears that threaten—she reminds me of a younger Tilly. God, I miss my sister.
“Nice to meet you too, Gwen.”
Emerson walks up to us and places her hand on Gwen’s shoulder. She holds out her own hand. Her eyes are warm, but there is a glint of protection there. Cassy must have told them about my little show yesterday.
“Your brother is a great guy. I’m glad Cassy is marrying someone worthy.” Her voice isn’t threatening, but my insecurities can’t help to think that I’m the one she deems not worthy.
Whatever. I’m used to it by now.
“Ladies!” A portly woman claps from behind me, cutting the mounting tension. “Let’s begin the fitting. Each of you has a dressing room with your name on it. You’ll find your dress inside.”
We shuffle to the back of the store, and I find the appropriate door. Rushing in, I slam it harder than intended and lean back against the cool, fabricated wooden door as I try to compose myself.
I knew it was going to be hard—being around Mother and celebrating a happiness that I could never have again—but this is awful. I feel like my insides are about to be ripped open.
I don’t belong here.
The dress is clipped to a hanger on the far wall of the tiny space. Since there’s no mirror, I assume we need to parade ourselves in front of everyone.
I shuck my clothes quickly and open the plastic garment bag. A plum, beaded sweetheart gown appears before me.
Leaning down, I grip the flowy skirt and pull the dress out of the bag. I stand back and get a good look. It’s not something I would choose for my smaller frame since I don’t have a lot of curves, but it’s not hideous, either.
I unzip the back and attempt to step into the many layers of tulle. It’s hard going, but I finally shimmy it up my hips and clasp the dress to my breasts.
A small knock comes from the door, and I let out the breath I’ve been holding. “Yes?”
“Hey, it’s me. Do you need any help? With the dress, I mean?”
Biting my lip, I close my eyes and let Cassy into the small room. “That would be great.”
I turn my back to her and flinch when her cold hands touch my skin. I regret it immediately.
The sound of the zipper pulling up makes my heart race. I can hear everyone chatting happily outside, and all I can think about is Tilly not being here with us to celebrate.
“There you go.” She steps back so I can turn around.
“Finally, something befitting a Meyer and one that covers all of you.” My mother says, from her perch.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I grit out, picking up the skirts and joining everyone in front of the mirror.
Cassy’s eyes meet mine in the mirror, and I quickly look away. I don’t need her to see the pain there over how my mother treats me, especially in front of others. I’m a disgrace in her eyes, and that’s another reason I can’t be the Meyer my family wants me to be.
“These dresses are gorgeous,” Desi says, her beautiful brown hair cascades over the shoulder of the dress. She’s stunning in purple; it makes her eyes pop.
“Agreed. They’re a bit on the puffy side, but it’s just one night,” Emerson teases. She’s another stunner, her curves filling out the dress in all the right places.
“Let’s start the fitting. Bliss, move over to the platform.” The seamstress comes from the backroom, beckoning me to the mirrors.
I stand on the platform, feeling vulnerable, and let the women prod and poke me until they are satisfied with the way the dress fits. I squirm underneath their touch and wait for this to be all over. I need a drink.
AND DRINK I DID. Until it was hard for me to sit in the chair at the restaurant they dragged me to after the fitting.
Bridesmaid Brunch, Cassy called it. It’s supposed to be fun—a tradition or something like that. I wasn’t paying attention. I heard free booze, and after all that time with Mother and her scowl, I needed to not see for a while.
“You’ve had too much to drink. As per usual,” my mother hisses to me after the waiters have taken our dishes.
“Keeping count? I thought you’d be ignoring me, as per usual.” Rolling my eyes, I try to prop my chin up on my hand, but miss. My head snaps back and I grip the table for support.
A sigh escapes Cassy’s mouth as her sorrowful gaze flutters to me. Yeah, I need to get out of here.
“I’m going to go. Thanks for brunch, Mother. It was delightful as ever to see you in good health and hideous personality. Cassy, see you at the altar.”
I give a mock salute as I stand up from my chair, wobbling in my Jimmy Choos. Emerson is up and clutching my arm with a frown of disapproval. She’ll have to get in line. More than enough people are ahead of
