Aggie glanced out the window, shielding her eyes from the bright sun until they turned in a different direction. Shopping in Seattle wasn’t how she wanted to spend her day off, but she’d promised April last week at dinner. “That’s okay. It gets me out of the house and away from Dad and Gigi. They’re both looking at me like I’m going to do something crazy. It’s driving me nuts.”
April reached out a hand and touched Aggie on the arm. “They’re worried about you, and you can’t blame them. It’s time you did something about this, honey. For what it’s worth, I still say you’re suffering from PTSD. I know the signs and you have them.”
Aggie took a deep breath and did her best to keep her voice even despite the inner turmoil making her nauseated. “And I told you I don’t want to talk about it, so if you don’t mind, let’s concentrate on the dresses today. Just the dresses.”
“Okay, but we will discuss it later. I won’t let you get away with this for much longer.” April focused on the traffic and before long, they pulled up at the first store. She found a vacant spot and slid into it. “Right. Let’s do this.”
Oh boy, I can’t wait. Aggie should have been happy for April—and she was—but it was hard to put on a smiling face when all she wanted to do was hide away on the island. Seattle didn’t hold happy memories for her and coming back was a challenge she hadn’t wanted to face.
“I can see that mind of yours fighting this but go with it. That’s the way. It won’t hurt, I promise.” April slammed her door and Aggie felt terrible at the hint of sarcasm in her friend’s voice. She’d promised herself to be the good friend April deserved and not spoil the day for her. So far, she wasn’t playing the game very well.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be a pain.”
April paused and smiled. “And I didn’t mean to be a bitch either. Nerves are getting to me. Sorry, Aggie.”
“It’s okay. Forget it. Listen, you never said but are you still going to have that princess dress you wanted when we were twelve?”
April laughed and shook her head. “No,” April snorted. “And I have no intention of arriving on horseback either, in case that was the next question.”
“I guess we’ve both changed, huh?”
Aggie had changed.
She’d changed too much.
“I want something simple and less fussy than I wanted before.” April sighed. “That’s a good thing, right?”
“Yeah. Let’s do this.” Aggie followed April into the shop, wincing at the swathes of bright tulle and frills. “Tell me what’re you looking for? You never actually said.”
“Not what I wanted when I was twelve, that’s for sure. I want something simple, not too fussy like that pink meringue concoction there, and I think I’d like to go with ivory.”
The saleswoman headed their way, like a bird of prey who’d just spied her dinner. “Ladies, welcome to Brides by the Bridge. Let me get you seated, and we can work out what you need today.”
Aggie grinned and winked as April was led to the back of the store where a settee and table were set up. Over-the-top fake flowers surrounded the setting like you might find in a Las Vegas wedding chapel. April put her purse down and strolled around the displays. She looked worried now, rather than she had on the way over when excitement had kissed her face. Aggie followed at a steadier pace, looking at the dresses hoping that none of them were chosen for her. She hated frills and lace. Hopefully something simple and stylish would catch April’s eye.
This was the closest she would ever come to being fitted for a dress. A bridesmaid. Never to be a bride. That opportunity had gone.
“Aggie, here. This is you.” April had stopped at a mannequin dressed in a russet silk creation that took Aggie’s breath away. The neckline was created by folds of silk that ran from one shoulder to the other, draping the bodice and trailing down the back to leave a fair expanse of skin exposed. The simple lines of the skirt drew her to look at it closer. Aggie touched the fabric, rubbing it between her fingers. It was soft and would caress her skin beautifully. And the color was perfect—so unusual. And not the slightest hint of lace anywhere.
“Isn’t it just perfect for you?” April picked up the label and looked at it. “Your size too. Try it on.”
Panic set in. “I don’t know. It’s…I don’t know.” Perfect but scary at the same time.
April took her by the arms. “Breathe and stop panicking. This is a dress fitting, nothing more. I’ve got you and I won’t be going anywhere.”
“But it’s so pretty. I don’t know if I can do pretty.” That word always made her hyperventilate. He’d told her she was pretty. The last thing Aggie wanted was to feel desirable again.
Aggie closed her eyes and tried to focus on the here and now. She breathed in and out a couple of times before opening her eyes.
April was still touching the dress.
“It’s not pretty. It’s classic.” April stroked the swath of silk on the neckline. “Typical Grecian style. Very simple and very you.”
Aggie chewed over the words, focusing on them to keep her equilibrium. “Do you really think so?”
“Yes, I do.” April nodded to the saleswoman, hovering in the background. “Can Aggie try that on, please?”
“Certainly, ma’am. I’ll put it in dressing room number two for you.” The assistant peeled the dress off the mannequin and carried it to the back of the shop.
“Thanks. Now, Aggie, help me find something
