Joey couldn’t help but marvel at her sense of fashion and tolerance for torture. The very thought of heels over two inches made her wince.
Lisa air-kissed Juliette’s cheeks and took her hands. “Tell me what we’re looking for today, Juliette.”
“Something white with a bit of a vintage feel,” Juliette said.
“Okay, what length were you thinking?” Lisa asked.
“Tea length, maybe a little shorter,” Juliette said.
Lisa nodded. “Now, when you say vintage are we talking cut, materials or both?”
“Cut, and maybe hints of details from the ’fifties and ’sixties.”
“Okay, that will go wonderful with your gown. I have a few in mind, so if you want to take a seat, I’ll get the mimosas coming and you two ladies can come with me.” Lisa waved the girls toward her as she walked them to the back, her long legs eating up the carpet.
Joey sat down beside Juliette.
“I’m glad we’re by ourselves. You’ve seemed off the past week,” Juliette said.
“What do you mean?” Joey said. Shit. I guess I wasn’t hiding it as well as I thought.
“You’ve been distracted and abnormally quiet. Do you need to talk about anything?”
“Asks the woman who needs to plan a wedding in less than six months. I’m supposed to be helping you.”
“Are you purposely subject dodging?” Juliette accused.
“No.” Joey sighed. “I’m not ready to voice it aloud yet. I’m still wrapping my head around it.”
Juliette frowned. ”I won’t press you because I know it won’t do me any good and it’ll put a wedge between us, but I’m here anytime day or night.” Juliette squeezed Joey’s hand. “I couldn’t have made it through the past few months without you guys. I thought when Peter died, it would be over, but it brought all the memories I worked so hard to get over back full force.” Juliette shuddered. “So when I say I’m here for you whatever you need, whenever you need it, I mean that.”
“I know. Thank you for that.” Joey patted her hand.
“Of course.”
“I present to you, your bridesmaids.” Lisa walked out and gestured toward the hallway.
Evonne and Hil appeared in tea-length lacy numbers with flower accents.
“No, that’s too much lace.” Juliette shook her head.
“So you want something a bit simpler?” Lisa said.
“Yes, but I love the cut,” Juliette offered.
“Okay, we’ll be back.”
“How weird is this? I feel like we’re judging a beauty contest.” Joey shook her head.
“It’s coming together well though,” Juliette said.
“Tha
t’s true. We’re actually ahead of schedule.”
“Thank you again for being my maid of honor, Joey. I couldn’t do all of this without you and the other girls.”
“We’re happy to help. You’re the first of us to get married.”