"I was kidding."
"You were not," she said, her lower lip coming out."I can see it in your face.It's just that the dress has to be perfect.It's my wedding."
"I know," I said."Seriously, I was kidding.Go.Try that one on."
She ducked back into the changing room and I started back towards the other end of the store to begin my search for the next one.I only got a few steps when a flash of blue caught my eye.
It couldn't be.
Color was so rare in this sea of creamy whiteness; I must be hallucinating.I blinked and took a second look.It was color.I changed course and headed for the dress.It was gorgeous.A satin A-line, it was trimmed in the most beautiful shade of royal blue satin.The v-neck bodice was covered in gems that matched the trim perfectly and created a very elegant, very Nicole dress.It was just the thing for a Vegas wedding.
"Stop," I called."Don't try that one on."I snatched the new dress, the perfect dress off the rack, and did my best to hurry to the back of the store.
"What are you talking about?"Nicole said."This one looks good.Besides, I've almost figured out how to get into it."
"Trust me," I said, trying very hard to control my excitement."I am holdingthedress."
"What?Thedress?"
"Yes," I said."But before you look at it, you have to promise me you'll reserve judgment until you've tried it on.Believe me, it's perfect."
"Okay, okay.Show me already."
"Promise?"
"I said yes."
I unzipped the garment bag and handed Nicole the dress.She didn't say anything.Nothing but silence came from behind the curtain.Soon, I heard the rustling of fabric.I held my breath until I remembered I'd have to breathe.Still, silence.And then finally, a shriek.
I threw back the curtain and let out a shriek of my own.
"It's perfect," I breathed.
I could see her face reflected in the mirror and from the tears in her eyes, there was no doubt that she thought so too.
The dress was made for her.It nipped in at her waist, accentuating her feminine curves, pushed up her breasts just enough to be sexy, and clung to her hips in all the right ways before falling to the floor.
She didn't say a word.She didn't have to.She had that look, the one you get when you've found the dress you know you'll wear on your wedding day.Tears came to my eyes as I watched her staring at her reflection.She must be thinking about walking down the aisle, seeing her groom for the first time, picturing their life together.I knew this because I had that moment too.
Almost ten years earlier, I had tried on my wedding gown and been hit with the sudden realization that my life was changing forever.There was a magic when it came to brides.They were so full of hope for the future, envisioning how perfect their life would be.And all because their wedding day, their gown, would be perfect.No one told them there was no such thing as perfect.
"We'll have to find you some hot blue heels to go with it," I said and the moment was gone.
After Nicole paid for the gown and we bundled it into the car, I still had an hour before I had to be home to relieve the babysitter.
"Let's go for coffee," Nicole suggested."The least I can do is treat you to a latte.Since you found my dress and all."
The idea of a caffeine-infused drink was appealing.I was dragging.Shopping sapped my energy on the best of days, never mind a wedding dress excursion of this magnitude.And Ben would be ready to play when I got home, no doubt amped up from all forms of sugary treats.There'd be no rest.
"That sounds better than you can imagine," I said and let her lead me to the coffee shop, where we ordered fancy coffees that cost way too much and I found a table outside where we could enjoy the sun.
"So," Nicole said after we sat down, "do you think Andrew will be okay wearing a blue shirt to match my dress?"
"Andrew?"I set my drink down before sipping it."What are you talking about?"
"I can't believe I didn't mention it," she said."Ryan needs Andrew to stand up for him.Do you think he'll do it?"
"Why?I mean, doesn't Ryan have brothers?"