TWENTY
I don’t know why, but Evans’s advice sticks with me throughout the next day. Maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling guilty about how I blew Alyson off. She seemed nice—nicer than the rest of Dad’s previous wives, anyway—which makes it even worse. I know she didn’t deserve me being so cold, and to be honest, I think I’m more upset at my dad than with her.
Trusting is a process. So just learn to trust someone.
Alyson should be given a fair chance, irrespective of my dad. I promised Evans I was going to put my faith and trust in someone, and maybe she’s just the person to do that with.
And maybe that’s why I’m here, standing in front of the bridal shop, debating with myself about whether I should go in. I don’t know why I’m hesitant now, since an hour ago, I was more than willing to set aside my ego to call my dad and ask for the bridal shop address.
Fortunately for me, the decision is effectively stolen from me when Alyson spots me from the inside. She scutters over in a modest white midi dress with a pink sash that says “Bride To Be” in gold. She throws open the door, eyes lighting up in excitement, and ropes me into a big hug. I pat her on the back awkwardly.
“I’m so glad you could make it!” She beams at me.
She grabs my hand and drags me into the shop where there is a large sofa with several women squashed together, chattering excitedly and clinking champagne glasses. When they spot me, they shoot up from their seats and smile brightly at me in greeting.
“These are my bridesmaids.” She gestures to everyone as she pulls me along the line of women.
“Nice to meet you girls.” I wave a small hand at each of them.
“You’re gorgeous!” One of the bridesmaids gasps as her hands cup the blades of my shoulders, her eyes trace the length of my body. “And so toned!”
“Sienna is an MMA trainer. And a very good one at that.”
Alyson shares proudly. She pulls me from her bridesmaid’s grasp and hauls me in the direction of the changing room.
“Go on in. I’ll bring you your dress.”
I wait for Alyson in one of the cubicles, sitting on the stool while clicking my feet together. A few minutes later, she slips through the crack in the curtains into the cubicle, and grins when she shows me the dress.
“Thought you might like this,” she says, propping the dress over her arm. “Classy. Sleek. A little sexy. The perfect dress for my perfect bridesmaid.”
It’s beautiful all right, no question. It’s a burgundy satin cowl dress with a modest slit down the side; the fabric looks soft to the touch and the cut of the dress would probably be flattering on my body shape.
“Wow, you really outdid yourself,” I say in awe as I take the hanger from her, careful not to drape the bottom of the dress on the floor. “This is really pretty.”
“Glad you like it,” she murmurs, smiling at my approval of the dress. “I want you two girlies to shine just as brightly as the other bridesmaids on my wedding day.”
Girlies?
Beth pops her head into the changing room. “Hey, Sienna.”
Of course.
Alyson’s gaze zips between us. Sensing the tension, she pulls open the curtain to let herself out. “I’ll—uh, leave you two alone.”
Beth steps into the room. I ignore her, looping the hanger over the hook to keep me busy. She pouts at my silence, her hands linked tightly together. “Please. You can’t stay mad at me forever.”
“I think you underestimate how long I can hold grudges.”
“But you gave Alyson a chance,” she asserts.
“That’s different. She didn’t sleep with my boyfriend, Beth.” I snap my head toward her, irritation prickling my skin.
“Look, I’m sorry. I really am.” A frown curves over her mouth. “The past few weeks living without you have been hell. And I . . . I really miss you.”
The irritation momentarily dissipates and I bite my lip, preventing the I miss you too from slipping out of my mouth.
Because it’s true. As much as I hate to admit it, I’ve been carrying around a deep ache in my chest ever since I moved in with Kayden. I’ve never gone this long without talking to her, and it feels like a part of me is missing when we don’t.