Bodice of Evidence by Nancy J. Parra

“
    â€œNo,” Felicity pouted. “Now I’m feeling fat because she didn’t assume I was a size two.”
    â€œOh, stop,” I said, and sat down. “You are far from fat. Besides Warren loves you exactly the way you are. “
    â€œYou only say that because you are tall and thin.” Felicity crinkled her nose at me. “At least I have boobs.”
    â€œGirls!” Mom said. “Enough. Felicity, if you don’t like it here, we can leave.”
    â€œBut—” I said.
    â€œNo
buts
.” Mom held out her hand to cut me off. “This is about Felicity, not your questions. Do you understand?”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” I slumped into the couch. “Sorry, Felicity. I promise we can leave anytime you want.”
    The door opened then and Vidalia came in with three dresses draped over her arm. Behind her was anotherwoman who appeared to be in her twenties. She had a short brown pixie cut, dark winged eyebrows with a diamond stud in the corner of her right eyebrow, and a sweet smile. She wore a black shift dress that matched Vidalia’s, and bright red lipstick.
    â€œThis is my assistant, Theresa,” Vidalia said. “She has your waters and can get you anything else you need.”
    Theresa carried a pretty lined wicker basket filled with ice that held three bottles of water. “Hello, it’s so nice to meet you. I want to apologize for no one being here the day of your original appointment. I was out sick, but I’m much better now.” She handed Mom the basket. “Please let me know if you need anything at all. I’ll be outside at the front desk.”
    As Theresa left, Vidalia turned to the wall where there were three dress hooks. “I’ll hang these up. Now, don’t look at them on the hanger,” she warned. “This is not about what they look like when they are hanging. This is about how they look on your body.”
    â€œWait, one is pink,” Felicity said, “And one is pale blue.”
    â€œPastel dresses are the latest thing,” Vidalia said. “Trust me. Many brides are tired of dressing like a marshmallow. Besides, in some countries white is actually a funeral color. That said, if you like the gown but not the color we can order it in white. Okay? Now, remember these are sample sizes and your gown will be custom-made for you here at Bridal Dreams. You can change behind the screen. I have hung up a silk slip that will helpthe dresses float over your body and keep the lace from scratching.”
    Vidalia and Felicity stepped behind a three-panel screen with a gorgeous Japanese mountain scene painted on the front.
    The rest of the room had pale peach painted walls and soft blue lighting. The corner across from the screen held a dais surrounded by three full-size mirrors. We were seated in two of three peach-and-white-patterned chairs with heart-shaped backs. Mom’s had alternating peach and white stripes. Mine had a checkered pattern, and the final one was upholstered in peach fabric with tiny white roses on it.
    â€œThe dress she took in looks like a pink cupcake,” I whispered to Mom.
    â€œI’m not certain how I feel about colored dresses,” Mom said quietly to me. “You father is a traditional man.”
    I had a feeling Dad wasn’t the one who would mind, but I simply stuffed a chocolate petit four into my mouth. On the final wall was an ornate buffet made of oak with the platters of goodies on top. Mom had put the basket on the floor between us, then bent down and picked up two bottles and handed me one. I opened it up to the sound of fizz. Looking at the label, I realized this was the good stuff. No cheap bottled water here.
    â€œHow’s it going back there?” Mom called.
    â€œThe dress fits like a glove.” Felicity’s voice floated over the top of the screen.
    â€œExcept the waist.” Vidalia’s voice followed Felicity’s.