Page 8 of 3 Daddies to Go
Honestly, I really liked Trudy’s vows. She didn’t let me help her with them, which was surprising, because I’m used to helping her with anything academic. Hell, I’ve been helping her with all aspects of this wedding, bar none, so I was surprised that she didn’t ask me to write her entire speech for her.
But all that being said, I never want to be a bridesmaid again. Not only is it way too much work, but this dress is just too ugly and ridiculous. I look like an exploding grape, and I could barely keep from blushing during the ceremony because people were probably thinking “What’s eating you, Gilbert Grape?” whenever they looked at me. It wasthatbad.
I gather some of the layers in my hands. I can’t even hold the skirt in my hands because there’s so much material. If I ever get married, I willnotput my bridesmaids through this humiliation, that’s for sure. And I certainly won’t ask them to drop two hundred dollars for something that’s the equivalent of a Halloween costume.
I drop the layers against the leather seat and stare ruefully at the full, purple skirt. I just have to make it through the reception, and then I can burn this monstrosity. It sucks that I spent a ridiculous amount of money on such an awful dress, but it will be so satisfying to see it catch flame.
“Soon,” I whisper in the back of the limo. “Soon I will be out of you and in my comfy pajamas.” Leonore and Monica are on the other side of the stretch, sipping free champagne and chatting about the hot groomsmen. I’m glad they’re ignoring me.
“I’m going to hook up with the tall one,” Leonore prattles. “You can have the other one.”
There are three of them, I want to say.And they’re all tall,so which one have you claimed?
Of course, I know immediately who the girls are discussing. I nearly stumbled when I first saw them because they were drop-dead gorgeous, with wide shoulders, penetrating blue eyes and deep, tanned skin. I’m sure that they have six pack abs beneath their suits, which equates to eighteen abs all together. Ooh! My insides clench with need and anticipation. How could anyone focus on the ceremony when these three men were right there, standing next to the altar?
After all, while the pastor droned on, I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at their broad chests under perfectly fitted, custom-cut suits; their long legs; and their chiseled features. Everything about these men is awe-inducing, and I can’t wait to see them again.
To my surprise, their eyes were on me the whole time too. At first, I was self-conscious. What could they possibly be looking at? Was it the huge purple flower in my hair? Or did my make-up smear? I wanted to run and hide, until I felt the heat behind their gazes. Their sexy looks sent fire through my insides, and I blushed hotly, imagining their hands on me. Hopefully, they assumed the coloration was makeup or a reaction to my best friend getting married.
Suddenly, Leonore giggles from across the limo. She chugs her glass of champagne and immediately pours another. The ride to the reception is only twenty minutes, but these girls have managed to make the most of it and are well on their way to getting drunk. I don’t want to be tipsy during the reception or during the hundreds of pictures we’re going to take beforehand because I just look ridiculous when I’m hammered. My eyes look like they’re going in different directions, and I’ve been known to trip and fall on my face more than once.
The limo finally pulls up in front of the reception hall. The driver opens my door, and I jump out as best as I can manage. Meanwhile, Leonore and Monica follow, trying to look sexy but instead looking utterly graceless. I’m pretty sure they drank the entire bottle of champagne. Goddamit. I didnotsign up for bridesmaids’ babysitting duty.
I look around the venue. Hmm, very nice. The reception is at a golf course. At first, I was confused about the location because who’s going to play golf? But now that I’m seeing the bright green grass under the setting sun, I get it. The photographer sets us up so the actual holes aren’t visible, just the beauty of the course. Plus, there’s a little bridge over a stream that will make for the perfect bride and groom photos. Trudy picked well when she chose this place.
“Right this way!” the wedding planner calls. “We’re taking photos outside first.”
I follow behind, struggling to walk in my heels. I hate these things, but Trudy insisted I wear them. Of course, they’re dyed the same color as the dress, further emphasizing the grape-like look. I look around, expecting to find Trudy and Herbie, but husband and wife are nowhere to be found.
“We want some with just the bridal party,” explains the photographer. “Over here, please.”
She arranges us in a hundred different poses and I try not to grow impatient as the shutter snaps again and again. People giggle, titter, and then stand up straight, trying to look serious. We’re all bored, and it’s beginning to show.
Finally, after all of our pictures have been taken, Trudy strolls up in her dress. Her makeup has been reapplied, and her hair tidied up. She looks even more beautiful than she did before the ceremony, and ten times more radiant.
“Congratulations!” I cry when she gets to me. I go to hug her, but she steps back.
“No hugging until after photos,” she warns, ducking my arms. “We need to look our best, Kendall. Maybe later.”
Her judgmental eyes rake over my body. I’m tempted to walk away or hide behind a tree, but Trudy just nods her approval and moves on to the other girls. She adjusts some dresses and hair pieces before finally allowing the photographer to set us up for still more photos. The shutter snaps and I sigh quietly. When will this be over? Finally, the photographer stands up straight and smiles.
“Okay, bridesmaids chill out for a bit. I’m going to round up some of the groomsmen, and then we’ll do group photos!”
I take a seat on a nearby bench. My feet are begging to be rid myself of these heels, but if I so much as touch them Trudy will kill me. Instead, I kick them up to take the pressure off the balls of my feet. After I burn the dress, I’m burning the shoes, too.
Trudy sets a blanket down on the bench beside me and settles down with an explanation.
“I can’t get anything on my white dress!”
I laugh. “Of course not.”
“Are you having fun? The ceremony was nice, right?”
“It was beautiful. I’m having a great time,” I lie through my teeth. In fact, I’m starving and getting cold, but that’s not a nice thing to say on a day like this.
Trudy smiles.
“Oh good, I’m glad. I think the other girls are enjoying themselves too.”