Page 33 of Vapor

“But you don’t, so focus on the positive instead.”

“And what would that be?”

“Money. Once you’re married, you’ll have access to his accounts. You’ll be able to go shopping for everything you’ve ever wanted. Fashion week in Paris. Private showings with the most exclusive designers in the world.”

“That’s not anything I care about.”

“You will. Once you get a taste for it, you’ll love it. Trust me on this.”

Fighting her is pointless. I still have absolutely no intention of going through with this wedding, but I haven’t figured a way out yet. Hopefully Vapor will come up with something. I haven’t stopped thinking about those kisses in the garden. Even now, my entire body heats as I flash back to those stolen moments together.

“Earth to Blue,” Lacy says, waving her hand in front of my eyes.

“Sorry. What?” I blink, trying to stay present.

“I’ve chosen ten dresses to start. If you don’t like any of them, I’ll bring more.”

“Let’s see.” Lacy leaves the sofa to study the rolling rack of dresses Gloria brought in.“No. No. No. Oh, maybe?” She holds a slim-fitting blinding white mermaid dress up.“What do you think, Blue? Too much poof?”

“Way too much.” The organza at the bottom overpowers the rest of the dress, dragging my eyes down until it’s all I can see.

“What about this one? You should try it on.” Lacy carries a huge dress with a super ruffled tiered skirt and a long train into the fitting room. It seems to move on its own, as if it’s looking for a bride to consume.

“I don’t like it.”

“Just try it on for me. Please?” Lacy pleads.

“Fine.”

Gloria enters the changing room behind me. It’s big enough for ten people, and although I don’t even want to put on the dress, I’m glad she’s here. There’s no way I could begin to put this on by myself. It’s a massive sea of fabric, nothing like I’ve seen before.

After trussing me up and clipping the back, Gloria smiles.“Shall we show your sister? If you don’t like it, we can take it off right now.”

“I hate it, but she’s going to kill me if I don’t at least show her.”

Gloria gives me a sympathetic look before ushering me out of the room.

I step onto the raised dais and scowl at my reflection. The lights above are unforgiving, casting stark, unflattering shadows that amplify my unease. Each mirror multiplies my discomfort, showing me the dress from perspectives I hadn’t even considered.

As I turn slowly, the fabric rustles, whispering portents about a life I don’t want. The dress clings and billows in all the right places, but I fail to see its beauty. Instead, I see my own reluctant face repeated endlessly, each reflection a silent reminder of the decision I’m supposed to embrace. The walls close in, a mirrored prison capturing my every doubt and fear.

“I love it,” Lacy declares.

“It does look beautiful on you,” Gloria adds.

“Can we try one of the others?” I ask.

“Of course.”

“We’ll rank the top three,” Lacy says.“Try two more. I like the ones I hung on the end.”

“Fine.” I attempt to pick up the dress so I won’t trip over it, but it’s impossible. Even with Gloria holding up the train, this thing’s a death trap. I can’t imagine what would happen if I got too close to an open flame.

After trying on the other dresses, it’s clear that Lacy’s not going to let me leave until I choose one. I’m trying to decide when I spot a gorgeous dress across the shop.

“Oh!” I’m drawn to it like a firefly to a fountain.

“What? Which one do you like?” Lacy demands.