Page 42 of Brick Wall

Annie

“ T hank you so much for rescheduling,” I say, slightly flustered, when I finally meet Goldie and Scarlett on the sidewalk in front of a boutique on Newbury Street.

My cheeks are flushed thanks to the frigid temperature and the fact I was walking twice as fast to make it in time.

I look at my watch and see that it’s eleven o’clock on the dot.

“No problem! We couldn’t pick out dresses without you!” Goldie adds, and Scarlett nods in agreement.

I had to reschedule our initial dress appointment, and both Goldie and Scarlett were so kind to wait until we could all go together.

We made plans to go dress shopping a few days after the tournament finished, which was also a few days before Christmas.

However, I ended up getting sick after my return from Louisville and was feeling off for a few days.

My mom said it was my body telling myself to slow down, whatever that means.

However, I’m feeling better, but we now only have two weeks to find a dress for the Revs holiday party. I’m thankful to have these ladies here with me to help.

Instead of telling them that, though, I tease Goldie. “But you already have your dress.”

“But I might need another…” Goldie points out, her voice trailing on her last word.

We walk up five steps to the dress boutique and open a heavy wooden door where we are greeted by a shop associate. She gives Goldie a huge hug, and Goldie turns around to introduce us.

“This is my friend, Harper! She helped me find my amazing red dress here! Let her know what you are looking for, as she’s here to help!”

Goldie was very insistent about coming to this dress shop to find dresses. I feel a little out of place here, to tell you the truth. It’s the fanciest dress shop I’ve visited with high-ceiling, modern touches, and beautiful dresses probably far above my paygrade as a college coach.

Goldie was a little aghast when I suggested going to TJ Maxx for a dress and suggested this boutique instead. Luckily, Harper is a friend of Goldie’s and is hooking us up with her friend and family discount.

Goldie takes the lead, giving Harper some ideas of what we are looking for. Scarlett also looks a little out of her element, so I’m glad I’m not the only one.

A few short minutes later, we’re in the dressing rooms, trying and showing off different dresses, as Harper is running back and forth with a variety of sizes and options for us.

A lot of the dress options run a little too short for me, especially the gowns, but I’m used to it by now.

Some options are quite amazing and while others are just terrible. I’m talking colossal cut-outs in unusual places, and some perplexing pattern options. However, I laugh with the girls as we try on all different styles of dresses until we find the right one.

Cue the friend group dressing room montage, please.

I try on my seventh dress, a beautiful formal golden dress that hugs my curves. It’s sparkly with a deep v that shows off my cleavage. The shiny gold isn’t a color or style I would normally pick for myself, but when it magically appeared in my dress pile, I couldn’t resist trying it on.

I stand in the open area of the dressing rooms, surrounded by mirrors. I turn around, looking at all angles, and decide I really love this dress. I don’t feel like that awkward, gangly teenage girl anymore. I wish that fourteen-year-old girl could see the woman I am now. I hope I’d make her proud.

The older I get, the more comfortable I am in my own skin.

I simply don’t care if someone thinks I’m too tall or I’m not as feminine as someone else.

I like who I am and that’s what matters.

This dress was built for a woman who grew into her long frame with curves to boot.

I’m proud of who I am and who I became, wounds included.

Scarlett steps out of her dressing room in a long-sleeve emerald green dress, which contrasts beautifully with her strawberry blonde hair.

“It’s perfect,” I tell her, meaning it. The dress is simple but elegant, reflecting her personality.

“Yours too. I love the golden sparkles.”

“Me too.” I would not expect myself to love such a girly dress, but I feel so beautiful in this.

Harper and Goldie both have an expert eye for dresses that match our personalities and figures. They’ve been picking out ensembles for us, although Harper has been doing much more of the heavy lifting as Goldie is still trying on dresses with us too.

Goldie opens up her dressing room wearing a red dress that looks similar to the one she already owns, and gushes at both of us.

“You guys look so beautiful!”

“Do you think so? I think this might be the one!” I admit, loving this dress even more the longer it’s on me. It’s so flattering and beautiful.

Scarlett nods and says, “I think I might get this one!”

“Eek!” Goldie says, bouncing up and down in excitement for both of us. “I love them so much!”

“Me too,” I agree with her assessment. I turn to Scarlett and tell her, “Calvin, is going to love that dress on you.”

“Oh, yeah, you look so hot. He’s going to eat you up,” Goldie tacks on. She also shared my suspicions after seeing them together at our dinner party a few weeks ago.

Scarlett says nothing in response but blushes to match her namesake.

I can’t wait to see how this holiday party will unfold.