Page 161 of Soul Mates: Hercules Valentine and I

A Girls’ Gathering

Paisley Grove

Riding in the back of a taxi, I’m in Hercules’s neck of the woods. As a matter of fact, the car just drove past the tall flashy skyscraper he lives in. I’ll never be his guest again, because one day, he’ll make a vow to another woman and spend his life with her. I feel as if I’m spending every waking moment coming to grips with that reality.

But I miss him.

And he looked so handsome today. There’s no way I’m going to be able to work with him on a daily basis. After I’m finished with Lake, I’ll call Hercules and gracefully decline his offer. It’s over between not only him and me, but also VTI and me. That feeling of separation sits in my chest like a block of cement. I don’t want to disconnect from either, but it has to be done.

“Miss, we’ve arrived,” the cab driver says, jolting me out of my thoughts. I quickly turn to look out the window. Finally, I can see what’s behind all the mystery.

My jaw drops as I read name of the shop, which is written on a marquee in gold letters above the double glass doors.GC Carlotta Custom Wedding Gowns.

“What the…” I whisper.

Is Lake getting married?

30 Minutes Later

The answer to my question is yes. Lake is getting married.

I’m really happy for them as I stuff down my feelings of envy, which nothing to do with Mason and Lake tying the knot. It has more to do with the institution of marriage itself. I wish I had the power to put all weddings on hold until I’m able to get over Hercules. First, it’s going to be Lake and Mason, then before I know it,Top Rag Magwill be forcing pictures of Hercules and Rain Mueller down our throats. My feelings are selfish indeed, which is why I chastise myself for having them. Today isn’t about me; it’s about my friend.

Lake is the only one of Eden, Jillian and Amy, Eden’s cousin from Ohio, and I, who isn’t sipping pink champagne. Dora, the over-attentive saleswoman wouldn’t dare allow it. She’s making sure nothing stains the expensive gowns Lake tries on. Actually, the store is ultra-high-end. The salespeople are waiting on Lake—and us—hand and foot. Not even Cinderella with her fairy godmother’s wand had it this good. We’re in a private parlor, lounging on large and lavish Queen Anne–styled chairs. Delicate instrumental music that’s barely louder than a whisper plays in the background. Two waiters serve us tiny sandwiches with fillings such as savory smoked salmon, sliced roast beef, whipped cream cheese, curried hard-boiled egg salad, and chicken breast. We're also feasting on lobster crostini, encrusted shrimp with caviar bites, prosciutto-and-asparagus rolls, and other delicious appetizers.

“So, what do you think?” Lake turns this way and that in a strappy white wedding dress made of supple silk.

The champagne already has me feeling floaty. “I think you look stunning.”

“They all look the same to me,” Jillian says, checking her watch.

“Let me see the back.” Amy’s eyebrows are drawn inward as she inspects Lake’s dress.

Lake turns to show off her gorgeous bare back. “I think this could be the one.”

Amy scrunches her face. “I don’t like it. Next.”

Eden and Jillian share a look. I do a better job of not showing how much Amy irritates me. She’s been Negative Nancy from the start. Perhaps she’s laying it on thicker now because Lake hasn’t yet showed her cousin the slightest sign of being irritated by her. Not being easily agitated is one of Lake’s best attributes, though.

Lake twists her mouth, looking at me. “Is it too much skin?”

I shrug. “I don’t think so. I think your skin against the white silk makes you look divine.”

“No, it does not make you look divine,” Amy says. “It makes you look like prostitute on your wedding day.”

My jaw drops. I can’t believe she said that.

“What is your problem?” Jillian blurts.

“Oh, she’s just mad that it isn’t her,” Eden chimes in.

“Thank you, Paisley,” Lake says loudly enough to quell the tension between her cousin and the rest of us. “Which leads me to my biggest announcement of the afternoon. Paisley, please stand.”

I pause to look at Eden and Jillian before slowly rising to my feet. My instincts tell me everyone but Amy and I know what’s about to come.

Lake turns to Dora. “Can I have the robe now, please.’

“Yes,” Dora says, and with her elegant gait, she moves over to a rack of dresses Lake hasn’t tried on yet and lifts a robe off the bar.