Page 39 of The Maid's Secret

“What’s wrong with hand-me-downs? Also, what’s the catch?” Iasked.

“There is no catch,” said Juan. “At least none that I can see.”

After work, Angela met me at the Social, and we sneaked out the back door so as not to be spotted by any Bee-lievers or other guests desperate for a selfie with Molly the Maid. The walk to the bridal shop was such a simple pleasure, ambling down the sidewalk with my friend, being hassled by no one, watched by no one, being relevant to no one.

“There it is,” said Angela when we arrived at Tears of Joy Bridal Shop.

Wedding bells jingle-jangled as Angela held the door open for me. Inside was a pretty shopkeeper in a lovely pink suit, carrying a tray of champagne glasses.

“Molly! Or should we call youMrs.Molly. We’re so glad you’re here. I’m Carmen,” said the shopkeeper as she passed Angela and me flutes filled with bubbly. “We’ve chosen three dresses that are just right for you. And we’ve got a private room for your fitting.”

“Well, butter me and call me a biscuit,” said Angela as she took in the high-end shop. “Free champagne service? I could get used to this.”

Carmen escorted us to a large room filled with mirrors and floral bouquets. Three gorgeous white gowns hung from a rack by the change room.

“Those gowns can’t possibly be for me,” I said. “They’re fit for a princess.”

“We take pride in every bride,” said Carmen. “The first gown is a mermaid-modern cut, the second is a strapless trumpet style, and the last, a classic bridal ball gown.”

As Angela guzzled champagne on a white satin bench, I ducked into the change room and tried the first gown on. I popped out and presented myself to Angela and Carmen.

“It’s giving Ariel vibes,” Carmen said.

“Exactly. A bit fishy,” said Angela.

I agreed. I ducked back into the change room and put on the strapless gown. Feeling quite self-conscious, I tiptoed out and stood before Angela and Carmen again.

“I love it!” said Carmen. “Sleek and modern, a bit daring and sexy.”

“In other words, not Molly,” Angela said as she crinkled her nose.

“Agreed,” I replied.

“There’s still one more gown,” said Carmen. “Give it a try.”

I returned to the change room and came out a few minutes later.

Angela gasped the second she laid eyes on me. As I looked in the mirror, I knew this was the one—a perfectly fitted, heart-shaped bodice with tulle straps that grazed my shoulders. The skirt was made of layers of billowing white chiffon that went all the way to the floor. It was classic and timeless, like Cinderella’s at the ball, and for the first time in forever, I felt elegant and beautiful.

“Do you think Juan will like it?” I asked Angela.

“Oh, Molly, he’ll love it as much as he loves you. It’s perfect!”

“Are you saying yes to the dress?” Carmen asked.

“I am!” I replied.

In that moment, Carmen pulled a white ribbon hanging from the ceiling. Suddenly, confetti fell upon us while Pachelbel’s Canon in D blared from hidden speakers. Then, out of nowhere, Steve and his film crew spilled into the room.

“What the hell?” said Angela as she leapt to her feet. “What are you doing here?”

“Capturing Molly’s special moment,” said Steve as a camera was shoved in my face. “Molly, did you just say yes to the dress?”

“I…I did,” I said.

A handful of young ladies—strangers, all of them—entered the room, oohing and cooing at me.

“Pretend they’re your bridesmaids,” Steve instructed as the ladies hugged me, jumping up and down for joy.