body had rounded quite a bit and her boobs had kept pace. Jasmine described her body as “pure pin-up.”
Jasmine’s exasperated voice rose in volume. “Mama, she says that she’s fine. I’m just going to make sure she is ready. It doesn’t take two people to do that.”
“Check with her to make sure she doesn’t want to wear a hat.” Poppy urged.
“Hale is not wearing a hat. She doesn’t want to, so don’t try to make her. Please, give her some space.”
“All right, Jasmine Elise, no need to take that tone with me. This is an emotional day and I am just trying to help poor Hale.” Poppy’s voice had taken on a wounded tone.
“Why don’t you two come in instead of talking outside my door,” Hale called.
Jasmine opened the door and the ladies entered. “I was just coming to check if you needed any help with anything.” The blonde’s cheeks were pink, a sure sign that her temper was nearing explosion.
Hale stood and did a turn.
“Oh, honey, you do look nice,” Poppy exclaimed.
“Thank you, Poppy.” God help me. Poppy was probably hoping she’d attract suitors during the service.
“We’re on schedule, and the cars will be here in ten minutes. So I expect you to be downstairs and ready to go.” Poppy checked her watch.
“Yes, ma’am.” Hale answered.
Poppy stepped forward and took her hand. “Hale, you know I have always considered you part of my family. I mean you girls have been inseparable since you were little. Anything you need, you know you can call on me and Harrison.”
“Poppy, thank you. I do know that. You’ve been such a huge help with planning and well, everything. I know that it was quite a bit of work.” Hale’s tone turned shaky.
“Honey, shush. I wanted to do it for Joe, but especially for you. I know I should have done more for you back when your mama was with us. I was so busy with my own family that I didn’t do all that I should have.” Poppy whipped out a white lace handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.
“You and Harrison did plenty. You gave me a safe place to stay and a family that was filled with love. That was plenty.”
“Mama, you had better get downstairs to check to see if everyone has gathered. Maria and her family should be arriving.” Hale sent Jasmine a silent thanks. One more word from Poppy and she’d have started crying.
Poppy nodded and quietly closed the door behind her.
The two friends stared at one another.
“Wow, your mom surprised me.” Hale tried to laugh to ease the need to cry.
“She worries about you. What you will do and how you will fit in.” Jasmine stepped closer to her best friend and gave her hand a squeeze.
“I’m sure that I’ll find a place, but for right now I just want to get through today.”
“Right.” Jasmine walked to Hale’s bed and dug in her tote bag that she’d left there earlier. “I’m thinking that you might need sunglasses. You know, for the walk in and after.” She handed Hale a pair. “That way, you might not feel so exposed.”
Hale examined the large black glasses. “Are these Chanel? I can’t wear Chanel in the high school gym. What are you thinking?”
“I have a Gucci pair if you want.” Jasmine reached into the huge bag.
“Jazz, have you lost your mind? I can’t go in wearing sunglasses. My God, the gossips would be burning up the phone lines reporting that I’m covering my eyes indoors, trying to hide something.” Hale shook her head at her friend who could make her giggle when she was so sad. “No sunglasses for me, but thank you. Now I just have to pray that my boobs don’t show too much.”
“You most certainly could make your entrance wearing a very expensive and current pair of sunglasses. Screw those old busybodies and their judgments. If you have these on, you’d be saying, ‘just try to fuck with me, I dare you.’” Jasmine put her hands on her slim hips and imitated a runway model’s walk.
“I can’t throw out a fuck you at my dad’s funeral.” Hale laughed. “You are incorrigible.”
“Who me? I’m sweet as honey and don’t you forget it,” Jasmine replied.
Hale looked closely at her friend. “Your suit is amazing, I can’t believe that you are even prettier than when we were in college. If I didn’t love you so much I would hate you.”
Jasmine was tall and slender enough to fit into a size four. Today,