we finally separate, the seamstress is fluttering around with a look of pure terror on her face and Berkeley is ordering us to go and change into our dresses.
In my own dressing room, I slip on the champagne-colored gown Berkeley chose for me. It’s flirty and fun, because…well, Berkeley. The strapless top is made from silky beaded satin. It stretches taut over my breasts when it’s zipped, and the fluffy tulle skirt flares out at my waist and ends just at my knees. I try on the heels we picked out to match the dresses, strappy stilettos the same color as the dress.
As we all stand in our matching dresses, being nipped and tucked by the seamstress, we discuss the upcoming nuptials at length.
“Only three weeks to go.” Berkeley sighs, with a blissed-out smile on her face. It’s the expression I’ve come to know and love whenever she’s talking about Dare. He’s truly the love of her life, and he makes her happier than I’ve ever seen her before.
I give an exaggerated sigh, checking out my legs in the mirror. I might be the shortest girl in the wedding party, but the heels are doing killer things to my calves. “Only three weeks to come up with a sufficiently embarrassing toast for the reception.”
Berkeley gasps. “Stop! My parents will embarrass me enough, don’t worry.” Her eyes widen as she notices the way I look in my bridesmaid’s gown. “Oh, my God! Your boobs look ah-mazing!” She sings the last word, her voice traveling up to a higher pitch.
Checking the mirror, I smile. “Is it the dress?”
Greta turns in the mirror so she can see the sparkling back of the dress. “Must be, Mea. I mean, you’re actually in danger of spillage.”
Grinning, an impish surge of devilry bounces around inside me. “So, will Drake want to rip this dress off me before the night is over?”
All three girls burst out laughing. I shoot them my most calculating grin. Shaking their heads, Greta and Shay head for the dressing rooms to change out of their gowns. As I’m stepping down off the box, Berkeley grabs my hand.
Her smile is warm and genuine. “Seeing you with Drake makes me so happy, Mea. It makes me feel like I don’t have to worry about you, you know?”
Warmth flushes my cheeks and I squeeze her hand. “Why would you worry about me?”
She sighs, searching my eyes. “Because on the outside, you’re always so sure of yourself and confident, and you act like nothing can ever hurt you. But deep down, I know you deal with stuff. Maybe even more stuff than the rest of us. I just hope that you’ll really open up to Drake. He’s such a good guy. If anyone can protect you and help you deal with your demons, it’s him.”
Her ability to see right through the walls I’ve thrown up around me over the years to protect myself from harm and from humiliation scares me. Berkeley has been there for me ever since I moved to North Carolina. It never mattered to her that I didn’t come from money the way she did. It never fazed her that her parents hadn’t approved of our friendship. She was always honest with me, and she stuck by me no matter what.
One of these days, I would need to open up to Berkeley and Greta the same way I did for Drake. They deserve to know me, really know me.
And I’m surprised to discover that I want them to.
I don’t want to hide behind walls anymore. I want to open myself up to these people I’ve come to think of as my family.
And with shock, I realize that Drake is the one who’s made me okay to do that. His becoming my soft place to land has made everything in my life seem easier. It doesn’t feel like I have to climb a mountain all alone anymore.
He’s changing me, and I like the person I’m becoming.
“So, this is your baby.” The understanding in Drake’s voice is warm honey, poured all over my heart. “This is awesome.”
After our dress fitting, I grabbed some lunch with the girls. Berkeley’s mother joined us. She’d seen the dress during Berkeley’s original shopping trip, and the experience was so stressful for Berkeley she’d declined inviting the woman I’ve always called the Ice Queen back for the fitting. During lunch she grilled us about the dress and the way it fit. And then she proceeded to exhaust the finer points