Mr. Smithfield - Louise Bay Page 0,34
in Knightsbridge, picking out wedding gowns to wear when you marry the man of your dreams.”
“I’m being a Debbie Downer, aren’t I?” Hollie asked.
“Yep. Knowing you, you’re just feeling bad for feeling happy.”
“It’s just so much,” she said, disappearing behind the screen. “And of course I’m happy, but you’re right, I do feel a little weird. Not only did my dreams all come true, but they were surpassed. I never thought this could be my life.”
“So enjoy it.” I knew she was sighing, even though I couldn’t hear it. “You worked so hard for so many years, Hollie.”
“I just hope you don’t think I’m rubbing it in your face,” she said.
I laughed. I loved my sister but she was ridiculous. “How could I ever think that? You spent your entire life making sure I could have a better future. You sacrificed your own happiness over and over. And it worked. I got my degree. I’m in London. Okay, I’m not quite a career high-flyer like you, but it will happen eventually. And in the meantime, I get to look after the cutest little girl and . . .” I could feel the blush start to rise in my cheeks and I knew I had to change the subject before Hollie emerged in her dress and spotted it. “In September I’ll start my job. Before that, I’m going to travel across Europe. You and me, we’re just at different stages.”
“You always put an Autumn spin on things.”
“I’m being honest. Life is good, Hollie. I’m happy. You’re happy. Mom and Dad are actually working. I graduated college and we don’t have to worry about the electric bill or how we’re going to last until Friday with half a loaf of bread and a carton of eggs.” The weeks where we didn’t have enough food to eat were the toughest when I was going through college. It would always get Hollie down. There were a few months in my freshman year where it happened more weeks than it didn’t. During those times, I spent a lot of time over at my boyfriend’s place. I never told Hollie it was because there was always a slice of leftover pizza in the fridge. Or at least some ramen noodles. That way, Hollie got what we had to herself and didn’t have to worry about me. “We need to enjoy how far we’ve come, and you need to enjoy today.”
“Okay, I’m coming out. Are you ready?”
“I’m always ready.”
She emerged from behind the screen like a princess in some kind of movie. I half expected cartoon birds to start singing and animated squirrels to join in with the harmonies.
“Wow,” I said as she stepped onto a podium in front of floor-to-ceiling, three-way mirrors. “You look really beautiful.” It was a proper princess gown, and she would look right at home in the pages of a glossy magazine.
“This is crazy.” She shook her head. “But I do like it. I didn’t expect to like such a big skirt, but it works.”
“It really works,” I said, so happy to see her fairytale coming true. “It’s like you’re going to a ball.”
“Is it too much?” She turned from side to side, keeping focused on the dress as it swished with her movements.
“Absolutely not. You are beautiful. The dress is beautiful. You’re marrying one of the kindest, richest, most handsome men in London. It’s all great. You just need to allow yourself to enjoy it.” Whatever happened, she’d never have to worry about being hungry again. That was to be celebrated.
“I need to try on more though, right?”
“Absolutely. I want to stay here until I’m properly buzzed.” I raised my glass at her and she stepped off the podium. “Have you decided on a date yet?”
“Well, I wanted to ask you about your plans over the summer. Do you know where you’re going or when you’re leaving?” she asked as she headed behind the screen to change.
My stomach churned. I didn’t want to think about the summer. It was too far off. “It’s months away.”
“It will be June in two weeks. And you’re off at the end of July.”
My stomach stretched and contracted like it was limbering up to sprint out of my body. Just six weeks. “I’m sure I’ll get around to it at some point.”
Hollie stuck her head around the screen. “You must have thought about it. I mean, you were so excited to have the entire month of August to travel.”
Did I need the entire month off? “Yeah,