Truth or Dare - Danielle Allen Page 0,36

on the way to the photoshoot location, Corrine sat with her arms crossed and her face sullen the whole time.

“I hope you smile once we get started,” Inez told Corrine as we approached the photographer on the private stretch of beach.

I smirked but kept my mouth shut.

Inez and the photographer worked together like a well-oiled machine. Dressed in black custom one-piece swimsuits with Bride Squad emblazoned on them, the four bridesmaids posed around the bride, wearing a custom one-piece white swimsuit that said Bride. We did so many shots and poses, it felt like a photoshoot for a magazine or something.

I felt inspired and had an idea for my own clothing line.

“The men are on their way here, so it’s time to swap out,” Inez explained, handing us our coverups. “Let’s head to the van.”

“The pictures are going to come out great!” I told Chloe on our way up the beach. “We’re hot. These photos are going to be hot. The—”

“How much time do we have between now and when we need to start getting ready for the wedding?” Corrine asked, interrupting me.

Chloe turned toward her sister. “Two hours and about fifteen minutes after we get back to the resort.”

“I’m going to take a nap,” she informed her.

Chloe’s face fell a little. “Oh… okay.” She turned back to me and gave me a big smile even though I could see the worry in her eyes. “I think the pictures are going to come out great, too.”

“Look at how blue the sky is,” Maria pointed out in awe. “That’s a good sign for the beach wedding, but rain is also good luck so either way, it’s a win-win.”

Tisha nodded. “This is true. You can’t lose here.”

Just as we were loading into the van, the rumble of thunder caught us all off guard.

“A little rain is good luck, but a storm?” Chloe groaned.

“What storm? That was my stomach rumbling,” Tisha joked, trying to get Chloe to smile.

It only worked temporarily.

As we pulled up to the resort, I leaned forward to speak to Chloe. “What do you want to do now?” I asked.

“I think I’m going to soak in the tub for a while and relax,” she answered. “Mom is coming up here to help me get ready in about an hour. But maybe, if you’re not busy or tired, you guys can come by later—”

I put my hand on her shoulder. “You don’t even have to ask. Whatever time you’re done resting and relaxing and you feel like company, I’m there. We’re there,” I assured her.

I couldn’t guarantee Corrine and her bad attitude would be there, but her best friends would be there for her.

We got back to the resort and headed to the elevator.

“Where are you going?” Chloe asked Corrine.

Her sister pointed. “The bathroom. I’ve been holding it for the last half an hour.”

The rest of us continued our way to the elevator. As soon as Corrine disappeared into the rest room, Tisha was the first to say something.

“What the hell is going on with your sister?” she burst out.

Maria shook her head. “She’s been in a pissy mood all day and I don’t like it. This is your wedding day and she’s acting like a little bitch.”

I was glad someone said it because I didn’t think it would go over as well coming from me. I was about to add my two cents, but I saw Chloe’s eyes watering.

“Listen, forget everything else.” I put my hands on her shoulders and stared into her eyes. “You are marrying the man you’ve known was the one since you were nineteen. You two are made for each other. He proposed at graduation and said that he came to college for a degree but ended up finding the love of his life. Today is about you and nothing else.”

She pulled me into a tight hug. “Thank you,” she whispered as the elevator doors opened.

I let the three of them go in and I hung back. “I’ll see you guys in a minute. I need to take care of something.” I lifted my hand and waved as the doors closed before they could question me.

Turning on my heel, I stalked over to the bathroom. I only had to wait a few seconds before Corrine walked out.

“Hey, I need to speak with you,” I started. “I’m sensing some issues on your end and if we need to talk it out, then let’s go. But I’m not letting your bad attitude mess up Chloe’s day.”

Her eyes widened.