The gang left Georgia feeling as if it was truly officially happening soon – Michael and Lisa would be getting married in a very short time, the church was reserved, the venue in the form of a stately, beautiful historic hotel, meaning it was time for the fun stuff next.
Life continued on for all of the couples with Vince and Lola joining them in wedding vibe. Weekends seemed to work best with everyone's work schedules so it had been decided that Michael and Vince would help Logan and Chase sort through wedding décor to decide what could be recycled and reused for Michael and Lisa's dyi décor.
Michael wasn't crazy about rooting through boxes of candles, holders, and such but not blowing five hundred bucks on pretties to decorate tables at the reception sounded just drippin to him. Since Lisa and the women folk were dress shopping this morning, Chase, Vince, and Michael loaded up boxes of miscellaneous wedding things from Chase and Zoey's wedding into Vince's car before heading out to Logan and Quinn's house in Santa Barbara to rifle through their junk. Michael decided he needed to find a better word for this stuff than junk.
As Vince pulled the car out onto the freeway, he caught his friend's eyes noting the lifted brow that came from Chase as if actually posing a question about Lola. He knew that Logan would have caught Michael and Chase up on the current issues in his relationship with Lola.
'Chase, man, is you choking or losing your voice? '
Chase sent him a rude look.' Are you and Lola still on speaking terms or is her being not committal grounds for a possible break up? '
Vince gritted his teeth at the question regardless that he knew it had been coming from his friends. They had never really kept secrets in their group – high school days excluded – so it was always good to get objective opinions. He could be in the most state of Zen and still find himself unsettled which was kind of where he was at now with Lola.
'Neither of us want to break up but I let her know what I was feeling,' explained Vince, tersely,' you know the whole weird thing is Lola is like the dude in our relationship. She doesn't understand why we should change anything ….it's frustrating '
Chase tapped his chin, considered, carefully.' It isn't as if she had a traumatic dating experience before you that I've ever heard of 'He nudged Michael,' did you ever hear of anything?'
Michael raised a brow, debated.' Well she refused to date me or Logan our freshman year so that would be a no. The other jerks that I know of was the stuffy British actor guy that bored her silly or you, Vince '
Vince shrugged as they headed in the direction of Santa Barbara towards Logan's mansion he and Quinn called home sweet home. He had been thinking about an engagement a while back would be the next logical step , hell, he was even open to a hand fasting ceremony if it appealed to Lola . They just needed to move forward.
'Well I love Lola but she's being a real pain in the ass but we'll figure it out ,' declared Vince , not wanting to dull the mood of this afternoon ,' Michael, you feeling okay with reusing wedding leftovers ? You've waited nearly as long as Logan to hear a yes …'
Quinn and Lisa shared the view that it was all in a matter of timing being right. Neither one of them had wavered though Quinn had finally succumbed to yes when Logan did propose for real. Lisa had been more resistant and stubborn until now.
'Seeing as I'm not rolling in the dough and we're wanting an actual house, I am very good with recycling vases and stuff,' admitted Michael, matter of fact,' My folks paid for the venue and Lisa's parents are taking care of buying Lisa's gown . I think we can still have a really nice wedding if we're careful with the budget ...'
He refused to freak out like Logan had by being involved in every little detail of the wedding – he would be happy with whatever his bride chose so long as it made her happy. Though if he could get his Grandma to cook for their reception that would be awesome but Michael wasn't holding his breath.
Chase raised a hand then dropped it.' I hear you, Michael, gotta stick to the budget. I have no shame in accepting leftover furniture or anything else from Logan's garage or else Zo and I would be sitting on bean bag chairs or chairs I found on a curb '
Vince nodded his head in agreement.' I think we should pool our food and do potlucks this week. Rough month until Lola gets paid for this pilot and my check paid the bills so really hoping I get this job at the studio, Michael '
'Keep the faith, man '
While the men were agonizing about finances before jumping into the serious debate on what kind of lunch they would be having at Logan's house, Lisa and the girls had headed down towards the smaller boutiques and vintage thrift shops in Carmel and the around hoping to find the one . Lisa had made an appointment at the Epiphany boutique at her mother's request and it was their first stop of the afternoon. It was a small boutique by all appearances with an artful window displaying a beautifully ornate wedding gown amidst a antique vanity, a pale blue shift lying carelessly over an elegant silk covered chair offering a romantic imagery.
'Well, that is very clever,' mused Quinn,' it doesn't look snooty '
Lisa pursed her lips together, managed a weary sigh.' My Mother apparently purchases all of her fancy evening gowns for Daddy's business events and ballet openings from this shop. She would have met us here except she couldn't get out of some meeting '
Lola patted her shoulder, pasting a smile on her lovely face.' I am just thankful you changed your mind about dress shopping in Georgia or else I wouldn't have been able to come '
Zoey held the door open for them to enter the shop.' I convinced her it wasn't practical. Just because we have access to the Reese family plane doesn't mean we should take off every chance we get plus alternations, fittings would be a pain in the butt.'
'All that flying back and forth ...'
Lisa shot her a grateful look, giving her hand a little squeeze.' My parents gave me ten thousand dollars for my dress but shoot me, Zo, if I actually spend that much money. We are looking at dresses for you three as well with this as well '
'That is a hot lotta money 'expressed Zoey as they stepped into the bridal shop which was done up in tasteful styles with muted pastels on the walls, a comfy seating around with antique settees and a table near an ornate antique mirror while displays of sparkling jewelry, rows on shiny shoes, and racks of dresses in all hues filled the rest of the shop.
It could almost be overwhelming . Zoey was glad she had designed her own gown.
'It should be more than enough for my dress and my maids of honor '
Lola held up a gorgeous strapless gown the color of vintage rose in a simple satin with a sweeping skirt and a tiny rhinestone belt directing it to the bride to be with a flourish of her hand as if it was some sort of showcase game
.
'Lisa, this screams you! It's simple yet modern but not princess like,' said an excited Lola, moving to hold it up in front of her friend,' the color would look so amazing on you '
Lisa studied the dress and the ample skirt. It wasn't flashy or full on princess skirt which wasn't her taste but it was different. She touched the satin then felt herself softening a bit. It really was a strikingly beautiful dress though not quite what she had envisioned for herself.
Still it couldn't hurt to try it on and see how she felt about it.
'I don't know how I feel about the skirt,' admitted Lisa, chewing down on her lower lip, 'does it come in ivory, Lola?"
'I'll look,' Lola nudged Quinn not so gently,' come on, Quinn, help me '
'Alright, alright,' Quinn studied Lisa intently,' Lisa, you're not feeling claustrophobic, are you? Shops like this with miles and miles of couture wedding dresses with impossible prices can be quite overwhelming and if you aren't comfortable, we can leave '
Zoey shot her a warning look.' Quinn, stop it! You're going to make her overwhelmed '
Quinn folded her arms across her chest. 'Well, I don't mean to be '
'Chill, you three,' I am fine 'reassured Lisa, mildly amused,' honestly we all ought to be pros at this by now. 'She paused beside a rack that held white wedding gowns with long, flowing trains and intricate beading straight out of a fairytale,' To be clear no Cinderella dresses, no strapless, and no extra pouf '
' Got it '
Sighing, Lola reluctantly put back the satin gown.' But I thought you liked this gown, Lisa? I don't know what your deal is with the whole strapless thing, you have fabulous shoulders! You should completely show them off '
'I'll try it on but only because that skirt is wild ...' informed Lisa of the high low hem of the satin skirt. It did sort of have the look of the old gowns from like The Gentleman Prefers Blondes but that didn't mean it was fit for her body.
Zoey studied the simple lines of the dress from a designer stand point of view as she persuaded another rack of wedding gowns from sleek to very modern. She dismissed the mermaid trains knowing it was her friends least favorite then paused staring at a slim form fitting dress of ivory silk. It sort of held an old Hollywood feel to it yet screamed Lisa too.
'What about this one, Lis? I have something similar I am working on in my sample designs but with your gorgeous dancers build, you will look like a Goddess '
Lisa's brown eyes widened in excitement.' Oh that is very elegant '
'We'll add it to the pile for you to try on 'declared Zoey , folding the silk gown over her arm,' this is promising . You haven't so much as bolted for the door , Lisa , unlike Quinn who nearly had a panic attack at the first bridal shop we went to looking for her dress '
Quinn gave an embarrassed smile.' The only reason the saleswoman was even fawning over me was to make a fuss over me marrying Logan Reese and to paint a picture of him being a total cad to me. '
'Well the salesladies haven't attacked us yet so I think it's safe to look without being fawned all over,' decided Lisa, in a practical manner,' why don't I try these two dresses on and go from there '
As if sensing her presence was needed, a slim older woman dressed in an elegant white pantsuit, her blonde hair in a sleek chignon, made her way over to them, an inviting smile on her attractive face.
'Miss. Perkins, I presume? I am Kristina LA Rue, your mother told us to expect you ,' the older woman responded kindly ,' ladies why don't you get comfortable while I get the bride settled into a dressing room then I'll bring out some tea '
'Champagne 'chirped a hopeful Lola, holding up a sparkling three inch heel with obvious love until she noted the five hundred dollar price tag Zoey really needed to learn how to make designer high heels because that was the only way she could ever afford them.
'Of course …'
Zoey, Quinn, and Lola settled on the plush settee while Lisa went to change into the gown that Lola had discovered. Champagne was poured with Lola sipping it delightfully while Zoey opted for a glass of water and Quinn only took a small sip from her glass.
'What is with you two? Geez, suck the fun outta Lisa's wedding dress day, why don't you? This is free champagne and it's the good stuff! Perk up, you two!'
Quinn sat her glass down on the table.' Lisa would understand why I am not drinking...see Logan and I are waiting to hear back from the doctor to see if I am pregnant '
Lola sat back before downing the contents of her glass.' Already? You were serious, Quinn? You and Logan have only been married a little over a year '
Quinn rubbed her hands together in a nervous gesture.' Yes, and it is possible given our frequency of our sex life, Logan and I did agree if it happens, it happens. If it doesn't then it will in time '
Excitement danced in the scientist eyes as she placed her hands over her flat stomach.
'One part of me hopes I am plus Logan would be over the moon '
Lola swallowed the sudden lump in her throat as she refilled her glass taking a hefty drink this time around. Things were still very tense between her and Vince but she felt like rushing ahead into the whole marriage thing wasn't who they were as a couple.
'That just blows my mind,' admitted Lola, fingers tightening on the crystal goblet,' Vince has been throwing around words like our future and marriage. Long term things that we said we wouldn't discuss until after our careers were settled …'
Zoey finished up her water then focused on her two friends all the while pushing aside the fact that she and Chase needed to revisit the baby conversation. Unlike Quinn, she hadn't gone to the drugstore for one of those sticks you peed on to see if she was expecting nor had she made a doctor's appointment yet. She and Chase had been married two years already and having a child wouldn't be a bad thing or anything but it wasn't on their timeline yet.
'Lola, how many times have Quinn and I told you it isn't realistic to hold Vince hostage until you win an Oscar? '
'Honey, we love you,' chimed in Quinn, reaching to take Lola's hand,' but that may not happen till much later. Vince is a patient man but you can't blame him for wanting to plan ahead …'
Lola pouted then shot them a dirty look.' You're supposed to be on my side '
Quinn fixed her with her patented scientist look behind her glasses.' Are you saying that you don't want to marry Vince? '
'Ever? Lola, if that is the case, I am going to strangle you,' batted back a disappointed Zoey ,as Lola tried to keep up with the berating of both of her friends ,' Vince is devoted to you . That isn't fair to him at all '
'I never said not ever, you nutcases! Just not right now! '
'Will you three stop arguing before you drive us out of this shop 'stated Lisa, firmly as she stepped out for them to see the first gown? Her straight dark hair hung loose down her shoulders , the form fitting satin hugged her curves , the slim belt accenting the tiny waist while the skirt fell in sort of a modern bell shape ,' well, what do you think ? '
Argument temporarily forgotten for the moment, the women stared at their friend, felt moisture welling behind their eyes, and shared a dreamy sigh. It might not be the dress for Lisa but she looked absolutely stunning in it.
'Lisa, you look amazing!'
'You do look lovely but you'd look gorgeous in a paper sack, Lisa, which really isn't fair,' offered an always honest Quinn,' but how do you feel in it?'
Lisa chuckled at their comments.' I feel like I'd be rolling down the aisle in this skirt '
She laughed, ruefully.' Wouldn't that be a graceful sight? Local dancer displays zero grace as she tumbles down the aisle on her wedding day …'
Zoey rolled her eyes heavenwards at the impossibility of that happening. 'Not something you'll ever have to worry about, Lisa, that'd most likely happen to Quinn since light on her feet she isn't ...'
'I am not as klutzy as I used to be when I was a teenager 'defended the scientist with a huff.
'Next dress, Lisa 'ordered Lola, taking charge,' do you want us to start looking at wedding shoes yet? I couldn't help noticing that this shop has the most fabulous high heels to die for and really finding the perfect shoe is just as important as the dress '
She thought of her charge card and the most recent expenses cringing in her head knowing that it would be discount new shoes for her. No way was Lola standing up beside Lisa wearing old heels. There were some standards even Vince wouldn't understand.
'No stiletto's, no shoes that cost as much as my studio payment, Lola 'insisted Lisa over her shoulder,' this is only our first shop.'
Lola pouted then nodded.' If Zoey learned how to make fancy heels this wouldn't be a conversation we'd be having …'
Zoey gave her an annoyed look.' You go purchase all of my samples at the Boutique, Lola, and I will take a class on designing shoes '
Lola made a face at her friend.' Only if I get the best friend discount, Zoey '
Zoey pretended to ignore her as they wandered around the shop , while Lola perused the shoes , she and Quinn surveyed the racks of bridesmaids dresses done up in numerous shades of purple, mauve, and golds which were Lisa's chosen colors . A sleek halter gown of the lightest fabric of chiffon in a rich purple caught the designer's keen eye as she pulled it out of the rack to examine.
' This is really pretty ,' Zoey held up the flowy gown against her body ,' it sort of has a Goddess feeling to it with the halter and the straight skirt ' She glanced down at the price tag wincing ,' though I don't know if it's worth the 700 hundred dollar price tag . I wonder if I could make it cheaper ….'
'Eek! I don't have that kind of money! I love Lisa but I can't spend that much on a dress, not to mention, Vince will kill me if I charge it 'bemoaned Lola in dismay.
Quinn paused in the markdown rack of discontinued designs pausing to fix her friends with a knowing look. Talking about money would just add to Lisa's wedding woes which she felt they should avoid if they could. It was all about them being super supportive of her.
' Stop looking at the most expensive dresses , you two ,' murmured Quinn , in a practical tone of voice ,' I am sure we can find some beautiful dresses that we all love that is the style s that Lisa prefers for us if we just look around . I mean remember how reasonable we got your girls dresses for my wedding? They were lovely and nearly downright cheap ...'
'I hate when you make good points, Quinn '
'It really is annoying '
Quinn glowered at them both,' Oh just shut up '
Santa Barbara
Though the Reese mansion was home to Quinn and Logan, the young couple had been gradually making changes to make it more their own rather than reflect the taste of Malcolm and Julia. Though the garage was huge enough to hold three sports cars with room for a movie set to boot, it could have been any normal homeowners garage in America cluttered with boxes and literally junk from movie sets to residuals of pieces left over from Logan's Dads former marriages from way back. A stack of junk had been sent a shelter in town where Logan was sure people would find use for the out of style ritzy clothes from five years ago.
Chase and Zoey had happily taken the out of date large screened television, the white and gold colonial bedroom suite, and the kitzy kitchen table for their house while boxes of fancy materials and curtains had been sent over to Lisa's new dance studio. Now the men sat together in the corner rifling through what appeared to be hundred glass candle holders, linen tablecloths, silk rose petals, and beaker glasses. Quinn and Logan's reception décor had been simple and a nod to the fact that the bride was a scientist which had made total sense for them.
' Zoey had a ton of pink stuff ,' Michael held up a fluted glass candle holder, critically ,' I suppose if we spray painted these maybe gold or purple that would be cool . Or do you think this pink if sort of mauve-y?"
'How the hell are we supposed to know what mauve even is when it just looks like pink '
'I'm with Logan, pink is pink 'contributed Vince, examining clear boxes of silk rose petals,' can we spray paint these or would they just turn into crap? Because I am thinking it might be messy and sort of a pain if we tried to match Lisa's colors …'
Michael contemplated it with a serious face.' Lisa wanted the twinkling white lights hung up during the reception so like maybe with the lighting the pink wouldn't make that much of a difference. I think mauve is lighter but these aren't hot pink so we should probably put these in the plus pile...yeah, I think so '
'I can't believe Lisa trusted you to make the call on the decorations, man,' said Vince, holding up a glass beaker,' I remember when Zoey had decorating emergencies for the reception and Lisa had to run into town for pink ribbon. Isn't she afraid you'll choose something that isn't in her dream vision, Michael? '
' Naw because my Lil Lisa trusts that I know her and her style, Vince ,' declared Michael, smugly ,' which isn't those beakers . Those should be donated back to P.C.A. or something.'
Chase held up a box filled with white linen tablecloths which they had culled together from both weddings. They wouldn't have to rent those suckers at all.
'There are tablecloths outta the wazzo so you can just ship them to your Mom to take to the hotel,' contributed Chase,' that'll save you a bundle not having to rent some down south . '
Logan leaned against a wooden arbor that had been built for his wedding.' What about this thing? I can have it shipped with everything else for you, dude, and even save your Dad the hassle if he wants it moved somewhere once it's shipped, I can hire some guys to help out. '
'Church wedding, Logan, I have zero use for an arbor '
Logan took a drink of beer.' Chauncey won't use this thing as a close line and Quinn won't let me make a freaking bonfire out of it. This thing is a waste of space '
Vince collected a handful of pale pink sachets tied with ribbon as he arched a brow.' These fancy things have no scent anymore. Can we add scent? Zoey must have like fifty of these non-smelly things left in the box …'
Chase tossed one at Vince.' Sachets the girls made that half the guests didn't even bother taking home with them from our wedding. Zoey didn't want to waste them which is why I haven't burned the box or trashed it either '
Michael grew thoughtful. 'Maybe we can dye them and Quinn can do that perfume experiment to make them smell good again so maybe we should keep them as a possibility '
'You can ask Quinn about that yourself '
'I intend to,' stated Michael, stacking five boxes of tea lights,' it's safe to say any of Quinn's green and orange stuff is out. See. This is way easier than I thought this stuff would be '
Chase stood then placed a strong hand on Michael's shoulder.' Doesn't it feel like all the wedding hoopla is speeding ahead at some sort of land speed record or what? I mean , think about it , man , you and Lisa are putting this thing together without any of the overbearing parents or big drama or insanity that goes along with the wedding '
Vince picked up a string of brightly colored Chinese lanterns puzzling why they were in the garage. He didn't figure they went with anything Lisa might want then tossed them back in the get rid of box.
'Peace is a good sign for a marriage '
Logan jostled Vince's elbow.' That one of your Buddha quotes?'
'No, it's one of mine,' responded Vince, ignoring Logan's usual teasing about his spiritual beliefs,' Michael and Lisa are being clear headed about the wedding to avoid all of that junk so it eases all the pressure of all the crapola . It's actually very smart '
' Thank you, Vince ,' nodded Michael, glancing at the five and a half boxes of re-useable wedding props as he tucked his tongue in his cheek ,' My folks are being super helpful and supportive . Lisa's parents want to take care of buying her gown which is cool and we just want the whole shin dig to be a fun wedding for everyone '
'Fun it will be, Michael '
'Did you talk Lisa into adding ribs to the menu? '
'We've talked online with some of Mom's favorite caterer's but we haven't gotten quite there yet,' admitted a sheepish Michael,' our wedding menu might be the only issue we don't agree on ...'
' On the plus side, dude , no psycho stalking you and Lisa ,' reminded Logan ,' so do we need to start like spray painting this crap already or do we have to let Lisa look it all over to make the call ?"
'Oh we definitely wait for Lisa to make that call,' agreed Michael with an easy grin plastered on his face,' I am not going that far . I think we should all go inside and play a game of Demon Run 3 '
The hard wedding stuff finished for the day the men trooped inside for video game wars.
Carmel
'OOOOOOh, this is it!' exclaimed Lisa, softly as she stepped out of the dressing room in the second gown, splaying her hands down the delicate, embroidered lace on the simple dress with a knowing in her heart,' this is my wedding dress '
It had the feel of the 1930's style yet it somehow felt simple, sophisticate, and modern all together which was really Lisa Perkins to the T. It was an ivory delicate A line dress that hugged her curves just right with a v neckline and flutter sleeves that barely grazed the elbows, it nipped at the waist then fell into a simple straight skirt.
Lisa did a little dance in front of her friends.' Well, will you three say something? '
Zoey choked back a sob.' You look incredibly gorgeous, Lisa '
' Michael is going to faint when he sees you in that , Lisa ,' echoed Lola , tossing the gold strapless gown into a growing pile of dresses to try on ,' you look breathtaking '
Happy tears dashed down Lisa's cheeks as she swiped absently at them.' Quinn? '
' That dress belongs to you , it's as if it were made for you ,' admitted Quinn, in a quiet voice ,' it sort of reminds me of how beautiful and ethereal you looked back when you played Desdemona in that PCA version of Othello back in the day . 'She let out a little, wistful sigh of her own, and 'You don't need us to tell you this is your wedding dress, Lisa, but we will'
Since Quinn was the closest, Lisa snagged an arm around her neck pulling her into an impromptu hug while squealing. She had found the dress, her dress!
'I can't believe this is my dress that I am standing here in my wedding dress! I am so happy!'
'Wow '
Her heart thundered in her chest but it felt right.' Give me a few minutes to bask in the fact then you three need to start trying on dresses , I have a super feeling about this shop today '
Zoey and Lola jumped into the hug fest, tears shed, adding to another milestone of importance shared between the best friends. Lisa chuckled then pulled away mindful of the fact that she was still wearing the dress careful not to get make up on the gown. She couldn't help but think how lucky she was that boring day so long ago at Pacific Coast Academy in a yoga class that Zoey had joined thinking it might motivate her to exercise more often. It had turned out that yoga hadn't been Zoey's thing but they had formed a long lasting friendship which including meeting Quinn, Lola, and the guys. Her own crazy love story with Michael had added to it all.
Lola caught hold of the small but discreet tag tucked beneath the sleeve.' Honey, it's even better than that. This freakily fabulous dress of yours has been discontinued and is forty five percent off! '
Lisa couldn't stop the belly rolling laugh that escaped her as she held her stomach. 'That is absolutely more perfect! My Mother knew what she was doing when she sent us to this shop …also swear on our friendship no one breathes a word to Mom about the dress being on sale.'
Lisa adored her mother, was very close with her, but the woman had always loved her designers. Her leotards might look recycled from the 1980's but outside of dancing her mother's wardrobe had always been stylish dresses and designer pant suits. Lisa appreciated stylish wardrobe as much as the next woman but she was much more practical.
'Swear,' Lola collected her arm full of dresses,' though I don't understand what your Mom would have against your dress being on sale, Lisa '
'Mom is something like a designer snob 'called back Lisa as she disappeared back into the dressing room to change back into her normal clothes. She contemplated trying on a few more wedding dresses then decided against it. Why tempt fate when she loved her dress she had on now?
If this was a romantic comedy there would be all sorts of disasters to be fall the bridal party or her dress would be sold to another woman or she was freaking out at how it was all just falling into place without the major pitfalls or drama.
Lisa really didn't want either – Lord knows Quinn and Logan's wedding had all of the elements of a romance novel complete with an escaped psycho who still believed Logan was his brother , not to mention the machinations of the slutty Nicole putting the moves on Michael .
She hoped to God that Michael erased all information about the woman because Lisa wasn't dealing with that tramp at her day. Though maybe she should have a chat with Lola, their resident drama queen, to make sure all was well in her world.
She wondered who they knew that would take affordable wedding pictures.
Would Jeremiah Trottman be open to take pictures at the wedding without charging them an arm and a leg? Lisa knew from Michael that their former P.C.A. classmate had just started working at the station and was the low man on the totem pole. She would certainly have to run that idea by Michael to see if it was something to consider.
Lisa filed that idea away in her head as she changed back into a pale blue wraparound dress then rejoined Zoey and the girls in the sitting area of the shop. Always particular when it came to fashion, her friend was still pilfering through racks of evening gowns pausing to peruse a grey beaded off the shoulder dress with a rather critical eye.
'The color is wrong but the style is beautiful,' Zoey held it up for inspection,' I don't know if we would be able to die the fabric though. Is this sort of what you had in mind for us, Lis? '
'I love the a line shape of it,' admitted Lisa,' it's floaty without the frou frou princess vibe but I am so not liking the grey. Does it come in other colors? '
Ms. La Rue stepped back into the shop floor, hands folded slightly in front of her body.' I've sat your gown aside, Miss. Perkins,' replied the older woman,' we'll take care of the rest of the details when you are finished. '
'Oh, that is the Rosita,' noticed Ms. La Rue, nodding at the dress the women were admiring,' it's about two seasons old so I am afraid what is only that rack as well as the one behind you are all I currently have in stock . All our discounted which should be reflected on our prices. If you are interested in more current styles, I can show you those as they are up front '
'No thank you,' spoke up Lisa, promptly,' we'll just check out these beauties '
' Please do let me know if I can be of anymore assistance to you ' With that the saleswoman strode up front to check in with the other customers searching for the yes dress leaving Zoey and Lisa to continue their own search .
' Girls , here I am ,' announced Lola , doing a dramatic turn around the floor,' I have another strapless gold I was going to try on but then I saw the shine on this dress then said why not ? Doesn't it kind of remind you of the dresses those dancers wore in those old 1930 dance movies that Lisa forced us to watch with her? '
Lola wore a sleek shimmery gown that shimmered between the lightest of gold with a hint of champagne in the fabric; it had a modest v neckline then curved at the waist to the simple skirt of shimmer chiffon. Though the actress tended to go for the gold, she instantly felt as if this screamed her friend's name.
Lisa pressed a hand to her heart.' Oh my! Lola, you look lovely! 'She couldn't help but chuckle,' I was expecting you to come out in like some short , strapless gold lame like you've been wanting to wear since we picked out dresses for Quinn's wedding but that is a dancers dress .'
She walked around Lola who made a huffing sound.
'I should be totally insulted by that remark, Lisa, but I'm not '
'I'm shocked that it isn't short 'jabbed Zoey, playfully.
'You are so not funny, Zo '
' Obviously I've got to get this dress for you, Lo,' declared an excited Lisa , her perfect bridesmaid dress transforming before her very eyes ,' not to mention teach you how to do the quickstep before my wedding '
'Don't you want to see me in the other dresses? I have five more that are also gorgeous '
' Oh I suppose you can play dress up, Lola , but honestly I want you to wear this dress in my wedding ,' declared Lisa , firmly ,' I didn't think I was going for this whole 30's flair , honestly , but now that I've found mine and seen you in this , I am one hundred percent positive '
'If that is what you want then I am good with that,' said Lola' plus I will look fabulous '
Zoey leaned against the rack as she chewed on the inside of her cheek.' Lisa, hun, I didn't see any dresses like that in this rack. I thought you wanted us in matching gowns to be sort of traditional …'
'I want traditional to a point,' expressed Lisa, pacing across the floor in an excited manner,' I changed my mind. I am the bride so I figured that is my right! Zo, you and Chase literally waited until nearly down to the wire for you to change things so I am ahead of the game '
Zoey held up a hand as if to defend herself though to be fair, it had been nearly 2 years ago.
'We only really did away with the guys suits because Chase hated them '
' Well, I love this style , it doesn't have to match , as long as it's in one of my colors I am open minded ,' stated the bride to be , not wasting words ,' keep looking , Zoey '
'Looking '
' Lisa , I normally don't wear pale colors but this mauve has to be the most loveliest dress I've ever worn besides my own wedding dress ,' Quinn moved to stand beside Lola ,' I think it's supposed to be a prom dress but really it could be worn in a wedding , I think '
'Did someone cast a lucky spell on me today? 'Lisa's face totally lit up happily at the splendid sight of Quinn,' it's straight out of Can We Dance! You look wonderful too, Quinn! I was so afraid we'd have to scour all of town to find perfect maid of honor dresses but so far it's three for three...we just need Zoey's dress now '
Quinn wore a light mauve dress with a mauve lace covered bodice with a v neck then curved into layers of matching chiffon and tulle. Like Lisa, Quinn didn't go for the princess type either usually favoring more boho styles and brighter colors but the dress was simple yet romantic.
' Lisa , of course , we will all agree to anything you want for your special day but need I remind you there are a good number of shops we have yet to hit ? We don't want you to settle on anything just because you're trying to knock items off the to do list 'reminded ever practical Quinn, not wanting Lisa to have regrets.
Lisa fixed Quinn with a knowing look.' I might be on a budget but I promise I don't intend to settle on the important stuff. I had thought originally I wanted you three in matching light mauve or maybe deep purple dresses but after seeing you and Lola in these dresses now I know that is what I want. Oh, this is amazing '
Quinn lifted the straight skirt did a little twirl.' It's also 238 dollars '
'That just adds to my luck or maybe it's fate,' replied Lisa, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. One part of her had feared major anxiety for this part of the event as had happened with both of her friends so she figured it was just part of the wedding package stress but oh happy day ,' Zo, I was thinking it'd be perfect if we could find you a dress similar only in the purple '
'I look good in purple,' grinned a good natured Zoey , flashing her friend a grin ,' but if all else, Lisa, I can still design and whip up a dress if you want me too '
' We'll keep that on the table ,' Lisa was on a roll now as she planted herself near the discounted off season dresses ,' I am thinking now I want a deep purple to offset Lola's light gold and the mauve for Quinn. You girls will so rock my wedding '
The search was on for the ultimate perfect purple gown that would complement the other maid of honor dresses and suit Zoey . The fashion maven was sent into the dressing rooms with a number of long gowns ranging from lilac to deep purple in all sleek styles, all of which were lovely in their own right but none had that oomph of being the right dress.
None of these have been right,' muttered Zoey, smoothing her hands down the delicate charmuese fabric of the pale lavender dress,' I like the fit of this, Lisa, though not the color '
She tugged on the whisper soft band across the waist as Zoey posed for her friends in the utterly simple dress. It had a modest v neckline that curved down into a straight skirt of layers of chiffon much like Quinn and Lola's dresses but with a little less dazzle. What made the dress eye catching was that the bodice and skirt was scattered with intricate sparkles of delicate rhinestones, it wasn't overly busy or would draw attention away from the bride but the affect was just perfect. The color neither was blander than typical lavender nor was it the deep purple that Lisa had her heart set on but Zoey thought she might have a solution to that problem.
'It's the best style so far …' interjected a helpful Quinn from her perch on a chair .
' That's the worse looking lavender I've ever seen ' offered Lola who was trying on a hot looking pair of pencil thin gold designer heels for the pure delight of it ,' but it's ten times better than the purple strapless that Zoey's boobs were busting out of ..Just saying '
' The style meshes with the others but that shade will blend right in , Zo ' sighed Lisa ,' I have to admit the scattered rhinestones I love but I feel like it's way too light '
Zoey played with the fabric.' I looked at this fabric, Lisa, and I can dye it the purple you are wanting. I bet I can even take it to the boutique and get James to help me '
'Or we can go back to the drawing board, pay for the other dresses, and continue shopping elsewhere '
Lisa bit down on her bottom lip, played with her engagement ring, as she examined the details in the dress her matron of honor was modeling. Other than the color, the dress held the same air of the thirties and Zoey wore it beautifully.
'The deep purple would really make it stand out and it wouldn't hurt the dress? '
'Easy peasy ,' insisted Zoey, confidently ,' I promise you I can get that hue you want with minimal effort . A little reminder also you needn't worry about paying for any alterations to any of the dresses because I can do that at home '
'Thanks, Zoey ,' Lisa gave her a little hug ,' what the hell, that is the final dress then ! Let's wrap this ordeal up and go grab some lunch since I am starving! '
The shopping trip of the lifetime was complete now that Lisa had found the dress of her dreams .
