Page 108 - Interior_SPRING SUMMER FALLING_2021

108 | FRANCESCA P E NN

An hour later we are showered and heading to the mall. “I thought you could
fit the dress,” Henry says a little disappointed.
I smile. “I can. A little too well.”
He looks at me, and I can tell he is remembering me in my bikini. “I can see
that happening.”

I blush, but force myself to stay with the current topic. All I want to do is beg
for another kiss, but duty calls.
“Yeah, I didn’t take my build into consideration. There is no way I can pass it
off as a bridesmaid’s dress without seeming trashy.”
“Is it going to make an appearance this weekend?” His voice is somewhat
hopeful, and I’m not the kind to disappoint.
“Yes, you will see it tonight.”
We rip through the mall looking for a good dress but to no avail. The driver
suggests a small boutique a few miles away. Henry settles in to a waiting room chair
with a flute of champagne. We are the only two people in the store, and the owner
wants to entertain. I grab five different rosegold options then lock myself in the
dressing room. I dismiss the first three. The fourth one slides into place perfectly; I
zip it on the side.

I twirl in the mirror. The top is beaded with hidden pads to make the top look
slightly transparent under the beading and jewels. From a distance, a person will
think my top is nude under jewels. An ivory vine pattern lines each breast creating
a deep v. It gives me enough cleavage to be sexy but not slutty. The beads and jewels
continue a little past my hips. The skirt part of the dress is a soft billowy tulle with
a slit. I feel pretty like a Greek Goddess. I look at my back in the mirror. The dress
is open; the straps follow a line past each shoulder blade leaving most of my back
bare. The vine jewelry splits three ways over my butt.
I slip into the soft gold Rene Caovilla gladiator heels the owner insisted I try
on with the dress. The Swarovski crystals glitter in the light. I am in love and ready
to burn my credit card.
“Are you coming out this week?” Henry calls out.
I open the door and step onto the stage with mirrors. I spin slowly, and Henry
leans forward in his chair. His shorts ride up to his knees, and his tshirt pulls against
his biceps. He stands and places the flute on the table. He takes my hand and spins
me again.