Trust Me [Book 2]

Chapter 10: Lemons

Chapter 10 - [September 2nd]

Taylor stepped up on the small podium in the middle of the room. Mirrors posted at several angles reflected her beauty. She ran her hand against the beaded neckline, holding up her long silky hair. Her face held the same bland expression it did through the first three dresses.

Jane, the consultant, placed a tray of champagne on the table next to a platter of fruits, before stepping up behind Tay. "How do you feel about this dress?" Jane asked, while straightening out the train.

Smiling faintly, Tay glanced towards Sparkle and I then shook her head. "I'm desiring a gown more spiritually freeing."

Sparkle sucked her teeth, crossing one long leg over the other. "You've got to be kidding me," she mumbled.

"Yeah too tight," Rocky added, from her position on my lap. "Why white?"

"What pigment do you see?" Tay inquired. She stepped down from the podium, closer to the couch where we were all seated.

Rocky tilted her head to the side, observing Tay in her dress. "Woo-be," she answered after a moment. Ruby. All I could do was shake my head at their conversation.

"I'm feeling drawn to that palette also."

"As adorable as that suggestion is," Jane interjected, "we don't carry ruby wedding dresses."

"That's unfortunate," Tay replied although she appeared unfazed. "Can I peruse the selection of bridesmaid dresses?" Jane agreed, turning towards the back of the store. "And may we have water instead of champagne please?"

With the peaceful member gone, a tense silence settled in the air. Sparkle's long acrylics tapped annoyingly against her phone screen. Sighing, I smoothed down Rocky's flyaways as she leaned her head against my chest.

I only needed to survive another hour and a half then I could go home.

We all knew this dress hunt was another façade to buy Tay more time. It wasn't a secret that Darryl was more than ready to walk down the aisle. He made that fact known to everyone. I've gotten the exasperated phone calls and texts all saying the same thing, 'talk to your girl.' At first I did but years later, I didn't bother wasting my breath.

"Auntie I'm going to school," Rocky announced, turning to face Sparkle. "Like Ma'Asia but not like her 'cause I'm littler."

"That's nice. Are you excited?"

"Yeah! And I saw Daddy too. He came to my school with us."

"Mhm I'm sure he did."

Rolling my eyes, I sighed again. "Obviously he's going to be at something that involves his child."

"Uh excuse you." Sparkle leaned forward with her pointer finger extended. "I'm having a conversation with my god child." She flipped her hair back. "Carry on munchkin."

Rocky looked up at me then over to Sparkle. "Umm." Her shoulders rose in a small shrug. "We had to eat before ice cream."

"Oh?" Sparkle placed one hand over her heart in mock shock. "They had all of that at your school?"

Rocky shook her head slightly mumbling, "After."

"And let me guess, that was your daddy's brilliant idea?"

"Spark chill," I warned. "Don't put her in the middle of whatever problem you have with me."

"Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that what you did a few days ago? Wasn't you playing Tom and Helen Willis all up and through Massachusetts with babygirl in the middle?"