Tattered Beauty (Watty Awards 2011)

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Daniel and I both looked at our schedules—his being a lot more busy than mine—and decided on a date: June 30th. Was it soon? Very. But it was before he went on his year-long world tour to promote the new hotel. I wanted to get married before then, maybe even go with him as the wife, the second in command. So before I even could realize it, I was on a fast track to the altar. I never thought I was the type of girl to get married after only dating five months; that was reserved for celebrities and pregnant couples. But, when you’re in love, why wait?

            So the first thing I did was go to pick out my wedding dress. Five months—less, technically—is a rush order. The sooner I pick it out the better. So I called up one of my modeling friends, her name was Harlow. She was a pretty blonde girl, but personality wise, there wasn’t much there. I decided she wouldn’t give me crap during my bridal rages, thus, I made her my maid of honor. Pippa was another one of my bridesmaids by being my future sister-in-law, not because I liked her. Meg, my high school friend, was also a bridesmaid, along with a select few other friends I’d had in my life. Kelsey was not on the list.

            I made an appointment with a high fashion wedding boutique. It carried all the major brands, but also some obscure designs. Meg picked me up from Daniel’s apartment the next morning; Harlow was meeting us at the boutique.

            A blasé woman in her mid-thirties named Diane turned out to be my consultant. She looked tired and untouched by my excitement, like she’d seen a million brides just like me. Judging by the lines on her face, she probably had.  “Do you know what style you’re looking for today?” She asked once we were back in the dressing room.

            “Ball gown, I think. I want to look like a princess.” I explained with a laugh, cut short by her sigh.

            “Typical bride then? Okay.” She scribbled something down. “Price range?”

            Daniel had given me his credit card to purchase anything I deemed necessary for the wedding; it sat like a lump in my purse. Harlow smiled haughtily, “Price isn’t an issue.”

            So we went on. I tried on dress after dress covered in rhinestones and diamonds. The numbers on the price tags were astronomical. Why would anyone spend one hundred thousand dollars on a bedazzled mess? I guess if you’re into being a giant sequin, go right ahead. I soon found out that sparkle was not my thing after one particularly bad dress. It was mermaid style; basically a body suit until it flared out at the knee. There was also a tiny rhinestone every inch along the dress.

            “Well that’s…interesting,” Meg commented.

            “Very slimming,” Harlow interjected.

            I looked at them through the mirror. “I look like a Christmas tree.”

            “A thin Christmas tree,” Harlow said again.

            I turned to go back toward the dressing rooms. “I’m trying again.” I sighed to myself. “Can we try something a little less…sparkly? Maybe a little more traditional.”

            Diane nodded, “Sure thing, kid. How old are you anyway?”

            “Nineteen.” I said.

            Diane shook her head this time as she shoved me into another gown. “So young…Are you sure you’re ready to get married?” When I nodded, she asked, “Who’s the lucky man who made you say yes? He must be something special if ya’ll are getting hitched this young.”

            “His name’s Daniel.” I smiled. “Daniel King.”

            Her eyes widened until I feared they would burst out of their sockets. “You are that girl he’s been dating? How did I not see this before! Oh, sugar, I’m happy for you. You two are just a lovely couple.”

            “I know. Thank you.” I said.

            The dress she put me in was, in a word, flawless. It was a taffeta dress, a fabric I’d never worn before. It was strapless with a corset closure, sewn in a way that made my waist look wisp thin. Tulle erupted from the waist with a vengeance; it had tiny lace motifs scattered around. All in all, it was great. “We can lengthen the train if you want,” Diane added.

            “I think this might be good.” I said. “Can you have this made in about three months?”

            “Three months?” She said, seeming to choke. “That is a rush order. It’ll cost you about five thousand more to get the quality you want, we have to pay for labor costs.”

            “That’s not a problem.” I shrugged. “I want this.” And so it was. Funny how things always work out perfectly when you have money.

***

Daniel and I were hanging around at home. I had moved into his apartment with him the morning after the engagement. It was nice, having a sure fire place to return to every night, and wake up in every morning. It was definitely something I could get used to.  Daniel told me we would sell the penthouse and buy our own place after the wedding. In case I wanted to live in something a little “less bachelor pad” and more “family oriented”.

            I was reading a magazine about having a good bridal experience when Daniel burst through the door. “I have amazing news for you!” He said, waving his arms wildly.

            I put down my magazine. “Really? What is this amazing news?” I asked halfheartedly. One thing I had learned was that Daniel tended to get overexcited about little things…all the time.

            “You know the hotel my father is building?”

            “The one in Scotland?”

            “Yes, that one,” He said, eyes still wide with enthusiasm. “I’ve just got word that we can get married there!”

            I paused, “This doubles as some sort of promotion for the hotel, doesn’t it?” I didn’t want my wedding to be a giant commercial. I loved Daniel’s father, but I wasn’t going to let my wedding be a money-maker for him. “I love the idea of Scotland, dear. But I was thinking more…not that.”

            This time it was his turn to pause. His expression went from briefly disappointed to thoughtful. “Would you prefer a castle?” I nodded vigorously. Wasn’t it every girl’s dream to be married in a castle? “There you have it then. I’ll rent out the best castle in the whole country, just for you.” Daniel smiled sheepishly, “Is it okay if we have the reception at the hotel? My father is making big financial contributions…and it is very important to him.”

            I told him it was fine. He left the room again, content with his accomplishments. I turned back to my magazine, where I learned about possible themes and centerpieces. There was so much work to be done…but barely enough time. I prayed for a miracle, and hoped I wouldn’t have a nervous breakdown by the time this was all over.