Only for the Summer

THAT DRESS LOOKS STUNNING ON YOU!" my mom gushes as Chanda tries on another dress, standing in front of three full-length mirrors on a platform in front of us.

This isn't my first rodeo at dress shopping, so I've come prepared. My phone is charged, my purse full of snacks, and knowing when to lie and when to be honest. My mom and Chanda's have been getting along surprisingly well. They've both been sipping champagne and swapping stories about when Sun and Chanda were little. Talking about how they couldn't believe it's their children's wedding. For Chanda's mom, this is one of her last chances to walk someone down the aisle.

Chanda has two older sisters: Anna and Snack. Anna had been married for years to her high-school sweetheart, staying in Nathon with their three children. Snack just got married last year and from the fact that she was declining alcohol, everyone suspected she was pregnant or at least trying. They're both as pretty and as kind as Chanda. Her younger sister Penny is back at college. Chanda has asked all of her sisters to be her bridesmaids with Patcha as her maid of honor.

"I'm not so sure about the beading," Chanda says, snapping me back to the dress on display. It's nice, fits her well, but it isn't anything impressive.

"You could find something better," I add hesitantly. I'm not trying to overstep, but with how beautiful she is, she needs a dress that only enhances that.

"Yes, I agree." Snack nods. Chanda sighs and retreats to the dressing room to try on another. We've only been here an hour, but I've lost track of how many dresses she has tried on.

Charlotte is next to Snack across the room, sipping champagne and trading work stories. Snack is a first-grade teacher at an elementary school in the next town so after hearing Char teaches kindergarten, she insists they talk. I'm glad she's getting along well with everyone.

Charlotte looks to be having a good time although we haven't said much to each other since last night. It feels awkward, almost strained trying to get any responses from her. Seeing her now, talking to Snack so effortlessly with a smile, I think it's me. The nagging fear of losing Charlotte has grown into a terrible ache in my stomach.

"What do you guys think?" Chanda stands before us grimacing at the dress. It's too big and poofy for Chanda's taste.

"Oh my gosh, you hate it!" Anna whispers yells at her sister.

"Will you shush? Mom picked it out!" Chanda makes a face and spins around, looking for help. Luckily, our moms are too busy talking about grandchildren to pay any attention.

"What about something softer? Or maybe something not so um, over the top?" I suggest.

"Yeah, these dresses just aren't me. I want something less dramatic." She frowns at herself in the mirror.

"What the hell are you wearing?"

I almost drop my glass at the sound of that screechy voice. I had hoped when I didn't see her, that meant she wasn't coming. I guess I can't be so lucky. Patcha walks in holding an iced coffee. Classy for someone who was almost an hour late.

"Oh, you made it!" Chanda steps down from the platform and hugs Patcha.

"Where's the champagne?" She pulls her sunglasses from her eyes and throws them in her bag. Her nonchalance about the day is unsettling. For the maid of honor, she doesn't seem to be doing very much.

"I glance at Charlotte who rolls her eyes. She's just as protective as ever, waiting to pounce on anyone who hurts me.

"I see you persuaded your little girlfriend to join us. How much does it cost you? Are you getting a discount for the summer?" Patcha whispers just loud enough for me to hear.