On the walk home, Tessa and Kate got into it a little, which is rare. But they are sisters—the most opposite people I’ve ever met—but twin sisters. Tessa was so exasperated she just told Kate her problem is “you just never go for it!”
Kate just rolled her eyes, but I couldn’t disagree. She might be the smartest person I know. No, she IS the smartest person I know. She’s also the most stubborn. And sometimes I wonder if the thing she’s really afraid of isn’t being wrong—it’s being surprised. Because if the world works differently than she thinks it does, then she can’t control it. And Kate needs to control everything.
Even a five-dollar palm reading on a Tuesday afternoon.
But can we go back to what’s important—will Peter be my “partner”??? I hope so.
Love,
Viv
Kate curled her arm through Tessa’s as they reached the heavy glass doors of a boutique called Lumière. They shared a silent, sisterly look of anticipation for whatever was ahead.
Something spectacular, Kate hoped. She also hoped she’d done a good job of keeping up with the chatter in the car on the way to Miramar Beach and not given away her exhaustion or worries.
Eli had said goodbye not long after Jonah left that morning, promising he wouldn’t be gone too long, and giving her a light, but guarded, kiss. She’d carried that goodbye around all morning, determined to shake off the blues because this afternoon’s errand was too special and too long overdue to let the rest of life invade.
Inside the bridal boutique, crystal chandeliers cast a sparkly glow over displays of lace and beads and sixteen shades of cream satin. A raised platform stood centered in front of three full-length mirrors, with soft pink sofas for the “audience.” Today, that was Kate and Vivien, who’d come with Tessa for the big—and fast—decision.
Lumière smelled like flowers and expensive perfume, and for a woman who lived in lab coats and Cornell sweatshirts, Kate found it unexpectedly intoxicating.
She’d fallen in love with the dreamy shop when they’d all come for fittings when Tessa coordinated the grand opening for this bridal boutique. Their fashion show on the beach had been peak Summer House fun this past April, so it made sense that this was where Tessa would find a ready-to-wear wedding dress.
Akari Tanaka glided toward them the moment they walked in, a curtain of straight black hair falling over the shoulders of her pale silk dress, beautiful and elegant.
“Tessa!” Akari embraced her like a true friend, since the two women had maintained contact over the summer. “I’m so glad you’re here for this special day. I have many ideas and options.”
“Dangerous words from a woman whose dresses can hit five figures,” Tessa said, hugging her back.
“But don’t have to,” Akari assured her, drawing back. “Plus, it’syou. I have a trash bag in the back that you could put on and look like a million dollars.”
“We’ll find something in the middle of Marchesa and Hefty, okay?” Tessa said on a laugh. “You remember my sister, Kate, and friend, Vivien?”
“Of course.” Akari extended both hands to take theirs. “My beautiful runway models for the grand opening.”
They laughed. “Nolie stole the show,” Vivien joked.
“That little angel.” Akari pressed a hand to her heart. “I still have the photos on my wall. She danced the entire length of the boardwalk. Prophetic, yes? Since now she’ll be a junior bridesmaid at your wedding.”
“Along with Olive as flower girl,” Tessa added. “Which will either be adorable or a complete disaster.”
“But today is about the bride,” Akari said, practically singing the words as she gestured toward a silver tray with chilledchampagne and empty flutes. “And VIP guests. Sip now or look at my collection? You know I have a soft spot for ‘second-chance weddings’ and have quite a selection.”
“It’s actually my first chance,” Tessa joked. “Let’s shop, then drink.”
Akari led them through the lux showroom to a private fitting area in the back, where six dresses hung on a tall rack, ranging from ivory to blush to a pale gold that caught the light.
“No white?” Kate asked, scanning for the classic bridal color.
“Not for me,” Tessa said. “I’m fifty and not wearing white, even if it is my first rodeo. I already told Akari.”
“And you’re recreating our fashion show as the setting?” Akari asked. “Sunset at the beach?”
“Exactly.” Tessa leaned. “And it’s just as much for show as that event was. Dusty and I got married in a civil ceremony a few weeks ago, but these twoinsistI get my beach wedding.”
Kate shared a look with Vivien, the two of them beaming with the success of this mission.
“Beach ceremony, golden-hour light, and you’re stunning—”Akari held up a hand before Tessa could protest. “I know exactly what you need. But first, let’s play. I’ll dress you. Ladies, go out to the viewing area and pop some bubbly. You’re going to want it.”