Save the Date (Modern Arrangements, #1)

"Oh..." I could almost see the word liar flashing across his forehead.

"Well, I'm going to be heading out soon. Don't forget that you’re supposed to meet Liam and the guys at the tux shop." I forced a quick smile and then quickly tried removing myself from the room. I couldn't help the way that I was feeling about his actions and the conversation that I overheard.

"Lilli?" I turned around as he walked closer to me. He didn't say anything, just wrapped his arms around me and kissed my forehead. I pulled back before he was ready to let go and headed out of the room without saying a word.

"Mrs. Iverson, Miss Phoebe and Celia have arrived and are waiting..."

"Come on, Lilli!" Phoebe interrupted Jay and he rolled his eyes. "We've got gowns to put on. Yeah!"

"Calm down, midget!" Celia growled at Phoebe, earning her a glare.

"I'm coming, I'm coming. Are we ready?" I pulled on my coat and grabbed my purse.

"Of course," Phoebe smiled widely.

"Then let's go." I smiled back and gestured for her to walk out the door.

We pulled up to Viola's and slowly climbed out of the car.

"What's going on?" I turned my head to see a curious Celia looking at me.

"Nothing," I mumbled out.

"Uh-uh, that’s not going to work," It was Phoebe's turn to look me over.

"I just overheard a conversation that Aidan was having before we left and, well, it just sounded weird." I shrugged. "I don't know why I'm letting it bother me." I took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Come on," I motioned my head toward the front door and started walking.

"You know you can talk to us about anything, Lilli. No matter how small or stupid you think that it is." Phoebe spoke as she wrapped her arm in mine.

I leaned my head against the side of hers.

"I know," I sighed out.

Maggie met us at the door and, after greeting us with hugs, she tugged Phoebe along with her.

"It's scary how alike they are.” Celia giggled as she wrapped her arm over my shoulder.

I laughed.

Walking into the should-be-living room, we were greeted with a large lunch table covered in white linens. There was a long table pressed against an empty wall that had sandwiches, salad, breads, fruit, and vegetables. Then, I saw the large pitcher of what looked to be orange juice; however, I knew better. That glass pitcher was filled with mimosas.

"Lilli, Celia, come on!" Maggie ran up and pulled us further into the room.

At the other end of the room were the large floor length mirrors and garment racks. Viola was standing in her dress while Madeline, the seamstress, was walking around her admiring her work.

Viola's gown was actually two separate pieces. The bottom was a high waist skirt made of shiny black material, while the top was a billowy blouse made from sheer black and white polka dotted material. The fabric ruffled around her neck and down the low cut front. It was elegant, but flirty and sexy, just like Viola.

"You look fabulous!" Phoebe appraised with a large smile. "It's so perfect!" Phoebe looked around. "Where are the masks?"

"On the table there, Miss," Madeline pointed to a large table behind Phoebe.

"Oh, Viola, this one would be perfection!" Phoebe rushed over to her and helped her put on the mask.

As usual, where fashion is concerned, Phoebe was right. It was a gold mask lined with black sequins, large black braided thread, a large sequined flower design on the right side complete with feathers and long dangling black and gray beads. Viola turned to us in full dress.

"Gorgeous, mom!" Maggie smiled wide at her mother.

"Beautiful," Celia added.

"Perfect as usual," I smiled.

"I should have you guys around every time I get dressed. My ego loves it!" Viola giggled. "Okay, okay. Maggie your turn."

Maggie rushed to Madeline who was unzipping a large black garment bag.

"Here you go, Miss Maggie." Maggie took the black bundle of material and hurried behind the curtain of the changing area.

I looked around for Viola and, sure enough, found her with a mimosa in her hand as she sat down in a chair.

"Should you be eating and drinking in your gown?" I raised a brow as I sat down with a mimosa and croissant.

She waved me off and took a large sip.

"That's what the dry cleaners are for," she giggled.

"How many of those have you had?" Celia asked as she sat on the other side of Viola.

"Just a couple..." I raised an eyebrow at her. "Okay, so this is number four, but it's a girl brunch." She held out her glass. Celia and I raised ours and tapped glasses with her.

"I'm ready!" Maggie came out and stood on the small stage. Madeline quickly walked around her, ensuring that more alterations weren’t necessary.

"It's definitely you, Maggie. It's beautiful." I smiled at her and then turned to Phoebe. "I still can't believe that you created that from a white wedding gown, Phoebe." I said with amazement.

Phoebe beamed.

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