I shoved it in my wardrobe and never wore it again.
“You should wear it to dinner tonight.”
I groan. She has not let this go and it was made even worse when Pip and Cassie flew over this week. The plans have been firmly in place without any of my input.
“I think it’s a few years out of style,” I soothe. “And it probably won’t fit me anymore.” I wave a hand at my belly, which I think grows bigger just by looking at it.
I gently lower myself to the mattress before Anya gets any closer to shoving it over my head.
“You might be right,” Anya says, biting her lip. “I’ll ask Pip what she thinks.”
Anya hooks it over the curtain rail and takes a picture. My phone buzzes in my pocket.
Anya
@Pip what do you think of this for Rosie?
Pip
I see the vision
I appreciate the vision
I already have a dress ordered and arriving at the house within the next few hours
Me
How did you even get my measurements??
Pip
I have my ways
I chuckle under my breath. “Seems like the dress is a bust.”
Anya frowns. “Fine, but I still think you should wear this again.” She lays it on the bed next to me, longingly stroking the material.
I don’t tell her that I don’t think I ever will, that I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it without thinking of the gut punch I felt when I got home and read that message. I can’t get rid of it, but I can’t look at it either.
I quickly fold it up, rolling it into a ball in my suitcase.
The wardrobes are basically empty, the drawers bare, and the only thing left are the faded curtains hanging on the rail.
“I think we’re done in here,” I say, flipping the suitcase closed.
I stand and go to slide the case of the bed, but Anya smacks my hands away. “Don’t make me call him in here.”
I roll my eyes playfully before following her out of the room. My computer is already packed up and in the van, so the only furniture left is the old desk and chair that I’ll be happily leaving behind.
“Rosie, you can’t tell me this is comfortable,” Danny says, settling into the chair awkwardly.
Jackson gestures as if to say “See?” and I groan. “God, let itgo.”
Danny jumps up and helps Anya grab the suitcase. “I’ve got this, freckles.”
“My hero,” she drawls.
He lifts it effortlessly, flexing his biceps in his tight t-shirt.
