Maribel makes me change into a luxurious robe when I get back to her floor. I’m going to have to go with a sample piece since there is no time for alterations.
“Thanks so much Maribel for all of your help, you have literally been my fairy Godmother today. I don’t know how to thank you.”
She smiles warmly. “Just make sure to have me style you for all of your pre-wedding festivities,” she says with a playful wink.
“Okay, so now the dress. It’s winter wonderland, so we’re limited on the colors,” I say as I walk by all the immaculate dresses lined up on the hangers.
Maribel calls two younger gentlemen over and the three of them start chattering quietly to themselves. One of the men eyes me up and down to the point where I feel exposed, so I pull onto my robe tighter.
The other puts his hand over his forehead and is saying “no” a million times at lightning speed, in a French accent.
Maribel steps forward and the other two men follow suit. “It could work, she does have the body for it,” the shorter one says.
“And there will be a lot of press.” Maribel continues.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” The tall French man scoffs, then walks up to me.
“Um, you guys want to let me into your little pow wow anytime soon?” My words falling on deaf ears.
“Maribel, you say there will be plenty of press at this event?” The French man says while moving his fingers in a circle, indicating that he wants me to spin. I’m wearing a chucky robe, what are they even looking at?
“Guys, I hate to break up the fun, but the party already started, so I need to be out of here in ten minutes!” I shriek in a panic.
They all look at one another, then nod in unison.
“I’ll grab the Louboutins,” says the short man before he disappears.
“I’ll grab the shapewear, we’re gonna need it,” says the French mean one.
“Follow me Amelia, we have your dress. In the room next door,” Maribel says over her shoulder.
I scurry behind her, trying not to trip in my oversized fancy slippers.
Maribel stands in front of a closed room with double doors.
“You store more dresses in there?” I point to the room behind her.
Maribel smiles. “Not any dress, butthedress.” She proceeds to open both doors at once and in the center of the room is one dress fitted on a glossy mannequin on a stage.
Oh. My. God.
It looks like a piece of art. Surely I can’t be trusted to wear it.
It’s a black, off the shoulder dress with a very full skirt. The top layer of the skirt has a shimmery material that makes it look like the stars in the sky. And there is a slit. A very high slit. I’m talking Angelina Jolie, leg popped out slit. Thank God I just got waxed.
My breath hitches when I glance down in front of the small stage and see the nameOscar de la Renta.
Mami, is this you again?
I didn’t notice at first glance, but this is amuchsexier version of my future wedding dress. In a completely different color, material and a few alterations like that high slit, but the similarities are there.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
“Spill anything on her, and Evan might lose a zero on the end of his net worth,” Maribel teases. “Now let’s get you dressed; we have a prince waiting for you at the ball.”
So much for showing up to this party while flying under the radar. Guess it’s time to make a splash.
“Maribel, any chance I can get some of that yummy champagne from last time? Something tells me I’m going to need it.”
