Carla would love to smack the woman upside the head. She’d heard the two kids talk many a time about their plans. The woman’s baby was always in agreement with his future bride. Time would tell if Mark would be man enough to put his mother in her place.
Soon she hoped.
“I’m sure Mark’s telling her how much you both want to be married where you can afford. It’s your day, honey, things will work out.”
Jessie struggled to sit straight and turned toward Carla. “Speaking of what I can afford, Mama. I saw the most marvelous dress on eBay tonight. While we were waiting for his mother at the restaurant, Mark and I were playing on his phone, which had the net. The gown just popped up and caught my eye.”
Carla forced herself not to react. She hadn’t seen any other dresses, so it had to be the one. Of course, she’d never played on eBay so maybe it wasn’t.
“I thought we were going to go shopping for one your next payday.” She filtered her tone with disappointment.
“We are, were. I don’t know. Mama, it’s a designer dress. Let me show you.”
Carla let her daughter pull her off the couch. “I don’t know, Hija, can we afford a gown like that?” For as long as she remembered she’d used the Spanish word for daughter.
Exhilaration scampered over her. It had to be the same one and no way could there be two designer dresses up at the same time. She would be able to surprise her daughter with her dream dress in just a few days.
“This dumb computer is going to take forever. Mark’s phone wouldn’t let us make any transactions. Doesn’t matter though. For some reason the owner had it on the ‘buy it now’ option for only a penny. I’m sure it’s gone. But I’d love for you to see.” Her joyful giggle made Carla want to cry. How had she been so lucky to deserve such a daughter?
“Finally.” Jessie tapped the keys and eventually the screen filled with the login for the site. “I’ll put in the same words that brought it up earlier.”
Carla sucked in her breath and waited. She wasn’t familiar with the online auction system. Would the dress still come up if the bid was over?
Yes, it did with sold on it. “Oh, Mama, I knew it would be too late.”
Carla leaned down to inspect the dress on the screen. “I’m sorry, Hija. Don’t worry we’ll find you something just as pretty.”
“I’m sure we will. It was only, you know, it’s not every day you see a Design by Heidi for a price I can actually afford.”
“Jessie, that’s probably why it went so fast. It wasn’t meant to be. We’ll find a dress just right for you.”
Jessie’s phone jingled in the other room, and the girl didn’t have time to reply. Carla resisted the urge to do a little victory dance.
She’d be able to surprise her daughter with her dream dress.
Dear Diary;
Bargain Basement Surprise
Mrs. Evans folded my satin and Alencon lace carefully into my plastic garment bag. She situated the bag with me inside into a large shipping box. I’m to meet my new bride today.
I’m being shipped to someplace called New Jersey. I somehow doubt it’s a good place because Margaret is extremely pleased with herself. I’m sure Cecelia will be sad when she finds out Carla wasn’t able to follow her instructions to send me home to Heidi.
Heidi created me out of sturdier stuff than that. I would just have to make the best of the situation. Besides, how do I know when the box opens up, I won’t meet my soul mate?
Once the packing crate was sealed, the weight of darkness pressed into my bodice. I wasn’t sure how long I could stand the stuffiness of my temporary prison.
At first, I felt tumbled and tossed. The handlers were not gentle, even though moments before Margaret taped the final seal I heard her admonish them to be careful.
I didn’t know how I’d be transported, and luckily I had no concept of time. When the motion stopped, I waited, anticipation building with each second.
Would today be my lucky day?
Faint voices grew louder. My beads jiggled in hope. Then a slim strand of light peeked through as my package was opened.
At first, the brightness blinded me. Then I heard a familiar voice.
Carla.
She must have figured a way to trick Mrs. Evans so she could follow Cecelia’s wishes.
“Oh, Bella, we need to get you out of this box, and bag. We don’t want you wrinkled, not when my daughter first sees you. My Jessie is in for such a big surprise. She’s going to love you on sight.”
I was bewildered. Then I remembered Carla’s talk of her daughter. Jessie, who would love wearing me on her wedding day.
Carla didn’t plan to take me home to Heidi’s. Somehow she’s found a way to buy me from Mrs. Evans. Happiness almost overwhelmed me. My beads did a shimmering dance as she hung me on her dress mannequin.
It must be a sign. Jessie and I were going to be soul mates.
Chapter Nine
Jessie Perez balanced the pizza box in one hand, and worked to unlock the apartment door with the other. Working two jobs took a huge toll on her energy level. Thank goodness, she could quit one after she’d saved enough for her wedding. She would save enough money. There was no way she’d let Mrs. Taylor take over the plans because she couldn’t afford her own wedding.
The key finally tumbled the lock and the door squeaked open in protest. “Mama, are you home?”
“In your bedroom, I have a surprise.”
A surprise, just what she needed to perk her up. “Mark’s coming by for pizza. Let me drop it on the table, then I’ll come see.”
The beautiful wedding gown displayed in the middle of her bedroom was far from what she expected. She swallowed down the lump forming in her chest.
“Oh…” She couldn’t speak.
In awe, she ran a hand down the bolero sleeve. The beads and lace were a combination of smooth and coarse under her hand. “Oh, Mama, you were the one who bought the dress.”
“I knew Bella would be perfect for you.”
“Bella?”
“It’s her name. Heidi names all her creations. They even come with certificates and a background of where she came up with the name for each dress.”
Jessie glanced down at the paper her mother handed her. But the words swam and she couldn’t comprehend any of them. The certificate slipped from her fingers onto her bed as she circled the gown.
“Beautiful. Wait until Mark see’s it.”
“Oh, no. No my little Jessie, he will not see you until your wedding day.”
Jessie giggled. Her day had brightened considerably. What other girl could be so lucky. Her mother worked hard for the Wilsons. She sacrificed so Jessie could have the best.
“Mom, I meant wait until Mark sees me wear this dress as I walk down the aisle.”
Her mother placed a hand over her heart, and sighed dramatically. “My lela Niña, you will make such a lovely bride.”
Jessie’s heart, in turn, melted. “Can I try her on?”
“I thought you said Mark was coming for dinner.”
As if in answer, a knock heralded his arrival. Jessie hustled her mother out of her room, and pulled the door shut so her soon-to-be-groom wouldn’t jinx the wedding. They had enough against them as it was.
When she unlatched the door, the usual tingle of awareness tickled her scalp. Would it be so in fifty years? How she hoped it would. He gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and a wink.
“How are my two favorite girls?”
Her mother blushed, and playfully batted him on the arm. “Mark, don’t you flirt with me in front of little Jessie here. She’ll get jealous.”
He laughed and threw his arm around Jessie’s shoulders. His strength warmed her.
“Pizza smells delicious. I bet it’s a combo.”
He helped set the table, and then waited until the ladies settled in their chairs. Over dinner, Jessie tried to steer the conversation away from the upcoming wedding, but her mother seemed determined to discuss every det
ail.
“Tell me about Classic Manhattan?” her mother asked between bites.
“It’s a wedding salon, Mama. What’s there to tell?”
Her mother narrowed her eyes and stared. She’d done it now. “Young lady, I am your mama and I’m interested in my daughter’s wedding. Just because I ask a question doesn’t mean I am trying to take over.”
She glanced at Mark to see if he understood the veiled comment about his mother, to her dismay she knew he had by his grin and raised eyebrow.
“I’m sorry, Mama. Classic Manhattan has several options. We can have any size. And they have a beautiful garden atrium and that’s what I’d love to have.”
Her mother’s expression softened. “An outdoor wedding, you could have flowers in your hair. You’ll look so fresh and young.” A loud sniff escaped before her mother covered it with a sip from her wine. “Are you going to ask your Aunt Virginia to let her youngest granddaughter be your flower girl?”
“I don’t know. Mark has a niece the same age, and I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
“Jessie, my sister won’t get her feelings hurt.” Mark told her.
“I know, but I don’t want to hurt your niece, Sarah.”
“Why can’t they both be flower girls?” her mother asked.
Jessie bit her lip, it wasn’t like she hadn’t thought of it, but two flower dresses weren’t in the budget. Now with Bella though, maybe she could? She’d have to redo her budget and rethink things. After Mark left, she’d discuss a new budget and flower girl possibility with her mom.
The rest of the evening passed with a few more glasses of wine and a notebook. Later than she’d wanted to stay up, she kissed Mark at the door. God the man could kiss. Too bad her mother was home or she’d be tempted to drag him to her bedroom.
“Night, princess, next time you come to my place for pizza. As much as I love your mom, I’d rather have you alone.” Mark punctuated his words by nuzzling her neck, sending fresh shivers down her spine.
“Good night.” She gave him a quick kiss and a shove and shut the door, before she had him there in the entry hall. Her heart warmed by the chuckles she heard through the wooden barrier.
“No fair, princess.” The words were muffled but teasing.
“Night, Mark. You’re safer on that side.”
She could hear him laughing as he walked away. How many more days before she didn’t have to send him home? No, she would not count. It would only depress her.
Once in her room, she began to undress. She had to work early the next day. A feeling of someone watching settled over her, and she glanced toward the window. The blinds were closed, and even if they weren’t, the window was too high for anyone to see through.
Swallowing down the feeling of unease, she twisted just enough for Bella, her new gown, to come into view. She jumped. Good lord, what was wrong with her? She noticed whichever way she moved, the reflection from the moon through the slats, made it seem the beads shifted with her.
It wasn’t exactly creepy, but weird as if, Bella were a living thing. “Are you here as my friend?”
Then her laughter filled the room at her jitters. “Silly me. I must really be tired, Bella.”
Now she was talking to the dress. Something about the gown just begged to be… She wasn’t even sure what word she looked for. It had been a long day. She would go to bed, and things would be in perspective in the cold light of day.
She itched to try on the beautiful gown, she was tempted to do so now however, her mother deserved to be present when she did. After all, it was her surprise.
****
Shoot, running late.
She couldn’t afford to lose either of her jobs, not until after the wedding. She had budgeted every penny earned. It was a relief when she saw Bella in her room. Now her wedding gown was one less expense. Today she’d call Mark and ask him if little Sarah could be the second flower girl.
Though she’d dressed and left later than usual, the train seemed to make excellent time. She walked into the coffee shop on the hour.
There would be no tardiness for her.
By the end of her shift, her cell was full of messages from her friends. They wanted to plan her bachelorette party. Between her two work schedules and theirs, it was proving to be a problem.
Flipping open her phone as she pulled off her apron, she listened to Katie’s message. Jessie was to meet with her two bridesmaids for lunch at the Metro Deli at one, which gave her fifteen minutes.
Katie and Joey were flagging her to the table when she walked in. Waving to indicate she was hungry, she ordered from the case first. Bagel sandwich and soda in hand, she settled into a chair.
Before she could even enjoy her first bite, discussion started on what nights and clubs were good. Pandora’s off Bleecker Street was the place to go.
After all, they said, the male dancers were hot.
“I don’t really want to watch a bunch of greasy guys gyrate around the stage.” Jessie almost groaned when she realized how big of a bore she sounded.
“You’re kidding me right? You’re getting married not buried.” Katie held her sandwich half-way to her mouth as if the shock was too much and she may choke if she took a bite.
“Yeah. Do you think the guys aren’t going to take Mark to some stripper joint over in Jersey?” Joey inserted.
“Not only would Mark not go to Jersey, I know one of the guys is having the bachelor party at his condo. They’re going to play poker and drink.” Laughter greeted her statement.
“Are you really that gullible, Jessie?” Katie reached across the table, and laid the back of her hand on Jessie’s forehead. “No fever.”
“Ha, ha. I’m not dumb. I’m sure the guys will hire a girl to come in to entertain.”
Joey took a sip from her latte and regarded Jessie. After a few minutes of her friend’s scrutiny, she glared back. “What are you looking at?”
“I’m trying to figure out what’s different about you today.”
“Nothing. I’m in a hurry to get to my next job like always. Mark’s mother is driving me to distraction. And I could go on.” Taking the opportunity, Jessie gulped down a swallow, and bit into her sandwich.
Katie tilted her head to one side. “I think Joey’s right. What happened yesterday?”
Jessie set her food down and thought. To her recollection, nothing special had. A vision of Bella swam over her vision.
Something had happened.
“My mom bought me a Heidi by Design.”
Two chairs slid back in unison, the scrape ricocheted around the room. The sound topped only by her two best friend’s squeals of delight.
Katie actually gasped in air, and then shouted for the entire deli to hear. “You’ve got to be fucking with us.”
In New York most things went without comment. However, at noon in a downtown deli, even those words attracted notice. The manager was at their table in nothing flat.
“Ladies, I’m sorry but you’re disturbing the other customer’s you’ll have to keep your voices down.”
Jessie was relieved they hadn’t been reprimanded for bad language. It was amusing to watch identical blushes wash over her friend’s faces. When was the last time that had happened?
Like never.
“When can we see her? What’s her name?” Katie rushed both questions together.
“Bella.”
Dear Diary;
My new Bride
Jessie Perez, Carla’s daughter was a delight. She even talked to me before she went to bed. Nevertheless, the required zing was still missing. I couldn’t have been more dismayed. Another bride and still no soul mate.
What was a bride dress to do?
Carla came in before leaving for the Wilson’s home. She straightened my chapel train, and made sure I had my protective cover on.
“Bella,” she stated as she ran her hands over and around me, making sure there were no wrinkles. “We can’t have you anything but perfect.”
/>
I wanted to ask her to find out how Cecelia was. That part of my journey was over, even if I could have asked.
Once she was gone, loneliness set in.
I tried to think good thoughts. Like maybe when Jessie finally tried me on, the zing and sizzle Heidi promised would occur signifying Jessie was my soul mate.
After all, we haven’t really been properly introduced yet.
Hours later, I heard someone enter. Only minutes had passed when Carla waltzed through Jessie’s door.
“It’s such a delight to see you, Bella. Jessie will be home soon and we’ll have her try you on. I don’t anticipate there to be a problem.”
“Mom?” Jessie’s question drifted in from the foyer.
“In here darling, come try on Bella.”
Jessie rushed in to join her mother. “I’ve been waiting all day.” She swung her back toward her mother, her feet skipping about. “Hurry unzip.”
Carla gave a pleased laugh. “Hold still, Hija.”
In moments, Jessie was striped and ready to have her mother drape my folds of satin over her. My material slithered over her curves and clung like a glove.
I waited.
No zing. No pop. No sizzle.
Jessie was not my soul mate.
The doorbell rang, I didn’t even have time to mourn the fact before I heard Carla greet another woman and instruct her to follow. Fear dripped down my ribbons, when I saw the expression on Jessie’s face. Whoever was in the other room was not a friend.
Surprise ruffled my ribbons when I learned the woman was Mark’s mother.
“So, this is the dress. Where did you find this rag, in the bargain basement at J.C. Penny’s?”
Shock rattled my beads, and anger tightened my bodice. The heat of Jessie’s fury seared my lace.
How dare that woman? I was a dress with a history, a gown to be proud of. The appearance of hurt reflected in the mirror that crossed my new brides face, soul mate or not, was enough to make me dislike Mark’s mother.
Carla’s jaw looked tight enough to break her teeth. I imagine it was taking all of her will power to answer the rude woman calmly. Before she did, she gathered her daughter to her with one arm. Warmth spread through my bolero.
Three Weddings and a Dress Page 9
