Page 42 of Sweet Oblivion

Thank you, I mouth, and she slides her hand in mine.

Everly’s eyes track the movement, and she smiles and runs her hands down her pretty silk shift dress. “How aboutyou tell me about the dress you envision before I start sketching?”

“You really don’t have to make me something brand-new. Honestly, I’d be fine with something you have that maybe didn’t sell.”

“Why don’t you tell us what you’re thinking, and while Everly’s sketching, I’ll go in the back and see if we have anything that might work?” Caitlin offers, and I nod. I know when to stop fighting a losing battle.

“Plain.” I swallow, glancing between the women. “I’m not a big princess ball gown kind of girl.” I look at Ashton, relieved when she smiles. I hate how uncomfortable I feel. I know this is part of the deal. A small piece of the part I have to play to keep Ryker safe, and I’ll do it. But this isn’t me, not even a little bit. “I don’t want to wear something heavy. And maybe not a whole lot of crystals.”

Caitlin and Everly both tilt their heads, staring at me for a moment. It’s like they’re having a silent conversation that doesn’t stay silent for long. Everly hums, and Caitlin nods.

“Backless?” Caitlin asks, but she’s not talking to me.

Everly nods. “Lace.”

“Silk.” This time, Caitlin isn’t asking as her eyes light up.

“Yes,” Everly practically hisses through a stunning smile. “Are you thinking?”

Caitlin nods. “Be right back.”

“Okay, let’s get you in a dressing room.” Everly turns to Lenny and Ashton. “Who wants champagne?” She focuses on Ashton’s baby bump and smirks. “Okay, wait. None for you.”

“I think it’ll just be Delaney and me, sweetheart,” Lenny tells her, and I cringe. Again.

“Just you. I’m not a fan,” I admit.

“Of champagne?” Ryker’s mom asks me.

“Of alcohol, actually.” I look around the space, ready to get the hell out of here before they ask more questions. “Where’s the dressing room?”

Caitlin comes out from the back with a white garment bag slung over her shoulder and a pair of heels in her hand. “I figured you were a size six shoe. Am I close?”

“Five and a half,” I murmur.

She nods toward a hall, and I follow her to a large dressing room with a padded pale-pink bench in the corner and weathered-bronze hooks along the wall. A smaller chandelier draped in crystals hangs above me, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror sits in front of me. It’s as pretty as the rest of the studio. And so out of the ordinary for me, I’m scared to touch anything.

Caitlin hangs the garment bag on a hook and places the shoes beneath it. “Okay, strip.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Don’t worry about modesty.” She motions for me to turn around, but I stand stock-still, staring. “Delaney.” Her hand goes to her very tiny hip. “You don’t have anything I haven’t seen before, and you’re going to need help getting into the dress. Leave on your bra and underwear. I’ll do the rest.”

I blink at her. Nearly eye to eye. She’s as short as I am.

“You’re beautiful,” I tell her as I unbuckle my jean shorts. Can’t say I realized stripping in front of someone would be on the agenda today. “It’s a little intimidating to be getting naked in front of you.”

“Lucky for him, my husband tells me that every day. The beautiful part, not the intimidating part.” She turns back to the garment bag and takes a gown out as I slide my shirt off. “Although, that man would be better off if he were scared of me most days. He’s on the Kings team with Ryker. I’m sure you’ll meet him soon. I have no doubt Nonna will be insisting we all go over for dinner before the wedding.”

When I turn toward her, I expect her to stare at all the bruising, but she doesn’t. It’s my sneakers she’s stuck on. “You cannot wear Converse with an Everly Wilder, sweetie. Socks and shoes off. Now.”

I feel like I’ve just been chastised by a teacher, but I’m not sure if I’m embarrassed or in love. There’s something about this woman that is so... just... honest.

I like her.

I kick off my shoes and socks, feeling ridiculous.

“Arms up.”