Page 36 of A Newport Christmess

Despite her blatant misrepresentation of the entire situation, I smiled. “I have no idea. An onlooker might think my luck is finally changing.”

But I knew all too well that wasn’t the case.

* * *

I glided from the dressing room like I was accustomed to wearing gowns that cost more than my monthly income—not that costing more was a hard feat with how little I currently made—and smiled at the sounds of adoration I received from my small group of onlookers.

“Stunning.”

“The red is definitely my favorite.”

I stepped onto a circular platform as directed, glancing at the dress in the row of angled mirrors. It was beautiful.

Sophia approached, looking every part the designer with her skin-tight black pencil dress, hair pulled back without a single bump, and her critical eye surveying every inch of me. She pulled at the fabric by my waist, pinning it behind me. “Three-quarters of an inch off the waist, but the height of the shoulders is perfect. The heart neckline is flattering for her small chest, but we’ll need to add padding to prevent any unfortunate situations from occurring.”

Her assistants nodded their agreement. I glanced down at my small chest and how meagerly it filled out the top before also conceding her point.

“High heels will be a must.” Her admonishing gaze landed on me. “The higher, the better for you. The flower girls will be wearing a very similar shade of red, and we’d hate for anyone to mistake you for one of them.”

I flinched at the comment, though it was also a valid point. If any of them were older than ten or eleven, there was a good chance they’d be as tall as, if not taller than, me.

The woman studied me a little longer and then sighed. “I wish I had enough time to custom-make you something. With your petite frame and wavy hair, a mermaid-style dress with some sheer draping would look exquisite on you.”

“I’m just grateful you’re letting me borrow something on such short notice.”

“Oh, the dress is yours to keep. I won’t be able to sell it after it’s fitted to your body.”

I lifted a hand to my mouth, my gaze darting to Nikki. “I didn’t realize ...”

“Anything for a friend of Nikki’s.” She glanced over at Nikki. “I’d like to be tagged in any pictures of her wearing the dress, if you don’t mind.”

Nikki stood from her place on the chic black sofa. “I’m planning on an endorsement post for both this and the flower girl dresses you designed.”

“Wonderful.” Sophia’s eyes sparkled when they turned their attention back to me. “Go undress, and we’ll get started on the adjustments.”

The chime on the front door of the shop dinged, and in strode Landon, looking like some kind of fashion god. His gaze met mine, then slowly trailed down my body, a smile creeping onto his lips. “Wow. You look amazing.”

My heart felt like it had dislodged and risen to my throat. It’s not real. It’s not real. “Thank you,” I said, unable to hold his gaze.

“What are you doing here?” Nikki stepped toward him and away from the gawking ladies around us.

“Quinn told me she had a fitting this morning. Since I didn’t have plans for the day, I thought I’d come see if she wanted to head to lunch and then hit up the Cliff Walk. It’s a beautiful day for it.” He glanced between us. “Unless you already have plans?”

Nikki’s distant gaze made it obvious she was having a hard time computing the situation. “You came all the way into Providence to see if Quinn wanted to go to lunch with you?”

He shrugged. “I don’t have her number yet. And I figured you’d probably have other wedding errands you need to do while you’re here, so now you don’t need to run her home.”

Nikki tilted her head to the side. “How thoughtful of you,” she said dryly.

I stepped down from the platform. “I’ll go change quick.”

Landon’s gaze remained on me all the way to the dressing room, and I sent him a conspiratorial smile before throwing the curtain shut. “Get a hold of yourself,” I hissed under my breath. “He’s acting.”

Carefully, I removed the luxurious velvet fabric, returned it to the hanger, and got dressed. Nikki was talking to Sophia when I exited, and Landon was standing near the door, waiting. “Ready?”

“Just a sec.” I walked over to Nikki and wrapped my arm around her waist, waiting for her to finish what she was saying. “Thank you for this. And for coming with me.”

She draped her arm around me and gave me a side hug. “You’re welcome. Sophia says she has the perfect pair of heels for the dress. She just needs your shoe size.”