Page 49 of Forged Forever

When I step out, both girls are in front of the mirror. “Gabs, that’s the one.” She’s in a soft bluish lilac color that looks amazing against her skin. A beaded sweetheart neckline attaches to scoop chiffon straps over her arms. The dress is fuller than mine but not puffy at all. It cinches at the waist with a beaded belt.

“I said that too,” Holly replies. “Mine is another bust, but I really like the green on you.”

I stop in front of the mirror to have a look. “Gabs?”

“Hmm, yeah, it’s better than the first one. Set it in the maybe pile, too. I’m going to get this dress. I’ll change and wait out here for you guys.”

I don’t really like the next two dresses I try on. One is a red fitted satin with a scoop neckline, and the other is another fitted lace dress. The final one I love. It’s a pale blue, fitted mermaid style gown with crystals, embroidered flowers, and butterflies everywhere. Slim straps lead to a structured bodice reminiscent of a corset. The deep V neckline runs to my belly button but gets narrower the lower it goes. A built-in nude bra keeps me covered, and a long slit runs up my thigh for movement. I’m smiling when I step out in front of the mirrors. “That’s the one!” Gabby claps, standing from her seat. “I thought for sure it would be the green one, but this is it.”

Holly joins me in a red satin dress similar to the one I had on earlier. “Summer, buy that dress. Ugh, I don’t like this one on me either.”

We change back into our clothes, Gabby and I holding our gowns in hand as we follow Holly back upstairs to keep searching for a dress for her. Gabby helps her narrow the color choice before we go searching. Gabs finds a dark blue, strapless gown among the imperfects. Initially, I don’t see any flaws, but Gabby points out some snags in the chiffon, but she assures Holly ruffles are in and she can modify it for her.

Holly tries it on, and it looks beautiful. Gabby finds some pics online to show Holly what she wants to do, and Holly readily agrees, so we search to find a matching shawl that Gabs can use to mend the dress.

The girls buy shoes to match their gowns, but I want to buy something online I can walk in. With the 20% discount, we’re all happy with our purchases. Gabby even negotiates a lower price for Holly after pointing out all the pulls in her dress, since it's more damaged than the others upstairs.

We met at Gabby’s house this morning, so I drop the girls off there. Holly leaves her dress with Gabby, waving goodbye, and I check in with Seb and Dad. Seb and E are at Jake’s condo, and Dad's at work, so I drive over to visit the guys.

I yell a greeting after entering the condo. “Come join us, Sum. We’re racing cars,” Jake yells from his room. Smiling, I say hi to Will and Ray in the kitchen.

“I’m making sandwiches, Summer. Have you eaten lunch?” Ray asks.

“No, I’d love a sandwich, thanks.”

All three guys are actually racing cars in a video game. “Geez, I thought you were pulling my leg again, Jake.” I roll my eyes as they pause the game, and I get hugs from all three before sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Did you find a dress, Sunshine?”

“I did. It’s pale blue, and I love it.”

“And?” Seb asks.

“And nothing. No more info and no peeking. You’ll see it on prom night.”

Seb and Jake both pout while E gives me a small smile. “I got fitted for a suit with the guys. I’ll order a blue tie to match your dress,” Jake tells me.

“Sounds good. Are you getting a classic black or something else?”

“I’m not telling either,” he smiles at me. “We should all make Sum wait until prom night too.”

“Seems fair. I’ll let Alex know,” Seb grins.

“Go ahead,” I shrug. “I can wait. Gabs and Holly found dresses too.”

Ray calls that lunch is ready, so we gather at the dining table, Jake using his walker since he’s been on his feet all morning.

We spend the afternoon with Jake while Ray does his weekly shopping.

Chapter 30

Wednesday morning during class, I get a text from Ray asking me to meet him at Finn right away. I show it to Alex, who's sitting beside me. He nods and asks if I want him to join me. Shaking my head with a smile, I gather my books and leave the class, jogging to my car. Worry causes my heart rate to increase and my palms to get sweaty.

Dropping my bag on the passenger seat, I drive to Finn as quickly as I can without getting a speeding ticket. Ray is just getting out of his vehicle when I arrive. “What’s wrong?”

“Zander is waiting for us. Let’s get inside and I’ll tell you.” Ray looks wane, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool temperature.

Using my thumbprint, I open the front door and make a beeline for Dad in his office. He and Troy are inside along with a few other employees. Dad notices me right away and ushers me closer, and he wraps me in a hug as he greets Ray. “Someone, please tell me what’s going on?”