Chapter 22

PRESENT

TWO MONTHS AGO

I was coming out of one of the many expensive stores on Upper Fifth Avenue. I needed to help Jeff find a ring for Carrie. We were both walking around when Jeff tugged at my hand and pulled me to one of the window displays of this luxurious wedding dresser designer brand, Weddingly Beat, and there sat a glimmering white mermaid ball gown. I looked at it while holding my breath because it was so beautiful.

“Hey!" Jeff groaned. Just look at that. Isn't it beautiful?"

“Isn’t it beautiful?” I repeated his words. "It's more than beautiful. It's probably what all girls dream about when they are little."

“It’s gorgeous,” he murmured in awe. “Carrie would look so unearthly in this."

“Yes, you’re right.” I coughed as I added more to the conversation. “And not just that ... I guess she’ll even like it.” I threw in a humorous laugh. "It's difficult to match her unreachable standards."

“You think so?” He gazed at the dress and then at me with a childlike innocence I had rare