Dante's Angel by Laurie Roma Page A

discussion about bridesmaid
dresses.”
    “Thank God,”
Zoe said with feeling, making Kali laugh.
    “Well, I’ve
decided to change my colors, and the other ladies loved my idea. I think you
guys will look amazing in hot pink dresses. You know, something that matches
the colors of my bakery. It will really make a statement.”
    “That’s…” Zoe
didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound insulting. Kali had chosen a bright
pink with black and white for the logo of Sinfully Sweet, and just the thought
of wearing such a shocking shade made Zoe’s stomach hurt.
    Kali blinked
up at her innocently. “It’s going to be hard to find matching flowers, but…”
She burst out laughing, gripping her stomach as she bent over at the waist. “Oh
my God! Your face! I couldn’t keep it going.”
    “You’re an
evil bitch.”
    “That was so
funny!” Kali took a few deep breaths to try to calm down, but the grin remained
on her face. Seeing Zoe’s reaction helped settle some of her nerves. Since
she’d woken up, Kali had felt like a million butterflies were fluttering around
in her stomach. Her mind was cluttered with so many worries that she feared
that she wouldn’t be able to focus on finding the right dress. She desperately
wanted to look perfect when she married Jared, but she wasn’t sure that was
possible at the moment.
    “Actually, I’m
sticking with the pink and silver, but I picked a strawberry soufflé shade.”
    “You always
think in food terms. What the hell does that mean?”
    “It’s a light,
pale-pink. I think it will look lovely with the silver, white and black, and be
perfect for a late spring, early summer wedding.”
    “Fine. Good.
Anything is better than florescent pink.”
    “I wouldn’t do
that to you. Actually, that was Anna’s one request, since she couldn’t come
today. No hot pink.”
    “Oh, yeah,”
Zoe said, glancing at the group. “I thought she’d be here.”
    “I asked her
to come, but she insisted on staying at the bakery while Becca and I took off. Since
it’s spring break this week, Nate said he would stay at the shop with Anna and
the others. It was very sweet for him to give up an entire day of his vacation.
I absolutely love that kid. If he and Shane weren’t Anna’s nephews, I swear I
would fight her for them.”
    “They’re good
kids. Ouch!” Zoe winced as the large bag Kali was carrying slammed into her
side. “Damn girl, what the hell do you have in that thing?”
    “Three pairs
of shoes and my wedding binder. It includes all the information I’ve gathered
for the wedding. I’ve turned into psycho bride trying to put this wedding
together in such a short amount of time.”
    “Is psycho
bride worst than bridezilla?”
    “Way worse.
It’s just that Jared doesn’t want to wait to get married. I don’t either, but
this is all a little stressful,” Kali said with a slightly hysterical little laugh.
    Sensing Kali’s
nerves, Zoe flung an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “We’ll find you the
most beautiful dress today for you to marry the love of your life in. And if
you cross over into psycho bride territory, I’ll tell you.”
    “Thanks.” Ahead
of them, Madeline Savante laughed at something Sam said, and the cheerful sound
made Kali smile. “I’m so glad Maddie came today. We’ve gotten so close in the
last few months. Having Jared’s mom here means more to me than if my own mother
had come.”
    Zoe didn’t say
that everyone was grateful that Kali’s nightmare of a mother wasn’t here, but
it was the truth. “So…where is your mom today?”
    “She couldn’t
make it, thank God. I’m a horrible person, but I’m so damn glad she had some
charity function today and I won’t have to deal with her. She called yesterday to
say she hopes I don’t pick out a dress that makes my hips look bigger than they
already are.”
    “Your mom’s a vicious
bitch.” The words were out before Zoe could hold them back.
    Kali laughed.
“Some