Love on Beach Avenue(16)
“Great. We can meet tomorrow at the shop. Here’s the address.” She whipped out a business card and handed it to Ally. “Like I said before, I went through all of the pictures you forwarded and made a list of specific vendors that matched your style and budget. I’ll book an array of appointments throughout the next few weeks.” She lifted a fat binder and placed it in front of them. “Here’s some invitation designs that are in stock and can be sent out quickly. Look them over tonight, if possible, and tell me if you like any tomorrow. The rest will unfold as we move forward.”
Emotion filled her friend’s eyes. “Thanks so much, Avery. You’ve already made this whole thing feel special.”
“That’s what wedding planners are for.” She reached across and held Ally’s hand. “And best friends, of course.”
They stood up and hugged. She caught Carter’s judging look—the same one he used to give her when she came to pick up Ally to go out—and she couldn’t help it. She stuck out her tongue.
He thought she was still a juvenile hell-raiser? Fine. She’d let him believe it, and then dazzle him while he watched her do the job she was born to do. A job she was great at.
When he smothered a laugh, the gleam of humor in those pewter eyes made her pause, but it disappeared so quickly she figured she’d imagined the whole thing.
Carter Ross was hardly human enough to get the joke.
Chapter Five
Avery arrived at Vera’s Bridal early. The boutique displayed a stunning pearl-and-lace vintage gown in the window, and already the place was packed, with a small line forming to get in. Thank God Vera always gave her first dibs on last-minute appointments, managing to squeeze her in amid the chaos of endless summer brides clamoring for their dream gowns.
She wove through the line and made her way inside. The racks were jammed with plastic-encased gowns, and the sounds of chattering, excited women filled the air. Three main dressing rooms were set apart with full-size mirrors, a fitting platform, and white fabric-covered chairs clustered around. She checked in at the front desk and waited for Vera.
“Darling!” She was greeted with enthusiasm. Avery rose and gave the older woman a hug, wrapped in her signature scent of cherry blossoms. With her sophisticated silver hair in a tight chignon, the carved classic features of the former prima ballerina still held a jarring presence that hadn’t left with age. Vera’s birdlike frame was dressed in a tight black dress with a long strand of pearls looped twice around her swanlike neck. Her long fingers fluttered in the air, the flash of a fat diamond ring and matching tennis bracelet a symbol of her success. At seventy-eight years old, Vera had lived a life of glamour—a lead dancer at the Metropolitan who then retired to open up her own bridal shop by the beach. She was an inspiration to Avery, and a reminder that you were never too old to pivot and claim success on your own terms.
“I haven’t seen you in a while,” Avery said, smiling. “How did you manage to squeeze in a vacation in the middle of rush season?”
Vera’s laugh tinkled like scattered glass. “Darling, you never say no to Paris. Besides, I was able to steal a few special gowns that aren’t available in the States yet. Now, who are you here with today? Are we doing the full treatment?”
“Yes, she’s my best friend. Ally Ross. She’s coming with her brother.”
“How lovely! I do adore when a man is involved as long as he doesn’t act like an ass. I’ll get champagne set up in fitting room three. Ring me when she arrives and we’ll have a chat.”
“Thank you.”
A few minutes later, Ally walked in, features flushed with anticipation and the buzz of nerves every prospective bride experienced. Carter towered from behind, dwarfing the space. Avery noticed a few women stop and stare, his dynamic presence like a vibration in the room. As usual, his lips were tight in disapproval, like he’d already found a dozen reasons not to like her choice of bridal salons.
Trying not to roll her eyes, she went over to greet them. “Welcome to Vera’s! We’re all set for dressing room three, so I can lead you back. Or if you’d like, feel free to poke around and explore a bit before we settle.”
“It’s a bit small, don’t you think?” Carter asked.
“Small but mighty,” she chirped back, flashing her brightest smile. “Vera is a legend and can help us find the perfect dress.”
“How interesting,” he drawled. “What makes her a legend?”
She kept her tone cool and professional. “Besides being a famous prima ballerina who traveled all over the world, she learned how to sew from her grandmother, who worked at Dior. Vera has consulted with the top designers and is on call for the queen.”
Ally widened her eyes. “Of England?”
“Correct.” She shot Carter a look. “Hopefully that’s a solid-enough résumé.”
Ally clapped her hands. “It is for me! I can’t believe I’m the actual bride—I feel kind of giddy.”
“Good, I want you to be excited and enjoy yourself.” She whipped out her iPad and tapped to the screen of Ally’s preferred styles. “I already gave Vera an initial list of gowns to pull, especially strapless ones with an A-line skirt that you seem to like best. Let’s have a quick chat with her first, and then we’ll get started. I’ll go grab her.”