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now used that word loosely, because of the position he had put
her in—she had just enough time to reapply her deodorant, add some powder to
cover up her sunburnt face, and mascara to her eyes, run a brush through her
hair, and slip on her previously chosen dress paired with red heels. The
sleeveless black cocktail dress had a high neckline just for mingling purposes.
When she knew there would be a big party she was required to attend, she’d
intentionally packed this dress because it would cover the splotches of red on
her neck if she got too nervous.
    Em took her hand and gave it a little
squeeze, as if to let her know she was going to be okay and to take a deep
breath. Anna looked down at their joined hands and was comforted to know she
had someone who knew her so well that she could feel her anxiety. She also figured
Em didn’t want her passing out and taking all the attention away from her and
her party.
    I have missed this.
    They were approaching two women—one
she recognized from her high school days. She looked out of place at the lavish
party. Her short black skirt with a white baby doll tee and flip-flops were a
far cry from what Anna expected to be worn at such a fancy party. Her simple,
brunette-colored hair hung loosely past her shoulders. A to-die-for tan left
her needing little to no make-up. The slightly muscular arms showed her
willingness to stand up to any man if need be, but also made her seem soft and
feminine.
    “Anna, this is Jesse Daniels, Tommy’s
‘ lil sister. I don’t know if you remember, but she
was a couple of years behind us…and this is Jill Travis,” Em said, pointing to
the woman standing next to Jesse. “She works with me at the salon.”
    Jill had dark, curly hair springing
out in every direction. Anna wished for hair like that, but knew it had to be a
nuisance to deal with every day. She was about Anna’s height and was blessed
with a naturally dark completion. The spaghetti strap dress she wore was very
modest and cut just above the knee. The color looked amazing against her dark
skin.
    How is it that everyone can get or
has a tan except me?
    “Yes, I do remember, you played on
the softball team. It’s nice to see you again, Jesse. And it’s nice to finally
meet you, Jill.” She gave both women a friendly handshake.
    While Jesse could be the spokesperson
for a strong-willed, confident woman—Jill, who looked younger than Jesse, was
more conservative.
    “Yeah, softball days were the good
‘ole days. Now I’m stuck playing with all men.” Jesse really didn’t look that
upset at the idea. “I’m glad to have backup,” Jesse said, rolling her eyes at
Em. “She’s driving me crazy with all this wedding stuff. Stuff I know nothing
about. You have to help her—help me…p-l-e-a-s-e,” she pleaded with both hands
gripped together.
    “Em, are you really being a bridezilla ?” Anna looked at Jesse. “Don’t worry, I have
your back. Between the three of us, I think we can take her.”
    “Good, because I was about to boycott
the wedding altogether.” Anna didn’t doubt Jesse was telling the God’s honest
truth.
    Feeling surprisingly comfortable,
Anna pointed the question to Jesse, “What does Em have you doing?”
    The woman tucked a piece of her dark,
shoulder-length hair behind her ear. “Well, let’s see, last week it was buying
the groomsmen’s and bridesmaids’ gifts—which I think is absurd. This week…” She
turned toward Em as if asking her what her chores were this week, even though
Anna could tell Jesse knew exactly what she was supposed to do. “Oh—yeah, I
have to send out invitations for her bachelorette party. A party she won’t
allow me to throw. I fell like a grunt. She won’t even suggest that Jill do anything.”
    “Hey, don’t throw me into this.” Jill
held both hands in the air, as if guarding herself from the accusation. “I
volunteered to help, but she doesn’t tell me anything. Don’t blame me. I’ve
tried.”
    It felt