Consequences

the bodice, with a full, flowing chiffon skirt. What made this gown different was the embroidered lace off-the-shoulder overlay that created lace sleeves and a chapel-length train. The decision made, Claire would try on the four dresses.
    First they needed to see the matron-of-honor dresses. Emily was slightly taller than and not as lean as Claire. The dresses they viewed were mostly black or silver, but Ms. Springhill promised any color that Claire desired. Claire smiled. “That is wonderful we will be able to get pink!” Ms. Springhill didn’t know she was teasing. The ladies snickered.
    They narrowed it to a satin Oscar de la Renta gown with a tighter skirt, a Valentino gown with a lace overlay, and a Monique Lhuiller gown that would be perfect with Claire’s second choice. They realized Claire must choose her wedding gown first and then the matron-of-honor’s dress would be chosen to complement.
    At two thirty they began trying on gowns. When Claire looked at her watch she had a sickening feeling that the process was taking too long. She worried that Tony would wonder where they were. Or perhaps he might think they went somewhere else? She would let him know how time-consuming the process was as soon as she got the chance.
    Hoping to avoid suspicion, Claire decided to check in with Eric. She wanted him to know it would be a while before they needed to be picked up. She used the shop’s telephone to call. Emily offered her phone since Claire left hers at the apartment. Claire decided the shop’s phone would be better. The boutique’s number would appear on Eric’s caller ID. She worried that if she called Eric on Emily’s phone her location maybe questioned. And if she used Emily’s phone, Tony might assume she used it for other calls. It bothered her that every move needed to be scrutinized for possible misinterpretations. She told herself that perhaps they didn’t, but better safe than sorry. “Hello, Eric, this is Claire.”
    “Yes, Ms. Claire, are you ready to be picked up?”
    “No, that is why I’m calling. This has been a very difficult process. I assume we will be here another hour or perhaps two. I will call you when we’re done.”
    “Yes, Ms. Claire, I will be there when you are ready.”
    Emily could hear her every word. She wanted to ask Eric to call Tony, to let him know they were still at the boutique. However, she thought it would cause Emily to ask more questions, so she just said, “Thank you, Eric.”
    Claire found herself in an uncomfortable situation regarding the measuring for her gown. She had so many things to think about this slipped her mind. Claire asked Ms. Springhill what undergarments were usually worn with these dresses and told her she would like to purchase some now so the dress would fit as close as possible to how it would on her wedding day. Apparently, this wasn’t an unusual request . Ms. Springhill brought her a strapless body-shaper. Once that was on, Claire allowed the attendants to take her measurements. The entire conversation went unnoticed by Emily. She was occupied with attendants measuring and catering to her every need.
    Claire tried on each gown and entered a large mirrored room, where she stood on a platform. She could see herself from all directions. More than anything Claire wanted Tony’s opinion. He once said that Catherine knew what he liked. Claire wished Catherine was there now, but she wasn’t. Instead, she had Emily, who repeatedly told her how beautiful she looked in each dress. It wasn’t helping.
    Claire told herself repeatedly: My wedding will happen in three weeks. I need to make a decision. The service and choices were fantastic. Spending time with her sister was wonderful. The stress was causing her head to pound. Claire narrowed the list to two: the chiffon Oscar de la Renta gown and the Vera Wang gown. Perhaps it was the issue of a December wedding in the Midwest, but the idea of the lace sleeves on the Vera Wang gown appealed to Claire.
    Ms. Springfield knew Claire’s measurements and promised that she could produce either gown. Ever so politely, she emphasized the importance of a quick decision. Claire would need to return for additional fittings. She said that would be fine, but secretly wondered if Tony anticipated that.
    Next they needed to choose a dress for Emily. Claire decided she really liked the Valentino dress with the lace overlay. It would complement either bridal gown. She took color swatches and promised Ms.