Free One That Came Back by Lexy Timms

pocket and lit it. He gave up smoking in high school at Emily’s urging, but now it didn’t seem like there was any reason not to smoke. In fact, there seemed to be many reasons to do so. He drew in the smoke and felt the mild rush of relaxation the tobacco brought him.
    “Don’t worry about me. Worry about that pig. Or you’ll look like shit.” You watch that one and I’ll take care of the one working in my shop.
     
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER NINE
    Angela's Problem
     
    Emily sat next to her mother waiting for Angela to step out of the dressing room. It was Saturday morning and the bridal store was filled with young brides trying on and displaying dresses, and their wedding parties going through bridesmaid dresses. It seemed busier than what Emily thought a bridal store would be.
    A large round stage divided by four walls took the center of the showing room. Curved couches in gray raw silk ringed the stage, spaced apart from each other to give the brides a small aisle to step up on the stage. Behind them were the dressing rooms, two free-standing cubicles per section. Each dressing room had an occupant, and a couple anxious brides-to-be stood next to the cubicles waiting for their turn to try on dresses. When a bride stepped out, she could step up to their section of the stage to show off gowns to their mothers, sisters and bridesmaids.
    “We should’ve come during the week,” fretted Emily’s mother, “not on Saturday. But we really can’t wait, not with the wedding six months away.”
    Emily almost didn’t hear her. She watched the young women in their wedding finery, fighting back her sadness. With the way Luke had talked about getting married she should be one of these women. Not now, not since he pushed her away. She took a quick breath to steady herself. This was all about Angela and she wasn’t going to ruin her sister’s happiness with her own selfish thoughts.
    “Well, one of us works,” said Emily dryly. “And I believe that’s the bride.” She didn’t mean to sound miserable. Luckily her mother didn’t seem to notice.
    One of the waiting brides knocked on the door of the cubicle behind them. Emily turned.
    The girl smashing her hand on the door wore flip flops, ripped jeans, and a skinny tank, looking more like a sleaze than a bride. Emily glared at her, somehow the bride reminded her of the last time Emily saw Luke, with those two women hanging off him during Gibs’ funeral.
    The nascent bride-zilla glared back. “Is she ever going to come out of there? Other people are tired of waitin’!”
    Emily’s mother tutted, but Emily stood and faced the woman. After what she’d been through, she refused to take shit from anyone ever again. “I’m sure you’d appreciate a little courtesy when it’s your turn in there.” Emily spoke in a deadly serious voice and the girl shrank back.
    But the rude girl was right. Angela was taking longer than she should in the dressing room.
    Emily knocked lightly on the door. “Angela, how’re you doing in there?”
    “I’m fine,” said Angela in a small voice. Obviously she was not fine.
    Emily tried the door. “Do you need another size?”
    That’s when Emily heard some snuffles, like Angela was crying. Alarm raced through Emily. “Open up, Ang,” she said urgently.
    “What’s wrong?” Her mother looked up from her chair, clutching her purse.
    “Nothing, Mom. I think her zipper’s stuck.” Emily waved her hand.
    “Well, help her.”
    I’m trying. Emily turned her head so her mother wouldn’t see her roll her eyes. How old was she? Nearly thirty and she had to hide her face from her mom? That needed to stop as well.
    The door latch clicked and the door opened slightly. Emily slipped in and closed the door. Angela stood in front of the mirror, her eyes lined red. She wore a beautiful all white gown that hugged her skinny curves. Emily’s mother picked it out but Angela was reluctant to try it on, but did so at her mother’s