Noel’s hand flew to her rear and Gabby stepped down between them. “Hey, now, stop this. Noel has a great ass, Amber. Apologize.”
Amber pursed her lips. “Sorry, Noel.”
Gabby shook her head, her mouth set in a grim line. “This is my wedding and I want you both to be a part of it. Get along or I’ll cut you.”
“Sorry, Gabs.” Noel shot Amber a dark look. “But I disagree with Amber. You have amazing curves and that dress only accents them. Beautifully. Your mom and I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“But I would?” Amber snapped.
Noel grit her teeth. “I didn’t say that.”
“It was implied.”
“Cheese and crackers, enough! I am going to get changed and as much as I appreciate your input, Amber, it’s a done deal. My mom already bought the dress.”
Amber shrugged. “Then it’s settled. It is a beautiful dress. You know I didn’t mean anything by what I said. I was just trying to be a good friend.”
Amber gave Gabby a hug, which Noel noticed Gabby returned weakly. If Noel hadn’t promised to behave, she’d have kicked Amber right in her big old booty for making Gabby feel insecure about her wedding dress.
When Gabby disappeared into the dressing room, Amber turned her attention to the bag in Noel’s hand. “What did you get?”
“My dress. I’m wearing green. You’re wearing red.”
“Oh good. Green makes me look yellow. Red is fire. Totally sexy.”
Of course Amber’s main concern would be how she looked.
“Well there is a whole rack over there. Gabby said we can pick whatever style we want, so go nuts.”
“Perfect.” Amber sashayed over to the rack of red dresses that had been pulled for their perusal. She picked a red chiffon strapless and checked the tag. “Oh, this is the one.”
“Great, do you want to try it on?” The sales associate behind the counter asked.
“No need. It’s my size.” Amber laid the dress over the cashier’s counter and faced off with Noel, a wicked gleam in her eyes. “So, did you find a location for the bachelorette after-party?”
“Actually, I’m still looking. You were right. There isn’t a lot out there for that date.”
“I told you.”
Gabby walked out of the changing room, with the associate right behind her, holding a silver garment bag.
“Told her what?” Gabby asked.
“I told Noel she should just let us use her parents’ cabin for your bachelorette party and hire one of those mobile spas for the next morning.” Amber sighed dramatically. “But she won’t go for it.”
Gabby shrugged. “I’m fine with just going to the bar to see the…” She glanced over at the attendants and lowered her voice, “entertainers and then going home.”
Amber scoffed. “Really? You don’t want to hang out with us girls and talk about the…entertainers over a couple cocktails?” Amber clucked her tongue, slipping her arm through Gabby’s. “And wouldn’t it be relaxing to sleep in the day after? Have a delicious brunch and then be pampered for hours?”
“Well, I mean…” Gabby glanced between Amber and Noel. “That does sound nice.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Noel said, praying like hell she could come through for Gabby. “I will find us a kick-ass place to go after the bar. I will get you that mobile spa and everything will be exactly how you want it.”
“Don’t forget brunch,” Amber sang.
Noel smiled, baring her teeth at Amber. “Of course not, complete with mimosas.”
Gabby jumped up and down like a kid. “Eeeek, I am so excited! Drew and his friends are going to Sun Valley to ‘snowboard.’ He won’t be back until Sunday night, so this will be perfect!”
“He’s okay with our stripper plan?” Noel asked.
“Oh, absolutely. That’s why I used the air quotes. His best man already told me they’re getting some in-room entertainment, but I trust Drew and he trusts me.”
Amber piped in with a huff. “Besides, Noel, he isn’t her daddy. He’s her fiancé until he puts a ring on it and even then, he will not own her.”
“It’s not about owning,” Gabby jumped in. “It’s about mutual respect, which we have and Noel knows that. She’s been Drew’s champion before I even knew I was interested.”
“That’s sweet.” Turning her attention away from Noel, Amber held up the red dress with a little dance. “Gabs, I found the one! Are you getting this or do you want me to—”