Page 59 of Dead to Me

“Who?”

“Malcolm.”

I glanced at our reflections in the mirror.

“No.”

“He’s not answering.”

“I’m sure he’s busy getting ready.”

China grabbed her phone.

“He bet not be drunk.”

I smiled at her.

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”

She looked at me.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

China turned back to the mirror. The makeup artist smiled at her.

“You’re all done.”

China stood up. Everyone cheered. Sierra opened another bottle of champagne. Someone turned up the music. China laughed. She seemed happy again.

I watched her walk over to the garment bag by the window. She took her time unzipping it. The white lace flowed into the room. The bridesmaids gasped.

China glanced back at me over her shoulder.

“Will you help me put it on?”

I smiled.

“I would love to.”

Malcolm was gone. Warren was gone too. Now it was my sister’s turn to get ready.

Milan

It took three of us to help China into her wedding dress. Sierra stood behind her, I pulled up the zipper, and another bridesmaid fixed the lace at her waist.

The dress was stunning. China always thought that big moments should be shared with others.

The gown fit like a glove, then flared out at the hips into layers of soft white fabric that spread across the floor. Tiny crystals decorated the bodice, and when sunlight came through the windows, the whole dress sparkled.

China looked at herself in the mirror, and her eyes filled with tears right away.

“Oh my God.”

Sierra placed both hands over her mouth.

“You look gorgeous.”