Chapter 6 — The Bracelet

Before ten the next morning, the bridal suite at Oakbrook Lakes Country Club was crowded with soft music, curling irons, garment bags, and women carrying champagne glasses.

I sat before a gold-framed mirror while a makeup artist worked beneath my eyes. No one could tell I’d slept less than two hours.

Mom came in holding a clipboard and stopped when she saw me. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

Her eyes searched my face. “The flowers arrived. There was a small issue with the orchid wall, but I handled it.”

“I’m sure you did.” She waited for an accusation. I offered none. My calm made her nervous.