Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
Daphne
M agnolia Market is buzzing with fresh produce, fresher gossip, and the random bee that always seems to make its way into the quaint little store.
Happy to leave the heat of the September sun behind me, I walk through the doors, welcome the air-con, grab a cart, and head for the dairy section to grab some milk. My sister has an addiction to milk and cookies and seems to partake in them every night, leaving me with little to no milk the next morning. I swing the glass door open, grab a gallon, and then move on to yogurt and cheese before heading down the next aisle.
Everyone seems to be discussing the upcoming Beard competition at the local bar. Holly mentioned going, but I’m the introvert out of the two of us and want to skip it.
“I’m sure he’ll win again this year. Have you seen how long it’s gotten?” I hear a woman say before she snickers.
“And it’s oh so thick,” Another woman adds, and the two fall into a fit of giggles.
Their voices sound older than I would expect of two gossiping chickens who are clearly ranting about their appreciation of a man. I find myself too curious not to keep following their voices.
“Now, ladies, that Jenson is bringing a strong game this year, and as you know, the two are close friends. I imagine there will be strong competition this year from both. Will be so hard for us all to pick just one winner,” An older woman announces with humor in her voice.
I hear more snickering before I round the corner to the produce, where I spot three women with white fluffy hair talking to Elenore.
“Now, you all hush. It’s any man’s game. I will say I will be attending along with-” Elenore stops short when she spots me heading her way. Granted, I’m moving as slowly as possible, trying to eavesdrop, which I now realize was very rude.
“Daphne!” Elenore exclaims, waving me over to her group.
My cheeks heat as I join them, regretting my earlier decision to investigate. Curiosity killed the cat, and I would do well to remember that. The last thing I need is to involve myself in small town gossip. There’s always a side you have to choose. This new girl doesn’t have enough street cred with the townfolk to choose wrong, and that’s just too much pressure.
“Who is Daphne?” I hear one woman ask softly.
“Daphne dear, it’s so nice to run into you again,” Elenore says. “This is my dear, sweet friend and wedding dress designer, ladies. I’ll have you know she’s making me a one of kind dress for my big day.” Elenore pulls me into her small side with affection as she beams her mega proud smile.
At the moment, I smile back at her, but a large part of me is anxious she’s not going to like the dress. Nothing would feel worse than letting this kind woman down. She clearly believes in me, but I’m crippled in fear, causing me restless nights without sleep over it.
“Nice to meet you all,” I tell the group with a shy wave.
“Oh, you too, sweetheart. I’m Cora, and this is Gretchen and Judith. We’ve all been friends for too long, so we forget our manners sometimes. Please forgive Gretchen.” The tallest of the women tells me with an outstretched hand.
We shake hands, and Gretchen apologizes. “We are so happy you’ve moved to our little town, dear. I meant nothing by it. Just didn’t know ya.”
“I understand. It’s really no problem. Nice to meet you all.”
Judith shakes my hand last and starts talking about tonight's Beard competition. “You’ll have men literally lined up for you to pick from. It’s a girl’s dream come true.”
“Maybe not this girl. No thanks. I’m too busy for one bearded man, let alone a bar full.”
“Leave Daphne alone, girls. She’s an innocent bystander,” Elenore says, linking my arm with hers. She pulls me away from the crowd, and we walk a short distance before she continues. “But you could just look. I mean, if you wanted to. It’s my bachelorette party. I have never had one before. I’d love it if you could come. Bring Holly. Drinks are on me.” Her big eyes shine with hope, and I can’t think of a single excuse, so I cave in.
“Oh, okay, why not? It’s just a little fun. Holly is always saying I should get out more.”
Elenore drops my arm and claps with glee. “Perfect. I’ll be by to pick you ladies up in style. My man rented us the fancy town limo, so dress your best.”
Then, with a small wave, she makes her way to the check-out counter, leaving me in her dust. That woman has more energy than I do, and I’m not sure what to think about that. I’m not excited about the bachelorette party, but I know my sister will be. Maybe if I go out tonight, it will fill my social quota for a while.
Hours later, I’m back home, and groceries have been put away. I cooked a spaghetti dinner for my sister and me to share over a bottle of rose.
“Oh, my goodness, I’m so full. Thanks, sis, I’ve got dishes,” Holly says, running hot water into the large white farmhouse sink.
“Awesome, ‘cos it’s about time to go, and I still don’t know what to wear.”
“No problem. Check out my closet if you want. I have that dark navy blue dress you said you like.”
I stop my ascent up the stairs to say thank you to her. Secretly, I love that dress, and even though she hasn’t had the chance to wear it yet, I’m going to take her up on the offer.
Walking into Holly’s room is like walking into Santa’s secret workshop. Since we were kids, my sister has loved Christmas, but now that she’s an adult with big girl money, the woman is obsessed. Most of the house is decorated, including the front and back porch, but nothing is as extreme as Holly’s room. It smells like warm sugar cookies when I walk in. Her walls are painted the same dark green as the house, but she has strings of lights across the ceiling. The huge king-size bed takes up most of the space. It is red velvet and decorated with tons of tiny cookie-shaped pillows.
I find lots of red and green inside her closet, so the navy blue is easy to spot. Pulling it out, I take it back to my room and hold it against me while looking in the mirror. It’s perfect, which helps ease the anxiety I’m feeling. I may not be excited to ogle men tonight, but spending the evening with my sister and Elenore sounds like a lot of fun.
After a shower, shave, and a blowout, I meet my sister at the large two sink vanity in her master bath for makeup. When we’re both dressed in our best and slipping into heels right, we hear a car honk outside.
“It’s a huge white limo. Omg, you did not tell me we’re going in a limo,” Holly squeals from the window, making me laugh.
“Oh yeah, sorry, I must have forgotten to mention it. I just knew you would be sold at Beard Competition.”
She rolls her eyes at me as we walk out, locking the wreath-covered door behind us and joining the gaggle of screaming women hanging out the top of the white Limo.
“It’s a party now!” Elenore shouts.
Holly and I are handed flutes of champagne as we climb inside and take our seats on the luxurious black leather. The inside is decorated with pink neon lights, feather boas, and penis-shaped everything. Straws, ice cubes, suckers, you name it, they’ve put it in here. These ladies sure know how to throw a party, I think as I take the first sip and decide to let loose a little tonight. I might not do it often, but I know how to have fun.