60. Marina

Asea of dresses was spread over Marina and Larissas beds. Some were from Frankie and Mia, others were from Peters relatives, and one was from Amanda, or rather the person she borrowed it from.

Amanda refused to disclose the information for some reason. Perhaps the lady who had donated the dress was embarrassed about letting someone else wear it, or maybe she was just the shy type who didnt want Larissa to thank her.

So, whats the verdict? Marina asked.

Lace and chiffon, silk and brocade, they came in all shapes, fabrics, and colors, and the one she had on now was red, had a tight bodice, and was short in the front and long in the back.

Larissa regarded her with a hand on her hips and pursed lips. Its hard to decide. They all look so good on you, but this one is a little too much.

I agree. Marina lowered the zipper in the back and peeled off the dress.

Thankfully, the dress Amanda had brought for Larissa fit her with the help of a travel sewing kit and some creative adjustments. Amanda hadnt stayed to see the transformation, leaving moments after arriving, saying that she needed to make an appearance at the bachelorette party for tonights bride.

It was so weird that they were celebrating the bachelor and bachelorette parties on the same day as the weddings, but maybe it was the immortals tradition.

Since you are wearing purple, Ill go with black. Marina draped the red dress over the bed and lifted the one that was the most flattering on her. I cant do red with my blue hair, and the gold one is a bit too much, so black it is.

Larissa nodded. Black is always a safe bet. She patted the curlers on top of her head. Will you help me with my hair and makeup?

Of course. Marina pulled on a t-shirt and motioned for Larissa to sit on the only desk chair in the cabin.

Just not too much foundation, Larissa warned. I dont want to look like I have plaster on my face.

The prospect of being Jays date for tonight excited her roommate, but it also made her a little jittery, which wasnt surprising. It was the first wedding that Larissa was attending as a guest. It wasnt Marinas first, but she was even more nervous tonight than she was the first time.

Shed lowered her guard this morning and blurted to Peter that shed noticed him because hed looked defeated. The guarded look in his eyes had said it all.

He was a smart guy, and hed put two and two together, realizing that she thought him easy prey. Shed managed to salvage the situation with some clever wording that hadnt been a lie, but in retrospect, it would have been better to come clean.

The weight of the deceit pressed down on her.

She was in love with Peter, and with that came the fear of losing him if he learned the truth. But the flip side was that keeping it from him was not healthy in the long run.

Yeah, as if there was a long run.

There was no future for them, and even though Peter might have feelings for her, he wouldnt allow himself to fall in love with her because that would be plain stupid.

Marina finished removing the hair rollers and brushed out Larissas locks with her fingers. I think it looks perfect the way it is. Her voice wobbled a little, and her friend noticed.

Looking at her through the mirror, Larissa frowned. Whats wrong? Youve been moody the entire day.

Marina had thought that shed done a good job of hiding her inner turmoil, but apparently, Larissa knew her too well to be fooled by her fake smiles.

Her friends earnestly concerned expression broke the dam, and Marina found herself wanting to confess everything. Ive fallen into my own snare, she said after telling Larissa her plan. I love Peter, and he cares about me, but not the same way I care about him.

Larissas eyes were soft as she regarded Marina in the mirror. You need to tell Peter the truth and get it off your chest. Honesty is scary, but its liberating. If what you have with Peter is real, hell understand that you were desperate, and he will forgive you. If not, then hes not worthy of your love, and its better to find that out sooner rather than later.

Larissa was a simple girl, but what shed said made perfect sense, her words echoing the thoughts that had been circling in Marinas mind.

The fear of Peters reaction had held her back, but she couldnt allow their relationship, as fleeting and short as it might be, to be built on a foundation of lies and omissions.

No matter how terrifying the prospect, she owed Peter the truth.