I know stylists, makeup artists, designers. If we’re going to do this, we’re going to do it right.
Elena walked into the bathroom and closed the door. It was the nicest bathroom she had been in for 3 years.
Clean, bright, with a big bathtub and shower. She turned on the water and stood there for a moment, just watching the steam rise.
It took her almost an hour to feel truly clean. She washed her hair three times.
She scrubbed her skin until it was pink and fresh. She stood under the hot water until it started to run cold, just enjoying the feeling of being warm and clean.
When she finally came out wrapped in a soft bathrobe that Marissa had left for her, she found Marissa sitting in the living room with a notebook full of notes.
“Feel better?” Marissa asked. “So much better?” Elena said. “I forgot what it felt like to be really clean.”
“Good. Now sit down. We need to make a plan.” Elena sat on the couch and Marissa showed her the notes she had made.
I called my friend Sophia. Marissa said she’s one of the best dress designers in the city.
She’s agreed to meet with us tomorrow to find you the perfect dress. I also called my hair stylist Marco.
He can see you on Friday. And my makeup artist friend Lisa will come here on Saturday afternoon to do your makeup before the wedding.
Elena’s eyes widened. Marissa, that all sounds incredibly expensive. Don’t worry about the money, Marissa said.
I told you I’m covering it. Besides, I called in some favors. Sophia owes me because I helped her get three new clients last month.
Marco said he’d give us a discount. And Lisa is doing it for free because I told her the whole story and she was so angry at your ex-husband that she insisted on helping.
People want to help me? Elena asked, her voice full of wonder. Of course they do, Marissa said.
You’re not the villain in this story, Elena. Jonathan is. And when people hear what he’s done to you, what he’s planning to do at his wedding, they want to help you prove him wrong.
Elena felt something warm spreading through her chest. For so long, she had felt completely alone.
