Her expression skeptical, Bella looked around. “I thought we were looking for your wedding dress first.” Maureen raised her eyebrows. “Are you telling me we can’t find me a wedding dress here? This place is as large as a small country.” Straightening her skirt, Bella responded. “I was thinking in terms of a boutique.” Maureen heaved a sigh. “Touch your amulet, sugar.” “I wish you’d quit saying that.” Maureen scowled but did as she was told. “Inside this place is an art supply store, shoe stores too numerous to count, one or two boutiques and several department stores that carry bridal gowns.” The amethyst in the amulet removed the exasperation from her voice. Bella shuddered. “I couldn’t live with myself if we got your dress at a department store.” Maureen didn’t make the sarcastic remark, Bella expected. In fact, she’d be surprised if Maureen had heard her at all. Her friend was glancing in her rearview mirror. “What’s the matter, sugar?” When Maureen didn’t answer, Bella repeated it, tension slithering up her spine like a snake wrapping its scaly body around her.
