The Bridesmaid Read Online Free PDF Page B

Expert? Of course. Better to stock tennis shoes than to help out with the family business.”
    Abby stared at her parents, suddenly feeling totally guilty. She hated hurting them, but she also hated how they just assumed she would be there. How they just expected her to be the good little wedding soldier when they knew she totally hated weddings.
    Sooner or later her parents were going to have to realize that their kids had no interest in taffeta and tulle or the differences between white, ivory and bone.
    “This is unacceptable, Abby. To go out behind our backs and get a job, without even asking us . . . this isn’t like you,” her father said.
    “Dad, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you beforehand, but it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I just saw the sign in the window today. And besides, this way I’ll be making extra cash,” Abby added, trying to appeal to their logical sides. “I won’t have to hit you up for new soccer cleats or gas money or . . . anything else. It’ll be good for everyone.”
    “But Abby—”
    “And you guys just promoted Becky! That girl would sell her Prada on eBay if it meant she could get more hours.” She looked from her mother to her father and back again, her eyes begging. “Please, you guys? I really want to do this.”
    Abby’s mother and father exchanged a long look and finally, her dad sighed. He picked up another frame and went to work on it with the screwdriver.
    “Well, I guess we can’t keep you prisoner here . . . ,” he said. “So if it means that much to you . . .”
    “Yes!” Abby said, jumping up and wrapping her arms around her father’s neck. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
    She kissed her dad on the cheek, then sat down again, her fingers a lot less shaky. A tiny little part of her knew she should mention the Italy program, but after their drastic reaction to a mere job she decided to wait a bit. There was no telling whether she’d even get in. So there was no reason to rock the boat further.
    Not yet.

• 3 •
    With This Ring
    The front door flew open and Carol came tearing out.
    “Ab!” Carol cried. “Abolina!” It was Friday after school and Abby had just gotten home.
    “Carol!” Abby shouted. “You’re home!” The sisters threw their arms around each other and hugged tight. “I thought you weren’t getting here till tomorrow!”
    “I decided to forgo the last night of post-graduation partying,” Carol said. She lifted the soft auburn curls around Abby’s face and let them drop back down against her cheeks. “God, why did you get the good hair?”
    Carol’s own straight brown locks were tied back in a loose ponytail, random pieces hanging carelessly around her face. She wore a purple T-shirt, beaten-up green cargo pants and Birkenstocks, her wrist-cuff tattoo and a slim silver ring her only accessories. She looked stunningly beautiful, as always.
    “So how long have you been here?” Abby asked as they linked arms and walked up the front steps.
    “A few hours. Mom is already trying to rope me into manning the ice cream buffet this weekend. What is wrong with people, Abby. Don’t they know ice cream buffets belong at birthday parties for seven-year-olds?”
    Abby laughed. Her sister had always been a dessert snob.
    “I’m so glad you’re here,” Abby said. “Finally it’s back to the way it should be. Us against them for the entire summer!”
    “Well, Ab, actually there’s something I want to talk to you about.” They entered the foyer and Carol twirled around to face her sister. Carol’s eyes were sparkling and she had a huge crazy-looking grin on her face.
    “You’re all hyper,” Abby said. “What’s your deal?”
    “You’ll see!” Carol said. She pushed open the door to the catering kitchen.
    Their parents were already there, sampling Rocco’s latest pasta concoction.
    “Good! Abby’s home!” their father said, rubbing his hands together. “We finally get to hear the big news.”
    “She’s been