Kate Watson

Young Redhead in Evening Gown

Part 2

She had seen Melanie once before, the day that remained to be one of the worst in her life. Just three months after breaking up with Mark, she was at the grocery store in the perfect See-Your-Ex outfit: ratty sweatpants, coffee stained t-shirt, ponytail, and not a stitch of makeup. Yet her face still lit up when Mark spotted her from across a mound of cantaloupes and embraced her, telling her she looked good and he had someone she just had to meet. Then Melanie popped around the corner (she has a habit of popping into view) in a perfectly tailored Chanel suit, highlighted blonde hair and flawless make up. That’s when she extended her hand: her left one. Scarlet was confused until she looked down at the massive rock sparkling back at her. She hadn’t even been on a single date since breaking up with Mark and he was engaged?

“Right.. Melanie! You look beautiful. Is that-?”

“Prada? Yes. Why don’t you come in a little farther, Scarlet honey. You’ve barely made it in the door!” with a forceful yank, Melanie had managed to toss Scarlet away from the wall and into the crowd. “Now honey, I’ve meaning to ask you: you’re such a dear friend of Mark’s, will you be a bridesmaid?”

A friend of Mark’s? How about the love of his life for three solid years before you poofed your way into the picture! thought Scarlet defensively as she merely stammered aloud.

“I’ll take that as a yes!” Melanie turned to Mark. “I’ll be with the Smithersons. See you soon pu’kin!”

Mark turned back to Scarlet and looked apologetic. “You know how these things are. Busy, busy, busy. So many people to talk to whether you want to or not. There must be 300 people here. Pretty impressive, eh? Even for Manhattan?”

Scarlet nodded but couldn’t stop thinking about how green his eyes were. They both had green eyes and she had always thought that made them look wonderful in photos together, and in general come to think of it.

Part 3