And I picked up the baby, kissed his soft cheek, and said nothing.
“You coming to the beach?” Dylan asked.
“In a minute,” I said. “I want to see this.”
“I want to see this.”
I walked toward the sliding doors, the ocean breeze cool against my face.
For the first time all week, I felt tall.
Behind me, I heard the click of Diane’s heels marching down the hallway with the confidence of a woman who had no idea what awaited her.
I stepped onto the warm sand, positioned myself far from the camera, and waited.
I quietly watched her walk out to the crowded beach, knowing that whatever happened next would be unforgettable.
For the first time all week, I felt tall.
She swept onto the sand like she’d been waiting all week for this moment.
My jaw dropped.
She was wearing my dress!
“I thought I’d show everyone how this dress is supposed to look,” she announced with a smug smile, smoothing the skirt over her hips. “After all, some clothes really do belong on the right figure.”
She was wearing my dress!
Her eyes found mine.
“I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed it, dear.”
The beach fell strangely quiet.
Even Dylan looked caught off guard.
Before anyone could say anything, my brother-in-law lifted his phone with a grin.
“Everybody squeeze in! We’re live on Instagram!”
Even Dylan looked caught off guard.
A chorus of little notification sounds chimed from his phone as viewers joined.
Diane beamed and checked her phone.
“Oh, hold on,” she called, lifting one finger. “Get a good shot first.”
She stepped away from the group, turning toward the camera as though she were on a runway instead of a public beach.
Gasps sounded from the group the moment she turned her back on us.
I stifled a laugh.
This was even better than I’d expected!
“Get a good shot first.”
“Mom, wait,” Dylan’s sister called out.
It was too late.
Diane did a twirl.
The back seam of the dress must’ve torn when she was squeezing into it.
It gaped open as she spun, exposing Diane’s bright neon shapewear.
And far more of her backside than she’d ever intended.
It was too late.
For one surreal second, Diane kept smiling, kept twirling.
She was completely unaware that everyone tuned into the Instagram live was seeing more of her than they’d ever expected.
Then, as she took another proud step toward the camera, the strained fabric surrendered completely.
RIPPP.
