Susan Had an Explanation

During cocktail hour, Natalie finally confronted her.

Not aggressively.

At least not yet.

She walked over and said:

“Susan, didn’t Emily ask everyone not to wear white?”

Susan looked at her dress.

“This isn’t white.”

Natalie raised an eyebrow.

“What color is it?”

“Champagne.”

Natalie glanced toward Emily’s wedding gown.

“Very bridal champagne.”

Susan smiled thinly.

“I didn’t realize the bride’s sister was the fashion police.”

Natalie immediately replied:

“I didn’t realize the groom’s mom was auditioning to be the bride.”

Emily stepped between them.

“Enough.”

Susan looked offended.

“I haven’t done anything.”

Emily answered:

“I know. Let’s just enjoy the wedding.”

For the moment, everyone walked away.

But the argument was far from over.

Then Came the Family Photos

The photographer gathered immediate family outside.

Emily stood beside Daniel.

Susan walked directly to Daniel’s other side.

The photographer adjusted the group.

Then looked at Susan.

Then Emily.

Then back at Susan.

Even he seemed confused by how similar the colors looked.

Natalie noticed.

Of course she did.

During one photo, Susan placed her hand on Daniel’s arm and joked:

“Look, we almost match.”

A few relatives laughed awkwardly.

Emily didn’t.

Natalie’s expression changed.

Later, she would say that was the moment she stopped believing the dress had been an innocent choice.