They were outside now, and Janet pointed at a bright-red classic VW Beetle. They both climbed in, Ryann tickled by the idea of being in one of these things. She’d seen them around, of course, but didn’t think people actually drove them as their primary car. It was loud when it started, but it seemed to run well, and they tore out of the downtown area, tires squealing on the corners.

“Sorry,” Janet said, when she had to brace herself from sliding out of her seat. “I drive like shit, too. It’s because I’m always late, I guess.”

She wasn’t used to this kind of woman—the self-deprecating kind. Was she supposed to reassure her, even if what she’d said was true? She settled on a weak smile, which Janet returned tenfold.

“We’re going to be great friends,” Janet said, squeezing her hand. The motion made the car swerve wildly, and she was forced to grab the dashboard and her seat again.

The brick building they pulled up to ten minutes later didn’t seem like a dress shop, or a business of any kind, really—a little like Joan’s bakery yesterday. Both businesses seemed to be for people in the know. A small sign was affixed above the door, but as this entrance was in the back of the building, it hadn’t been redone in a while, and the lettering was faded to the point of illegibility.

Janet dragged her inside by one hand. It was even stranger inside than the out, the two of them walking into a lowly lit room packed with garment racks and clotheslines stuffed with dresses and suits.

“We’re back here,” a woman called from somewhere in the distance.

Janet led her through tight rows of clothing to a back area. Here was a small office and some brighter lighting. They also found the other sisters, all of whom were seated on a couple of old couches, drinking champagne.

“You’re late,” Jos said.

Janet said, “It’s not my fault—”

“It’s not, really. It was mine,” Ryann said. “I got the times mixed up.”

Jos narrowed her eyes. “Okay. We’ll blame the new girl this time.”

Julia stood up, holding two champagne flutes.

“There are some sandwiches, if you want anything to eat,” she said, pointing.

She grabbed a plate before taking a seat on the only empty couch. Janet joined her a moment later. Ryann smiled at her, sipping the surprisingly good wine.

The other three sisters were watching them, Jos’s eyes still narrowed, assessing, the others smiling lightly, like Janet.

“So…” Jos finally said. “Maddie’s new piece is in the wedding for some reason.”

“What?” Janet said.

Joan said, “She’s not—”

“I mean, I get it,” Jos went on. “You’re hot. You’ll be great in the photos.”

“Jos,” Julia said. “You are way off base, here.”