Josie laid out her dress on the bed, looking it over for any imperfections. She smiled. It was still as flawless as the day she’d bought it, just a little smaller thanks to the sewing club.

She turned at the knock on her door. “Come in!”

“Is Lizzie around?” Alaric asked as his eyes swept over the room. “I need to talk to both of you.”

Josie shook her head, holding the dress up in the mirror. She twisted her hips and admired the long skirt. “No, she’s not here.”

Alaric tilted his head at how untalkative his usually chatty daughter was being. “What’s wrong?”

Josie turned, already forming tears in the corners of her eyes. “My date backed out,” she said as she brushed at her cheeks.

“That’s not like Penelope.” 

Josie shook her head. “Andrea.”

“Andrea?” Alaric leaned back. “You two are friends?”

“More than friends.” Josie turned her head. “I really thought she liked me. But I guess not.”

Alaric sighed. “Is it possible things were just going a little too fast? She is new to all this.”

Josie scoffed. “It’s always too fast. I care too much. It’s a problem.”

Alaric stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. “Not for anyone worthy of you, it isn’t.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Josie grinned. “Besides, now everyone will be looking at me, not my date.”

Alaric laughed a little. “Sure.”

Josie turned back to her mirror, positioning her dress again. “I’ll let you know if I see Lizzie.”

“I appreciate it.”

After he left, Josie pulled the sides of her dress around her waist. It seemed like it would fit right now.