Straight from The Onion Vine. Book 3 Lasting Past. Jody Scottsmith

time you see a dress you like say something, will you?”

      “Just because I don’t when you think I should…”

      Kara aso found a dress to try on. Gown Lady let them use the wedding room. There was plenty of room, so they could help each other. Suzanne was first to step in her dress and slipped her arms in the small shoulder sleeves. She looked in the triple mirror while Kara put on the strapless mint green dress.

      “What do you think of this color?” Suzanne asked, “You know…with my dark skin.”

      Kara held her breath to make it easier for Suzanne to zip her dress. “So now you’re going to ‘confess’ you’re Biracial? Like I didn’t know.”

      She examined the dress closer to the mirror. “Is this gold is too dark?”

      “What does that have to do with anything…do you like the dress, or not?”

      “I’m not sure…what do you think?”

      “So who’s ‘whining’ now?” Kara questioned, pushing her way between Suzanne and the mirror. “Look, if you’re going to be a victim…at least be one for something you can work with. You had nothing to do your parents or skin color.”

      Suzanne took a step back, swishing the dress behind her. “Just let me know what you think…about the dress. This time be honest, seriously.”

      Kara laughed at her sarcasm. “I need the whole picture, first.”

      Suzanne slowly turned, holding her head up like a model.

      “The lace on top…looks itchy. The color gives you dark circles under your eyes.”

      Kara put her hands behind her and waited for an opinion.

      “Too much like the one you wore last year.”

      “You’re right,” Kara agreed. “Let’s go back to the first store.”

      They quickly put their jeans on and left the dresses in the room, like Gown Lady asked. 0n the way they passed the cafe where they had lunch.

      “I could use a coffee,” Suzanne suggested; Kara agreed. They self-served, and sat at a small table.

      “Ok so when can I be a victim?”

      “You were before we asked Jeff about your mother,” Kara reminded her.

       “Like if you found her, he’d think you didn’t love him. It was hard, but

       you spoke up. That’s what Annie needs to do. If her mom knew how she felt, maybe she can stop self-destructing. She and her mother need to connect, like you and your dad…and Eleanor.”