Off The Rack: Inklet, #2

By Liana Brooks

A free groom and a half-price ring bearer with every wedding gown purchase: the perfect solution to Lisa's relationship problem. 

Now she just has to choose the right groom. Ah, what the heck: why not spring for a custom-made? 

Because this time, Lisa's getting the best her money can buy. 

A light-hearted contemporary science fiction for everyone who's ever loved revenge stories. 

2500 words / Designer Human Science Fiction

Welcome to Inklets, a series of short (and sometimes short-short) stories ranging from sci-fi to fantasy to lingering just on the edge of normal. One thing's for sure: you won't look at the world the same way again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkprint Press
• Release date: Jan 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386102991

Liana Brooks

Liana Brooks once read the book GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett and noted that both their biographies invited readers to send money (or banana daiquiris). That seems to have worked well for them. Liana prefers strawberry daiquiris (virgin!) and will never say no to large amounts of cash in unmarked bills. Her books are sweet and humorous with just enough edge to keep you reading past your bedtime. Liana was born in San Diego and in addition to there has lived in Illinois, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Kansas. We'd like to tell you where she is right now, but last we checked she was researching books on both Alaska and Africa. Not only are the bookstore algorithms breaking trying to track this lady, but we can't tell you where to mail that daiquiri. Your best bet is to try Twitter where you can often find @LianaBrooks talking about her four kids, her giant dog, and plans for world domination.

Book preview

Off The Rack

INKLET #2

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Liana Brooks

www.InkprintPress.com

Off The Rack

The solution to Lisa’s problem glowed neon in the fading light. She pulled into the parking lot under the sign with words blinking Free Groom Half Price Ring Bearer w/ Every Wedding Gown.

Inside, the boutique was softly lit. No crass racks of squashed satin dresses here. Elegant confections of lace, pearl, and silk each stood center spotlight in a variety of wedding vistas.

One gown, a simple silk design, was advertised as the best for a beach wedding, the price for beach and horses thoughtfully included on the price tag. Another gown looked like the work of a deranged fairy godmother with some magpie in her ancestry, and was touted as ideal for a themed Cinderella wedding.

Lisa browsed until she caught the clerk’s attention.

I’m so sorry you had to wait, Miss. I was just seeing to another happy customer. Now, which dress were you looking at?

I rather like the beach dress— Lisa began.

A favorite theme, the clerk interrupted, nodding enthusiastically. Very chic this season.

Lisa pulled an indecisive face. Yes, but the train doesn’t quite suit me.

If you can describe what you want, I can point you in the direction of several lovely gowns. Or I can show you some of our recent arrivals?

Something figure-hugging, but not trashy. Lisa sketched an hourglass shape in the air with her hands. I want to go for understated taste and old-world elegance. Maybe a few pearls or a touch of crystal. Nothing ostentatious though.

A pad of paper had appeared from nowhere and