The Dress is a short story written by Colleen Hoover for the Two More Days anthology.
Plot Summary[]
The Dress follows the story of Jessica, a 29-year-old woman who is struggling with body image issues while navigating a complex romantic relationship. She has been dating Chase, a fitness instructor who is self-centered and critical of Jessica's appearance. On their two-year anniversary dinner, Jessica expects Chase to propose, but he tells her that he only wants to marry her if she loses weight. Hurt and disillusioned by his selfishness, Jessica ends the relationship.
After the breakup, Jessica confesses her feelings to Jay, a 22-year-old video game software developer who has been a close friend for three years. Jay, who lives in the same building and works at the same company as Jessica, has secretly been in love with her. The two start dating, despite Jessica's initial apprehension about their seven-year age gap.
Penny, a mutual friend of Jessica’s, plays a key role in the story by introducing Jessica to Chase. Penny is married and often tries to set Jessica up with men, including Chase, whom she knows from the gym.
As Jessica begins a new chapter in her life with Jay, she finds herself reflecting on her self-worth and the relationships that have shaped her, while Jay provides her with the love and support that Chase never did.