Page 14 of It Could Happen
I hold up my hands. “Please don’t.”
“But I’m so sorry,” she wails. “After Andy and I got engaged, I was having a conversation with my mother about the wedding. She asked who I wanted in my bridal party. You were one of the first people to come to my mind. You helped me to navigate being out on my own for the first time.”
“And you did the same for me,” I say.
She shakes her head. “Not really. You understood what life was about. I could barely do laundry, and let’s not even talk about what a disaster I was in the kitchen. Although that hasn’t really changed. Poor Andy.”
I giggle. “He knows what he’s getting into.”
“Yes, he does.” A smile spreads across her face. “At least I’ll be a good wife in other areas.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. Andy adores you. Let’s be honest, the man fell in love with you the first time he laid eyes on you.”
She beams. “You were there the night we met, which is another reason I knew you had to be a part of this day.”
“Well, like I told you on the phone, I’m honored.”
We’re interrupted by a woman in a white fur coat. I take a sip of my wine and look around again. People-watching is very entertaining, and I have a feeling it’s only going to get better as the months go on.
“I’m sorry,” Caroline says, returning to our conversation.
“You don’t need to apologize. Everyone is here to see you.”
“I know, but I really do want to catch up,” she says. “Let’s plan to have lunch. We’re long overdue.”
Rachel joins us, and we start discussing the gowns Caroline has chosen for us to wear. Thankfully, she has impeccable taste. I’ve seen some of the nightmare bridesmaid dresses out there, and I’m grateful I won’t be wearing a tacky polyester frock. I love the movie27 Dresses, but let’s be honest, there were some really bad options.
After Caroline is called away, I have a chance to chat with Rachel.
“Caroline told me you met through a mutual friend.”
She nods. “Yes, I believe we were meant to become friends. It’s a shame we lost touch with Kelly.”
She looks over in the direction where Christian and Erica are happily chatting with guests.
“Everyone is so friendly here,” I say, trying to make conversation. “Erica is great.”
Okay, so I know it’s none of my business, but I’m so curious about her interest in Christian.
“Yes, she is,” she says, a slight edge in her voice. “She already has everything practically done. There won’t be much for the rest of us to do.”
Rachel’s eyes peel away from the overly happy couple, and she takes another long sip of her martini. I’m not sure how many she’s had.
“So, are you attending this wedding solo too?” I ask.I’m so bad.My mother would call this poking the bear, a quality I totally learned from her.
“Yes—as of right now.”
Before I have a chance to get more information, “Dancing Queen” by Abba comes on. Caroline squeals excitedly and invites all the ladies to join her on the dance floor. I’ll never turn down a chance to spin around the floor. We’re all singing along to the music when a few of the guys join us. Leslie moves in front of Tyler, who looks like he’s really enjoying himself. She did compliment his truck, which obviously scored her major brownie points. I guess my insulting it didn’t go over so well. Oh well, I have no regrets. It’s not like I said something mean about his dog or a family member.
A few hours later, the party has winded down and people have slowly begun to leave. Rachel looks like she could fall asleep at any moment. Erica and Christian are all over each other—so maybe she’s desperate to make an escape. She finally manages to get Leslie to leave Tyler’s side. They say their good-byes, although I only get a half-wave from Leslie.
“Tori, where did you park?” Caroline asks. “I want to make sure you get to your car safely.”
“She’s parked right next to that awesome black truck,” Tyler offers.
“Oh, good,” she says. “Ty, you make sure she gets there safely. Don’t leave her side.”
“I’ll be fine,” I say quickly.
