Page 2 of It Could Happen
“Or you might meet someone at my wedding,” she exclaims. “There will be plenty of available men in attendance. Ah, now that would be perfect. I would love to be a catalyst for you finding the love of your life.”
“That would be cool,” I say. “But, it sounds like we’re going to be very busy. I’m not going to worry about finding a man when my first priority is to be on the dance floor with you.”
If there’s one thing I love about a good wedding, it’s the dancing.
“Oh, you know we’ll be workin’ it on the dance floor, just like old times,” she shrieks.
I laugh. “Exactly. Bridesmaid duties come first. I’m expecting you to put me to work from here on out.”
I imagine Caroline’s mother is running the show, so who knows what we’ll actually have to do. Maybe planning the shower or bachelorette party?
“Yes, my maid of honor, Erica, will be reaching out to you soon. She has everything under control so far, and she’s super organized like you. I know you’re going to hit it off with her and the others. Right now we’re planning a huge kickoff dinner so everyone can get acquainted. I can’t wait to see you. It’s been way too long.”
I twist my long brown hair around my fingers as I listen to her gush about this dinner.
“It sounds fantastic,” I say when I’m able to get a word in.
A kickoff dinner? For a wedding? I had no idea there was such a thing.
She rattles off a few more things before ending the call. Caroline hasn’t changed a bit—she still has the same positive outlook on life.
I pop a piece of chocolate in my mouth and stretch out on the couch. Here we go. All of a sudden my social calendar is filling up. I’m always up for a good party. Bring on the electric slide.
* * *
When I arrive at the office, I immediately get an uneasy feeling. Not anI’m worried about getting firedfeeling, but definitely like something is coming. There have been a lot of changes in our company recently, so I never know what each day will bring. I really enjoy my job, there’s an undeniable feeling of exhilaration that comes with working in sales. Our team helps companies improve their marketing and communication. I love the challenge and the sense of accomplishment I get when I close a deal.
“Okay, Parker, what’s the scoop?” I say under my breath as soon as I see my friend. Annie Parker and I have worked together for two years, and she always manages to find out information before it’s officially announced. I really think she missed her true calling as a detective or a spy. She says she ends up in the right place at the right time, but how?
“Oh, it’s not good,” she says in a low, dramatic whisper. “Apparently, they’re bringing in a guy who has a reputation of cleaning house within the sales teams. He’s transformed some of the other offices into being super profitable and flourishing—really whipped them into shape.”
“Ugh. We don’t need to be whipped into shape,” I whine.
Although this isn’t entirely true. Our team director Steven is great but approaching retirement, so he’s pretty lax for the most part, except when we’re nearing the end of a month and we aren’t even close to hitting our sales quotas. That’s when he starts popping Tums like they’re candy. There’s even a rumor that he downed a whole bottle in one sitting. I don’t think it’s true though. People love to spread gossip and stir the pot.
“I think Steven is done,” Parker adds, pushing her blonde hair behind her shoulder.
I nod. “Yeah, he has been for a while, but Shannon told me he’s sticking it out for as long as he can.”
She rolls her eyes. “Shannon is full of it. I think they’regentlynudging him out. Apparently, corporate is offering some enticing packages right now … money, stocks, maybe vacations …”
I hold up my hand to stop her. “Are you sure? Where did you get that information?”
The corner of her mouth curls up. “I have my ways.”
I bet she does. All of a sudden, an image of Parker crawling under desks and sneaking around corners pops into my head. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
“So, you think they’re forcing him into retirement?”
She shrugs. “I think they want new blood in here.”
“I guess it makes sense,” I say. “Change is good, right?”
Um, nope. Did I say that out loud? I hate change. I like things to stay the same so I can be in control. I like the comfortable office I’ve become used to over the past two years here at GFP Communications. All this potential change makes me want to hide until it’s safe to come out.
Parker sits down in her chair, which is across from mine, and I pull my phone out of my bag. I have five new text messages waiting for me. Hmm … I just barely checked my phone before coming into the office. I scroll through the messages. Caroline’s maid of honor, Erica, has put together a group chat. Everyone is responding and talking about how excited they are to be in Caroline’s bridal party. There are text messages flying, and now each woman is explaining how they met Caroline and their favorite memory of her. I guess it’s time for me to be a team player too, so I start typing.
Hi, everyone! I’m Tori. Caroline and I met in college. I’m thrilled to be a part of her big day. I was there when she met Andy. They are truly a match made in heaven.
