Page 20 of It Could Happen
She giggles. “I know. Just don’t tell my mother. She thinks Andy and I met at the library.”
I snort. “The library? Wow, Charlotte Carlisle is a naïve one.”
She turns around and checks the back of the dress. “Yes, I told her a story about how our eyes met across the university library and there was an instant connection between us.” She pauses for a second. “At least that part is true.”
I giggle.
Our conversation is interrupted by her phone buzzing.
“It’s Andy,” she announces, holding up her phone. “He’s meeting up with a few of the guys for dinner and drinks later. Who’s in?”
“I am,” Leslie exclaims without hesitation.
Hah, no surprise there.
“I can’t,” Erica says. “My cousin is in town, and Christian and I are having dinner with her and her husband.”
I peer at Rachel out of the corner of my eye.
“I’ll go,” Rachel exclaims as soon as she finds out Erica and Christian won’t be in attendance. The others don’t seem to pick up on her odd reaction. Except—I notice Jeannie give her a funny look. Wait, maybe Jeannie suspects something too? I’m not sure why I’m so fascinated by this. It has nothing to do with me.
“I’d love to go,” I say. “What about you, Jeannie?”
She twists her mouth to the side.
“An evening out with my little brother and his friends? I’ll think about it,” she says, sounding unconvinced.
I giggle. I get it—have a brother too.
She steps outside to call her husband, while Caroline, Erica, and Leslie start talking to the shop associate, leaving me alone with Rachel.
“Hey, Rachel,” I say cheerfully. “Are you feeling okay?”
She gives me a confused look. “Of course, why?”
“You seem kind of quiet today.”
What am I saying? I’m not an expert on Rachel’s behavior. She could always be this quiet for all I know. She’s definitely more reserved than the others.
“I’m totally fine,” she replies, holding up her glass. “Enjoying the free champagne.”
Well, I guess that’s my answer. I’m certainly not going to pry—and I can’t just come out and ask if she has feelings for Erica’s boyfriend.
“Areyouokay?” Rachel asks, clearly trying to change the subject. “Overwhelmed by all the bridesmaid responsibilities and big egos yet?”
I laugh. “Nope.”
“It’s still early,” she says flatly before taking another sip of her champagne.
* * *
I’ve always considered myself to be a very observant person. I’ve only known Caroline’s besties for a brief amount of time, but I’m already noticing the cracks in thissolidfriend tribe. Rachel’s mood improved significantly when Erica left to meet up with Christian. And Leslie would definitely be team Erica if she had to choose between the girls. I remember Caroline telling me they worked together, so that makes sense. Leslie has barely said two words to me the whole day, which isn’t a surprise. Regardless, it’s obvious that the one thing they all have in common is their admiration for Caroline.
“Tori, why did it take us so long to get together?” Caroline asks while we’re standing in the restaurant lobby. “I feel so bad that I haven’t been a better friend.”
We’re the first two to arrive at the restaurant following the dress fitting.
“You have to stop,” I insist. “I haven’t exactly gone out of my way to be a great friend either. I could’ve made more of an effort too.”
