Page 23 of It Could Happen
“You would know,” he says with a chuckle.
I’m so glad he’s so amused at my expense.
Our conversation is interrupted by the server coming to take our orders. Meanwhile, Jeannie and her husband finally arrive. The table is all abuzz with talk about the spontaneous pre-wedding cruise.
Tyler continues to throw glances in my direction, despite Leslie’s very obvious attempts to keep his attention. As much as I don’t want to admit, it bothers me a little.
Honestly, Tyler wouldn’t be someone I’d normally be interested in. Most of my past relationships have been with men who are more on the serious side. The brooding type with mommy issues, to be more specific. Huh, maybe that’s been the problem. I’ve known for a while that I should branch out. I’ve always been a believer in things happening the way they are meant to. Of course this doesn’t mean that something is meant to happen with Tyler. Like I told Parker, he’s already spoken for, and I’d rather not deal with stupid Leslie and her wrath. That’s the last thing I want to add to Caroline’s plate. Meanwhile I’ve somehow agreed to take a cruise with these people. Caroline has always had a way of bringing out a different side of me. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
ChapterSeven
“What? You’re going on a cruise and it’s free? Where do I sign up to be Caroline’s friend?” Parker whines.
I laugh and lean back in my chair. “I should introduce you to her. I know you’ll love her. Caroline is one of the best people you’ll ever meet.”
“Yes, it would be fun to meet her,” she exclaims. “And the other bridesmaids. Which reminds me—how’s that going?”
I shrug. “Oh, you know. Leslie isn’t even attempting to pretend like she likes me. No one has said anything yet, but they could be completely oblivious. Caroline is understandably caught up in all the excitement.”
Ever since the dress fitting and dinner, I’ve been trying to decide how to approach the Leslie situation. I learned a long time ago that you can’t force someone to like you, but I just don’t want there to be more tension like there was at the table. Although, I’m pretty sure the only person to pick up on it was Tyler. Thankfully, the remainder of the evening was filled with discussion about the islands and excursions.
“I’m sure someone has noticed if she’s constantly being rude to you.”
I shrug. “There is someone.”
Parker gives me a curious look. “Someone?”
I tell her about Tyler, and you’d think it was the best news she’s ever heard.
“Wait, are you attracted to this Tyler person?”
I open and close my mouth quickly.
“Tori Hayes, I thought we were close. Are you holding out on me?”
I giggle.
“Not at all. There’s nothing to tell, other than he’sslightlyattractive and completely full of himself. And he has the most annoying monster truck that he’s named Axel. Who names their cars?”
“I think a lot of people do,” she says flatly.
“Ugh. Please don’t say that. Whose side are you on?”
Parker gives me a wistful look, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head.
“You can stop because it doesn’t matter,” I insist. “Leslie and Tyler are already teaming up. And Tyler really isn’t my type anyway.”
“That could be a good thing,” she reminds me.
I cover my face with my hand. She might have a point.
“Anyway, let’s talk about more important things like the promotion or you and Spencer. Or Shannon’s new power suit.”
She laughs. Thankfully I manage to get Parker off the subject of Tyler and Leslie, even though I know it’s not the end of the conversation.
It doesn’t take long for the group chat to get fired up and, of course, today’s topic is the cruise. Mary, the Carlisle family travel agent, has sent us all a request for passport information, and she’s making all the arrangements for the weekend after next. I would think the wedding festivities would be a priority, but I guess a quick hop over to the Bahamas won’t get in the way.
Within two hours I receive an email with a confirmation and itinerary for the cruise. My mouth drops open when I see that I’m assigned to a cabin with Rachel and Leslie. I consider asking Caroline about it, but since it’s a free cruise I decide to keep my mouth shut. I’m assuming Leslie is thinking the same thing. I guess it makes sense for us to bunk together since we’re the three single girls in the group. This actually might be a good thing, maybe it’s a chance for us to get to know each other and possibly become friends. Stranger things have happened.
