Page 25 of It Could Happen
I clear my throat. “Hmm … is there anything going on with her personally? A man, maybe?”
“I thought about that,” she exclaims. “She was seeing a guy she met at a work conference for a few months. It ended rather abruptly. She claims it fizzled out, but I wonder if there’s more to the story.”
I’m not sure what to say. I feel weird sharing my theory with her before I have all the facts. If I’m completely mistaken—it will make things super weird.
“I think the cruise will be good for everyone,” she continues. “And I’m really hoping it gives you an opportunity to spend time with the girls.”
“Yes, that would be great.”
“Which reminds me—I know Leslie can be a lot, but she’s one of the most loyal people you’ll ever meet. She’s really excited to get to know you.”
Hah. I wonder if Leslie actually told her that.
“Yeah, same. Anyway, maybe Rachel is just in a funk,” I say. “It happens, but I’ll try to talk to her on the cruise. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people you don’t know.”
It really doesn’t seem like Caroline has an inkling about Rachel or her possible interest in Christian. If there’s really something going on, it’s going to be a major blow to this friend group. I’m really hoping I’m wrong because something like this could change things forever.
* * *
“I think we should make a toast,” Parker says, holding up her margarita. “To you taking over as our new director of sales.”
I roll my eyes. “That would be great if I were offered the job. The position is still vacant, remember.”
She gives me a wicked smile. “Don’t worry about it. Spencer will come through, I know it.”
We’re sitting in one of our favorite restaurants, Party Tacos, after work, and she’s catching me up on all the flirtatious glances she and Spencer have been exchanging.
“More importantly, are you ready for your weekend in the islands?”
I nod. “Mostly. Other than being a little nervous about the cabin situation.”
She smiles. “You know how cruises are. You’re barely in your cabin except to sleep. And who knows if you’ll even do that.”
I snort. “Very funny.”
“It’s true. And if things get really bad, you could just grab a pillow and a blanket and sleep under the stars.”
Now that’s a thought. And anything would be better than sleeping in a cabin with Leslie who doesn’t like me and Rachel who’s acting super shady.
“I’m convinced weddings bring out a different side of people,” Parker says, dipping her chip in the tiny bowl of salsa. “My bet is that you all end up good friends in the end.”
“Maybe,” I say cautiously. “On another note, Caroline told me that she’s super worried about Rachel and asked me to talk to her.”
“It makes sense. You’re not in her immediate circle, so she might be more open with you. Or she’ll remain a closed book since she barely knows you.”
“We’ll see.”
Parker excuses herself to use the restroom, so I pick up my phone and start scrolling through the latest bridesmaid texts. The shower is the latest topic of discussion, and there are some issues with a few people on the guest list. It’s no surprise that Leslie is the one with the problem. Seriously, does she like anyone?
I shake my head and put my phone down on the table.
When I look up, someone by the door catches my eye. Holy crap—it’s Tyler, and he’s not alone. A tall, blonde woman is standing next to him, talking to the hostess.
All of a sudden my heart starts to beat faster. I consider hiding behind a menu or something, but before I have a chance, he spots me. It’s too late to make an escape, so I pretend not to see him and casually pick up my phone.
“Well, this is a nice surprise,” Tyler’s voice says.
I look up and try to act surprised to see him. “Oh, hey.”
