Page 40 of It Could Happen
As I wander back to the restaurant, I try to wrap my head around what I overheard. I knew Christian was too good to be true, he’s so over the top when it comes to Erica, and Rachel is completely smitten with him. It’s also clear that Caroline’s tribe is very close to imploding, I just hope it happens after her big day.
ChapterTen
Wow, just wow. I return to the table and slip into my chair. No one seems to notice that I was gone or that Rachel is still missing. I take a sip of my water and settle into my chair. All of a sudden, things look different. I knew there was more to this group, but I’m still a little stunned by Rachel’s admission.
“Is everything all right?” Matt asks.
“Just fine.”
“We missed you,” Tyler adds playfully. Leslie is engaged in a conversation with Andy and Caroline, so she doesn’t hear him. Is he trying to get a reaction from her? Maybe he’s only flirting with me to make her even more interested.
“Sure, you did.”
“We did, right, Matt?”
Matt nods. “Although I missed you more.”
Tyler shrugs. “Tori knows the truth.”
“Yes, she does,” Matt counters.
Honestly, I don’t even know if they are joking or being serious right now. Luckily, Erica speaks up to interrupt their argument about who missed me more while I had my little jaunt to the restroom. She announces that our Jet Skiing excursion is booked for eight o’clock in the morning and that we should meet for breakfast first. I’m beginning to wonder if she ever sleeps. She reminds me of the Energizer Bunny.
I’m curious to see how she acts when the wedding weekend arrives. She’s still talking, but I’m barely listening to what she’s saying because I’m thinking about what happened between her boyfriend and her friend. Christian definitely has her fooled, she’s completely blind to his behavior. How could he do this to her? Poor Erica. I believe she means well. She’s only trying to make sure everyone has a good time and be the best friend and MOH to Caroline.
On the other hand, I like Rachel too, despite her terrible mistake. I’m not going to avoid her because of her questionable choices. Admittedly, it’s a bit shocking that Rachel would be the one to betray her friend. I would’ve guessed Leslie would fill that role, which is probably unfair for me to say. Just because Leslie doesn’t like me, doesn’t make her a bad friend.
“So, we’re Jet Skiing together after all,” Tyler says. “I’m looking forward to seeing you on one of those things. Do you think you can keep up?”
Tyler must really enjoy trying to get under my skin.
“Actually, I think you should be worried about keeping up with me,” I say confidently. “I hope you can drive one of those better than you drive your truck. Lucky for you, there’s no parking involved.”
Hah. I’m totally bluffing. There’s no chance I’ll be faster than Tyler on a Jet Ski. Of course I’ll never admit it.
“Ah, a little friendly competition. I like it.”
While Tyler and I are chatting, I notice Leslie shooting looks at us, and I’m expecting her to interrupt at any moment. All of a sudden, Caroline comes over and kneels behind me to ask about where Rachel is. Naturally, Christian has been enjoying himself with his arm stretched out behind Erica. The guy doesn’t seem the slightest bit concerned about the consequences of his actions. I guess he believes Rachel won’t say anything.
“She said she needed to get something from the cabin,” I tell her. “I’m sure she’ll be back soon.” Although, I’m not sure of anything right now. Rachel just unloaded a massive secret, and I’m already feeling guilty for not telling Caroline. My only loyalty should be to her.
“I’m really getting concerned about her,” Caroline says, a slight panic in her voice. “And it’s all my fault. She didn’t want to come on this cruise, and I talked her into it.”
“Don’t let her ruin your weekend,” Leslie says, chiming in. “If she wants to be miserable, that’s her problem.”
I hate to admit it, but I kind of agree with Leslie. Even though Caroline talked her into coming, she was only doing so with good intentions.
“What’s going on?” Tyler asks, turning around.
It would be impossible for him not to hear our conversation since he’s sitting right between Leslie and me.
Caroline tells him about Rachel’s recent behavior. I remain silent as I try to process what I know.
Ugh. How can I keep this from Caroline?
“Maybe she just needs some space,” Tyler suggests. “A few minutes to clear your head can do wonders. And why not let her take some time to herself this weekend? Don’t force her to do any of the big group activities.”
My jaw drops.
