Page 46 of It Could Happen
“What do you expect me to do?” the man’s voice says.
“I thought we were going to spend time together and figure out our next step. I can’t go on like this.”
Crap. That’s Rachel’s voice. And she’s talking to Christian.
“I’m doing the best I can,” he wails. “You know how difficult this is. A lot hangs in the balance.”
I quickly hurry away in the other direction. I know enough about this situation as it is, and I don’t want to hear anymore.
I hop into the closest elevator and sail to the top deck, as far away from Rachel and Christian as I can get. When I step off the elevator, I see Matt.
“Hey, stranger. I was just asking Caroline where you were.”
“Hi. I was playing bingo.”
He makes a face. “Really? On a beautiful day like today, you’d rather be playing a game inside?”
I shrug. “Yep.”
It is a beautiful day. With clear skies and a refreshing breeze. However, the excitement of winning money is much more appealing than the constant chaos of this group.
“Well, we saved you a chair,” he says.
I smile. “Great, thanks.”
He leads me over to where the whole gang, except Rachel and Christian, are sitting. I remember Erica saying they reserved a huge cabana and section just for us.
Caroline and Andy cheer as soon as they see me. My eyes immediately divert to Leslie and Tyler, who are sitting on the edge of the pool together. He’s certainly making his rounds today—and as much as I don’t want it to admit, it bothers me. Leslie is the worst.
“Where have you been?” Caroline asks. “Did you have a nice morning?”
“I was playing bingo,” I say nonchalantly.
“Did you win?” Erica asks, joining us with a green smoothie in her hand.
Seeing her reminds me that her boyfriend is elsewhere on this ship with her friend.
“Unfortunately not.”
“That’s a shame, but now you can spend the rest of the day with us,” Caroline exclaims. “Matt saved you a chair next to him.”
Her eyes light up as soon as she says those words. No doubt the dreams of me and her good friend Matt falling madly in love are filling her mind.
Out of the corner of my eye, I sneak another glance at Tyler and Leslie in the pool.
“Sounds great.”
Matt is a super nice guy, and I like hanging out with him. I might as well make the most of my last few hours on this boat. Stupid Leslie and Tyler aren’t going to ruin it for me.
Almost immediately, a pool attendant arrives and sets up my chair. He adds a cover and hands me two fresh towels. Not even a second later, a bartender appears with a tray of mimosas and plain juice. I select the juice because, much like piña coladas, I don’t care for alcohol in my orange juice either.
“Wow. This is excellent service,” I remark.
“Aren’t they fabulous?” Caroline exclaims. “Even my mother would be pleased, and she’s a tough one to impress.”
“How is your mom?” I ask, as I settle onto the soft lounge chair.
“She’s great. In full wedding mode, as you can imagine.”
