Page 58 of It Could Happen
Thanks. Good luck in your golf game.
I pause before sending my response. There’s no reason to overthink it. It’s a text message. I hit send and head to the hotel.
When I arrive, I find Erica pacing back and forth in front of the entrance to the ballroom. She’s wearing a form-fitting baby pink mini dress and a pair of four-inch gold wedges. She looks stunning as usual, but something seems off. She has a faraway look on her face, and it’s clear that something’s bothering her.
“Hey. Are you okay?” I ask.
She practically collapses in my arms as soon as she sees me.
“Tori, I’m glad you’re here.”
I immediately get a sinking feeling in my stomach.
“Did something happen? Is Caroline okay? Are the cupcakes okay?”
The last part totally slips out.
She nods. “She’s fine. I just don’t know how I’m going to get through this day.”
“Okay. Why?”
Tears begin to fill her eyes, and I can tell that she’s desperately trying to hold them in.
“It doesn’t matter. I have to keep it together for Caroline.”
I purse my lips. “Is there anything I help with?”
She shakes her head. “Everything is set for the shower.”
“That’s good,” I suggest.
All of sudden her body sinks down to the floor, and she lets out a gasp. I drop down to assist her.
“Christian has been cheating on me,” she whispers.
And there it is. At least I don’t have to worry about being the one to deliver the awful news.
Poor Erica.
I have so many questions, but I can see how much pain she’s in. Her usual bright aura is diminished, and the joy isn’t there. I can’t begin to imagine how devastated she must be.
“How do you … when did you find out?”
She dabs the corners of her eyes with her fingertips. “Last night. He was taking a shower, and his phone kept buzzing nonstop. I picked it up to take it to him, and a message popped up on the screen.”
She hasn’t mentioned Rachel, so I’m wondering if she knows that part of the story.
“Did you confront him?”
She nods her head. “At first he tried to make excuses, but I finally got him to admit it.”
She closes her eyes and puts her hand on her chest.
“Does Caroline know?”
She shakes her head. “I didn’t tell her yet. I just couldn’t upset her today.”
And this is what makes Erica a true friend. She’s willing to put her suffering aside to allow Caroline to enjoy her day.
