Page 75 of It Could Happen
“Damn. My stupid tablet is out of power,” Erica wails. “Does anyone have a charger?”
Caroline exchanges a worried glance with Andy.
“You don’t need it,” Leslie tells her, taking it out of her hand and setting it aside.
Andy speaks up, giving Erica the update on the changes to the bridal party and the wedding procession. She doesn’t say anything, only nods her head sadly. This has to be awkward for both of them because Christian was such a major part of their lives. After Andy finishes talking, he and the guys go upstairs to the loft to pay pool.
Caroline exchanges looks with me and Leslie. She kneels down in front of Erica and takes her hands in hers.
“I know how difficult things are for you right now, and I promise that I—we will be here for anything you need.”
Erica presses her lips together, staring vacantly at her.
“We sure will,” Leslie chimes in.
“That being said, you need to take time for yourself over the next few weeks,” Caroline continues. “My mom and the planners have everything under control in Georgia. The only thing we have left to do is our final fittings.”
Erica starts to open her mouth, but Caroline holds up her hand. “Which means I’m canceling the bachelorette party.”
“You can’t,” Erica argues. “I promised you.”
“I told you from the start that I didn’t want anything big,” she reminds her. “We’re all going to be so busy, it’s one less thing to worry about.”
Erica looks heartbroken, but the more Caroline talks, I notice the relief set in.
“I’m going to be better before the wedding,” Erica says firmly. “I won’t let you down again.”
Caroline puts her arms around her. “You’ve never let me down,” she says, her voice shaking.
Watching all of this is very touching. Tears begin to well up in my eyes, and Leslie clears her throat loudly.
“Where’s Rachel?” Leslie snaps, disdain in her tone. “She’s the one who’s letting Caroline down. She’s been totally dropping the ball when it comes to bridesmaid duties.”
The mention of Rachel makes me uncomfortable.
“Rachel is having a difficult time right now,” Caroline says softly. “I’m very worried about her.”
Erica makes a face, and for a second I wonder if she suspects something about Rachel and Christian.
“We all have things going on,” Leslie insists. “But we still committed to being a part of this experience with you. The parties, dress fittings, middle of the night phone calls, and even a weekend cruise. It certainly hasn’t been torture.”
“I agree,” I chime in, which causes Leslie to give me a surprised look. I’m kind of surprised myself. Leslie and I may not be on the best of terms—but I know she’s a good friend to Caroline and Erica.
“Thank you,” Leslie offers.
“Is everything okay in here?” Andy asks, peeking around the corner.
“Yes,” Caroline says, rubbing Erica’s back.
“Good. We ordered some pizza. Let us know when it arrives.”
Andy moves toward Caroline and gives her a kiss on the top of her head before heading upstairs to rejoin his friends.
“You know what’s crazy?” Erica asks. “I keep forgetting that Christian didn’t only hurt me. Andy is his best friend. Didn’t that man realize what his betrayal could do to his other relationships? I guess it was more important to sleep with …” Erica’s expression switches from pain to anger and back to pain again.
Caroline manages to distract her by taking her to the kitchen to get a drink, leaving me and Leslie alone. Neither of us says anything as awkward silence fills the room.
“Erica is really lucky to have you and Caroline,” I say finally.
