Page 82 of It Could Happen
Caroline’s family hired a transportation company to pick us up at the airport. When I get to my room, I’m met with a basket full of goodies including pink pajamas, pink slippers, a pink robe, pink bath salts, and chocolate-covered strawberries. I open the french doors that lead out to a balcony and breathe in the fresh air. My view of the gardens is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a beautiful spring day, and thankfully the weather is cooperating for this weekend.
I stretch out on the large, king bed and sink into the soft duvet cover to review the schedule of events. There’s a welcome reception this evening hosted by Andy’s family. Tomorrow morning is the bridal brunch given by Caroline’s grandmother, otherwise known as the matriarch. Tomorrow evening is the rehearsal dinner and Sunday is the big day. It’s going to be a fun and busy weekend, so I’m grateful for a bit of down time before the festivities begin.
My parents did get Caroline’s invitation and, as I expected, cancelled their other plans. There was nothing other than dinner with the Queen of England that would keep my mother away from this event.
I settle into the huge bed and let my eyes begin to close.
All of a sudden, I jump up when I hear my phone is buzzing from somewhere in the bed linens. The sunlight is pouring through the doors and filling the room. I must’ve dosed off after getting up so early to catch my flight. When I check my phone, I have ten text messages from Erica and two from Tyler. Of course I check Tyler’s messages first.
Are you here?
Can you meet me in the lobby bar?
I sit up and lean against the pillows as I type my response.
I’m here. Just woke up from a nap.
I switch over to Erica’s messages. She basically forwards every message the planners send her at this point. I think she’s moved on to maid of honor autopilot, but I have no doubt she’ll be present for all her responsibilities at the ceremony and reception.
You’re so lucky. I’ve been with Andy all morning. The you-know-what has ALL hit the fan. Not good.
Ugh. I have a feeling I know what this is about.
I tell him that I’ll meet him in the lobby in fifteen minutes. I crawl out of bed to freshen up after my nap and travels. I’m ready to get this weekend started, and I can’t think of a better way to do so than hanging out with Tyler. I brush my teeth, touch up my makeup, and change into a pair of jeans and a cropped, pink cardigan over a tank top. I brought a lot ofpinkin honor of Caroline.
When I arrive downstairs, Tyler and Clint are sitting at the bar with their heads together.
“Hello, gentlemen,” I say cheerfully. They both turn around at the same time. Tyler hops off his stool and greets me with a gentle kiss on the cheek, sending an electric jolt through me. Clint slides over and offers me the chair between them.
“This place is amazing,” I gush. “My view is spectacular—I may never want to leave.”
Tyler asks what I want to drink, and I order a Diet Coke.
“Andy and Caroline made sure we all got the best rooms,” Clint says.
I take a sip and ask the guys about the latest crisis. They give each other a look, but neither of them speaks up for a few seconds.
“You can’t say anything to Caroline or the others yet,” Clint says. “Andy wants to handle it.”
“Okay,” I say worriedly.
Tyler leans on the bar and proceeds to tell me that Christian finally admitted to Andy that Rachel was the woman he’d cheated with and that they haven’t stopped seeing each other.
My mouth drops open because even though I knew about their illicit affair, I had no idea they have continued to see each other. Rachel claimed she felt guilty about it, but clearly not guilty enough to stay away from Christian.
“So they’re still together?” I ask.
Tyler shrugs. “Supposedly.”
Thoughts are swirling around in my head. I guess that would explain why she’s been keeping her distance. How could she possibly face Erica? Or even Caroline. What a disaster.
“Wow. I don’t know what to say.”
“Anyway, Andy’s trying to decide what to do,” Clint says. “If he tells Caroline now, she’ll be devastated. If he waits, she’ll probably be upset that we all knew and didn’t tell her. That’s not exactly the way he wants to start their marriage. Not to mention what this news will do to Erica.”
I sigh. I’m at a complete loss. I don’t know what the best course of action is.
“Rachel should be the one to tell them,” I exclaim. “This is her mess.”
