Page 84 of It Could Happen
As soon as I answer, Erica starts talking a mile a minute. She says that Caroline wants to meet up for a few minutes before the welcome reception to discuss a few matters. This phone call could have easily been a text, but I guess she’s figured out that no one is reading her wedding updates anymore.
As soon as I’m off the phone, I turn back to Tyler, who’s now looking at his phone.
“Everything all right?” he asks.
“Yes, Caroline wants to meet before the welcome party. … I’m guessing Rachel will be there too.”
He sighs. “Not if Andy sees her first.”
“I’ll try to talk to her.”
He turns to face me again.
“I’ve been thinking,” he pauses, causing my heart to skip a beat. “I was hoping that we could spend more time together after this whole wedding thing is over.”
A lump is forming in my throat, and I swallow to try to force it down.
“I’d like that,” I say softly.
He’s about to reach for my hand when I spot Rachel across the lobby.
“She’s here,” I say, louder than I intended. I clasp my hand over my mouth. Luckily, she doesn’t hear me. We watch as she sits down in an oversized chair, removes her sunglasses, and places them on the top of her head. She’s typing furiously on her phone.
“This might be my only chance to talk to her,” I say.
Ugh. Why do I have to do this? I’d much rather stay right where I am, with Tyler.
“Yes, go for it,” he says urgently.
I hop off the chair, and Tyler places his hand on my arm. “Good luck. I’ll be here waiting for you.”
Hearing him say that makes me even more eager to get this conversation over with. I make my way over to Rachel, who doesn’t look up as I approach her.
“Hey, you,” I say, sitting down in the chair next to her.
“Oh, hi, Tori,” she says brightly. “Can you believe the big day has finally arrived? I’m so happy for Caroline.”
Wow, she seems to be in a good mood. Does she not know that Christian told Andy the complete truth? I have so many questions—most of which are none of my business.
“Me too,” I say. “And what about you? Long time, no see.”
She shrugs nonchalantly. “You know how busy life gets.”
Ugh. She’s being so casual. How can she not feel guilty about what’s she’s doing? Crap. I’m turning into my mother—being super judge-y.
“Have you spoken to Caroline?”
She stares at me blankly. “Of course.”
I press my lips together. “About you and Christian?”
She furrows her eyebrows. “I’m planning on telling her—I just haven’t had a chance.”
“And what about Erica?”
She tightens her jaw and looks away.
I let out a sigh. I don’t want to be having this conversation. I want to celebrate with Andy and Caroline—and hang out with Tyler.
