Page 89 of It Could Happen
“What’s wrong?” Parker asks. “Are you okay? Do you need me to fly up there?”
I laugh. I know if I told her to, she’d be on the next flight to crash the wedding.
I launch into the details about Rachel and Christian, and then finally I tell her about Tyler.
“You need to stop what you’re doing right now,” she demands. “Leslie is hoping you’ll stay away from Tyler. Are you willing to let her win?”
“Well, every time I turn around, she’s right there, and he doesn’t seem to mind.”
“What’s he supposed to do?” she asks. “He’s not going to be a jerk to her.”
“True.”
“Meanwhile, he’s using any excuse he can of think of to see you,” she reminds me.
I sigh. I’m really rusty when it comes to men and relationships.
“Tori, do you have feelings for Tyler?”
“Yes,” I reply without hesitation.
“Then go for it,” she exclaims. “Take a risk and get out of your comfort zone.”
This seems to be the direction my life is heading lately. Making changes and accepting that change might be good for me.
“You’re right,” I say.
“You should go to his room,” she suggests.
“Hah! That’s definitely not happening tonight.”
“Fine. But do you promise to talk to him tomorrow?”
“I promise.”
“Good.”
After we get off the phone, I lie in my bed and stare at the ceiling. My mind starts playing different scenarios. Maybe I should come out and ask him how he feels. Or I could walk right up to him and kiss him—in front of Leslie. The thought makes me smile. I finally decide to just let things happen naturally. However, one thing is for sure—I have no intentions of pushing him into Leslie’s arms. If something is meant to happen for us, I’m ready.
* * *
The bridal brunch could be a scene taken right out of a page in a magazine. The wedding planners have outdone themselves, not that I’m surprised. The brunch is held outdoors under a large gazebo overlooking the lake. There is greenery draped over the long, rectangular table with votive candles hanging from it. The weather is a perfect seventy degrees with a pleasant breeze. The menu includes all my favorites, including fresh fruit salad, baked french toast, strata, chicken waffles, and an assortment of mini pastries. Everything looks delicious, making my selection difficult.
The guests include the bridal party and Caroline’s family and closest friends. I can’t help but notice that there’s an empty chair, which I know belonged to Rachel.
Caroline is seated at the head of the table in between her mother and her grandmother, theOGMrs. Carlisle. She’s so elegant and poised. She actually reminds me of a Southern Julie Andrews. I’m sitting between Jeannie and Caroline’s aunt Mimi, who’s definitely been sipping on a mimosa or three.
“Now, darlin’, remind me again how you know our sweet Caroline.”
This would be the second time I’m sharing the details of our friendship. Aunt Mimi is a pistol, for sure.
“Are you married?” she asks, invading my personal space. “I should introduce you to my son, Troy. I keep telling him he needs to settle down, but he’s too busy messin’ around. It’s time for him to get serious, and deep down he knows Mama’s always right.”
I nod and take a sip of my own mimosa. Normally I don’t like alcohol in my juice, but I may need more than one to get through this brunch if she continues to breathe on me.
I hear my phone buzzing from inside my bag, so I excuse myself to check it. There’s a stir in my chest when I see that it’s from Tyler.
Hey. Can we talk later?
