Page 33 of It Could Happen
He’s about to say something else when Leslie comes up behind him.
“What are you two chatting about?” she asks, although it sounds more like a demand.
“Jet Skiing,” we say at the same time.
“Oh, fun. I’m totally in,” Leslie exclaims. “When are we going?”
Of course she’s talking to Tyler and not me.
“I was just telling Tyler that Caroline and Erica have an itinerary planned,” I say. “But I’m down for anything.”
Leslie waves her hand. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure we can take a few minutes to enjoy some water sports.”
She jumps up on a barstool and begins flirting incessantly with Tyler, flipping her long, red hair and touching his arm. Naturally, she’s ignoring my presence. I try not to react when she makes a point of telling him she can’t wait to ride on the back of his Jet Ski. Seriously, could she be any more obvious? Normally I’d excuse myself, but for some reason I don’t leave my spot. I know it’s irritating Leslie that I haven’t abandoned ship, not literally of course—considering we’re on a boat. But I haven’t left her to manipulate or seduce Tyler. Thankfully, Caroline and Erica join the rest of us at the bar, so I finally pull up a chair and park myself right next to Tyler and Leslie. I’m not sure what I’m trying to do, especially considering Tyler frustrates me. At the same time, I feel strangely drawn to him, and it’s super annoying. I should probably be chatting with Matt or Clint, especially because Leslie has already staked her claim on Tyler.
A reggae band begins to play, filling the air with Caribbean music and totally setting the mood for our journey down to the islands. Erica and Christian start dancing on the platform in front of the band with Caroline and Andy right next to them.
“Hey, Tori, do you want to dance?” Matt asks.
“I’d love to,” I exclaim, hopping off my chair. Matt takes my hand and spins me around. As we make our way to join the others, I catch Tyler staring at me. He quickly looks away and continues his conversation with Leslie.
“I’m very impressed,” I tell Matt. “You have moves.”
He laughs. “Shocking, isn’t it? My mom is a dance instructor. She forced me and my brother to take lessons.”
“Oh, lucky you. The ladies must love it.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard,” he says with a shrug.
He spins me around again and dips me smoothly.
“You two look so cute together,” Caroline squeals with a gleam in her eye. It doesn’t take a genius to know what’s going on in her brain. She’s probably already forming her plan to play matchmaker.
“I’m following Matt’s lead,” I say, as I move my body to the beat of the steel drums.
“Don’t sell yourself short,” Matt says, pulling me back toward him. “You have great rhythm.”
Matt and I continue to chat as we dance.
“So tell me the truth, are you enjoying the company of this fun group?” he asks.
“Yes, definitely.”
He gives me a knowing look. “Everyone?”
I give a little shrug. “Sure.”
“Don’t let her bother you,” he whispers.
I laugh nervously. “I’m not sure what you mean. I don’t let people bother me.”
“Good.”
I guess he’s also picked up on Leslie’s dislike for me. She doesn’t exactly hide it.
The song ends, and Matt dips me dramatically one more time.
“Thanks for dancing with me,” Matt says, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
