Page 35 of It Could Happen
She moves her hand back and forth. “I slept for a few minutes, and then I went down to the bar to get a drink. I’m just embracing the quiet before all the chaos happens.”
I’m not sure if she’s referring to our travel companions or something more.
“Well, hopefully everyone has fun and takes some time to recharge.”
She snorts. “I’m sure you’ve figured out that this group doesn’t do anything small.”
“Yes, the last minute cruise was a clue.”
“It wasn’t necessary,” she replies, a bit of edge in her voice. “We have the shower in a few weeks and then all the last minute prepping before the wedding weekend.”
She takes another sip of her champagne and continues to stare out at the water.
“You missed a fun sail away party,” I continue. “Matt and I danced together and now Caroline and Erica are practically planning our wedding.”
She shakes her head. “Been there.”
“Really? With Matt?”
“Yes, they tried to set me up with him. I mean, he’s great, but we just didn’t click in the way they wanted. He said the same thing, so at least we were on the same page.”
Hmm … are they always trying to set Matt up?
“I know they mean well,” I say.
“Oh, they do, but I don’t need anyone to play matchmaker for me,” she says. “Erica feels this constant need to be in charge and control everything. It’s really too much.”
Ahh … now we’re getting somewhere.
“Are you and Erica close?”
She doesn’t say anything for a few seconds.
“Let’s just say if they were voting people off the island, I would be the first to go.”
I laugh. “So is that a no?”
“Erica is a nice person,” she mutters. “Probably too nice.”
I’m surprised she’s starting to open up to me.
“Yes, she’s been very kind to me, especially since other people would rather I not be here.”
She fiddles with her earring.
“That’s typical behavior for Leslie. I don’t think she liked me at first either, but in time it got better.”
“How much time?”
She gives a thoughtful look. “About a year.”
A year? I’m not sure I’ll be around her much after the wedding. My life will go back to normal and Caroline will be wrapped up in wedded bliss.
“I think I need another drink,” Rachel says after finishing off the rest of her champagne.
“Have you eaten anything?” I ask.
She rolls her eyes. “Now you sound like Erica. Please stop, we don’t need another control freak in the group.”
