Page 68 of It Could Happen
I look up at Tyler, who’s standing in front of me—very close. And I like it.Gah!My friend needs me right now, and I know Tyler gets it.
“Yes, I can talk,” I say. “Can you give me a minute?”
I put my phone down on the seat in my car.
“Is she okay?” he asks.
I shake my head. “She sounds flustered. I’m sure it’s the situation with Erica.”
He places his hands on my shoulders. “Go take care of her.” Before I can say a word, he leans in and places a gentle kiss my cheek. “We’ll talk soon.”
I feel dizzy as I watch him walk back to his truck, away from me. For a half second I consider running after him and jumping into his arms, but Caroline is waiting for me. I take a few seconds to collect myself before I dive into the next wedding party crisis. I had no idea that when I accepted that box of goodies and Caroline’s request that I’d become embroiled in such a complicated situation.
* * *
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Caroline wails for the tenth time since I answered her call. “How could he do this to her? I’m so angry I can’t focus on anything else.”
Tyler called it when he said you-know-what was starting to hit the fan. Erica is devastated, and Caroline is furious and super emotional. She’s been on a tirade since I left the restaurant.
I’m trying very hard to listen and be supportive, but my brain is still back in the parking lot with Tyler. The last thing I need right now is to get all caught up in those few moments we had. Unfortunately, I can’t help but wonder what could’ve happened if Caroline hadn’t called when she did.
“I’m so sorry,” I say. “Poor Erica. I can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now.”
“This complicates everything,” she yells. “As much as I want to, I can’t exactly tell Andy to stay away from Christian. He’s his best friend. But how can he still be in our wedding after what he’s done? I just can’t put Erica through that.”
I kick off my shoes and sit down on the couch as I continue to listen. I’ve managed to get a few words in during our conversation, but I’m letting her vent. In the back of my mind, I still have this nagging reminder about Rachel and her involvement in this situation. It has to come out, right? It’s not my news to share, but I feel awful for not telling Caroline. At the same time, I don’t want to upset her even more than she already is.
“Tori, I’m so sorry to unload on you like this,” she says softly. “I’m just at such a loss and needed to talk to someone other than Andy or Erica.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m happy to help however I can. That’s what I’m here for.”
She sniffs. “Thanks. That means more than you know.”
I clear my throat. “So, what’s the next step?”
She lets out a loud groan. “Andy is being very understanding about everything. He’s going to tell Christian he can’t be in the wedding, even though Erica says it’s fine. Unfortunately, I don’t see how it’s possible. Tensions will be high, and it’s going to be so awkward for everyone. I don’t want to look back on my wedding day and remember that we were all walking on eggshells.”
“You shouldn’t have to feel that way,” I remind her. “This day is about you and Andy officially starting your life together. I know Erica only wants the best for you.”
She sniffs, and I can tell she’s crying. I know her well enough to know she just needs to get it out.
“My heart is breaking for her,” she says through her tears. “She’s such a good person and doesn’t deserve to have her whole world turned upside down like this.”
“I know.”
“And my poor Andy. I know he feels caught in the middle. Didn’t Christian realize he’d put us all in this position with his actions? Thankfully, the other guys are being supportive. Tyler called Andy tonight to check on him.”
The mention of Tyler’s name causes my pulse to pick up. I want to tell Caroline that we hung out tonight, but I’m not sure it’s the right time. That will bring up too many questions, some of which I’m not ready to answer.
“That’s nice.”
Caroline manages to calm down before we get off the phone. I don’t move from the couch as I try to process everything that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours. The wedding is still weeks away, and the action has already begun.
ChapterSeventeen
“Ithink today is the day,” Parker whispers in my ear. “We’re going to find out who they’ve chosen to be the new director.”
I take a sip of my coffee and give her a questioning look. “How do you know that?”
