Page 73 of It Could Happen
I’m almost to Andy’s house when my phone rings.
“Hey, Mom,” I say out loud into my blue tooth.
“Hi. What’s the exciting news? Are we getting an invitation to the wedding after all?” she asks eagerly.
Wow. Is she serious? I sent her a text after work letting her know I had something to tell her. Of course I was referring to the news of my promotion—which is much more important than some silly wedding invitation. I guess I should’ve been clearer in my message.
“No. I thought you had plans that weekend anyway.”
“We do,” she pauses. “It would still be nice to get an invite, and I’m sure we could reschedule our plansifwe needed too.”
I sigh and change the subject, telling her about my promotion.
“That’s fantastic, sweetie. All your dedication is finally paying off. Well done.”
I know it’s not an invitation to the wedding of the century, but it’s a big deal to me.
“Thank you, it’s a little overwhelming, but I think it’ll be a good change for me.”
Did I say that out loud?I don’t even know who I am anymore.
“You’ve earned it,” she insists. “It was only a matter of time.”
We talk about the job for a few more minutes, and then she fills me in on the latest gossip from her school. While she’s talking, I pull up in front of Andy’s house. I pull down the visor and check my reflection in the mirror. Meanwhile, texts start popping up in the bridesmaid group chat.
The first text is Rachel saying she won’t be able to make it tonight because she’s held up at work. I’m starting to wonder what Caroline thinks about Rachel always bailing out. Clearly she knows Rachel’s going through something, but she doesn’t address her lack of participation. Leslie is more vocal about her behavior than Caroline is. Although Leslie seems to have an opinion about everything.
Jeannie also sends a message saying she’s not able to make it because it’s her best friend’s birthday. She adds that she’s fine with whatever changes are made. I love that she stays out of all the chaos. Her brother is the groom, so she’s supportive, but she’s able to step aside at the right time.
“Mom, I have to go. I’m about to meet Caroline.”
She hasn’t stopped talking about a major falling out between the fourth grade teachers, and as fascinating as it sounds, I have other plans.
“Okay, please tell her I said hello and let me know if she says anything about her guest list.”
I sigh. “I will.”
I notice Axel the truck parked in Andy’s driveway. Seeing that thing causes all kinds of feelings to swirl around inside me. The memories of driving the truck, getting ice cream, and our close moment iin the parking lot replay through my mind.
Ugh. I can’t do this tonight. This meeting is about Caroline and her day—not about Tyler and me.Is there a Tyler and me?I’m so confused. This doesn’t stop me from adding some shiny lip gloss to my lips. There’s nothing wrong with looking presentable, especially because I’m the new director of sales at GFP Communications.
Holy crap—I got a promotion today. Shouldn’t I be shouting this from the rooftop?
My heart is beating quicker as I walk to the front door and ring the doorbell. Andy opens the door and gives me a hug.
“Thanks for coming,” he says somberly. “It means a lot to Caroline.”
Wow. He sounds so defeated. It’s unusual to see him in gray sweatpants and a plain white T-shirt, different from the Andy who’s typically in a dress shirt and slacks. I do feel bad for him though. I’m sure it wasn’t easy firing his best man.
“Absolutely.”
He closes the door behind me. We walk to the living room where Caroline is sitting in an oversized chair, typing something on her phone. Leslie and Tyler are across from her on the leather sectional couch. Leslie has one leg tucked under her and is facing him. They aren’t sitting that close to one another, but it definitely looks like they’re engaged in good conversation. As expected, a stab of jealously shoots through me. I use every ounce of energy I have not to show it.
“Hey, everyone,” I say, making eye contact with Tyler.
“Tori,” Caroline says, jumping to her feet. She throws her arms around my shoulders and gives me a tight hug. After she lets me go, Tyler rises to his feet and kisses me on the cheek. Although, I don’t have time to think about it because Leslie also gets up and gives me a hug. It’s quick and insincere, although I admire her willingness to take one for the team. It must have been super painful for her.
“I’m glad you got here before Erica,” Caroline says, sitting back down on her chair. Andy sits in a chair next to her and reaches over to take her hand. I move to the couch and sit on the other side of Tyler.
