Lib Novel Page 48
“Beth, honey, the wedding is in three weeks. How much more ‘last minute’ can you be?” Lauren asked.
“So, can I assume that we’re all set for the big day? Beth, this whole Massachusetts to Florida thing is a big pain in situations like this, but I want you to know that I feel awful that we haven’t given you a Bachelorette party. I’m not even sure your boring sisters could pull it off anyway.”
“Hey…speak for yourself,” Lauren said. “I know how to party. I’m not that old, but yeah, maybe we can have a fun girls’ trip somewhere after the wedding.”
“Works for me,” Beth said.
“In the meantime, I’ve got another question for you both. Have either of you sensed anything different with either Chris or Becca lately?” Sarah asked.
Lauren shook her head. “I haven’t noticed anything.”
“Me either, but then again now that I’m no longer living in the same house, I don’t see them as often. Why do you ask?”
“I’m sure I’m imagining things, but the other day when I was at the inn, I overheard Crawford and Ciara talking about Chris and Becca and how they shouldn’t be worrying about anything because it’s probably the stress of everything combined with a bit of cold feet.”
“What? That doesn’t sound good,” Lauren said.
“No. It doesn’t,” Beth added. “I could meet Chris for lunch tomorrow and see if he’ll tell me anything. “
“Sounds good. Let us know what you find out. I’d hate to think either one of them is backing out of the wedding. I know how much they love each other,” Sarah said.
“There is one thing. Becca’s dress was damaged in the hurricane. Apparently, she hired someone down there as a favor to a friend. I made an appointment at Flair for her to pick out a new dress. At first, she agreed, but then I got a text the other day that she was making other plans and didn’t need the appointment. I didn’t press further because I thought it was innocent enough. But, now knowing what you heard, I’m wondering if she really did look for another dress or did she think she wouldn’t need one?”
“This sounds terrible. You’ve got to get to Chris and find out what’s going on,” Sarah said.
A queasy feeling in the pit of Lauren’s stomach made her wince.
“Are you okay?” Beth asked.
“What’s happening?” Sarah asked.
“I didn’t eat anything this morning and now I’m paying for it,” Lauren said.
“Let’s hang up so she can eat something. We can talk again about the wedding preparations. In the meantime, Beth, keep us updated on what’s going on with Chris and Becca. Let’s pray it’s nothing more than our imaginations getting the better of us.”
Beth grabbed her coat. “I’ve got to get home. The weather is forecasting snow. Can you believe it? I’ll talk to you guys later.”
Beth waved to Lauren and quickly walked to her car. As soon as it started, she turned on the heat.
Florida can’t come soon enough if you ask me.
Before getting on the road she sent Chris a text.
Beth: Lunch tomorrow? Nellie’s Burgers?
Chris: Sure. I can do one o’clock.
Beth: Works for me. See you then.
Most of the time, Beth usually could get her brother to talk when he had something on his mind. Where Becca was concerned, Beth treaded lightly and wouldn’t do as much talking as listening.
If Sarah was right, Beth might need to hear Becca’s side of things as well. Whatever their issues, she wanted both of them to be happy. If that meant that marriage wasn’t in the cards, then so be it.
* * *
Becca kicked off her boots as she entered the house and dropped her books and bag on top of her jacket. She was grateful to have the house to herself for a little while and took advantage of the quiet by taking a hot bath.
All day, she couldn’t shake the cold that had entered her body on the way to work and then stayed with her all through the day. When she finally lowered herself into the tub, the warmth enveloped her and the stress of the day was long forgotten.