Chapter 7
THE UNEXPECTED THINGS IN LIFE
CAROLINA
It seems incredible to me that we’re just four weeks away from my wedding, but it’s real and I can’t stop smiling.
I can feel my nerves on edge, and even though Jorge denies it, I know he also wishes time would fly by.
We’ve been lucky that Elena has helped us with everything and that practically everything is ready, but that doesn’t mean the final details aren’t driving us crazy.
We’re already getting RSVPs, and I’m glad to know that, so far, only two people won’t be able to make it.
Vicky hasn’t told me anything yet, and I’m worried she might say no to avoid an awkward situation.
When Jorge and I decided to get married, I was overwhelmed with happiness, and all I could think about was wanting my best friends to come together to celebrate this special moment with us.
He thinks I didn’t, but I did take into account what Elena and Victoria had been through, the conversations I’d had with them over the years, how much they missed each other, and how often they asked about the other one even though I refused to tell them anything.
But now I’m worried that everything will go wrong.
I haven’t told Jorge that I’m starting to regret playing matchmaker and that I just want to enjoy these days with him instead of worrying about whether my wedding will be the start of another one.
“What time are you meeting the girls?” My future husband wraps his arms around my waist from behind while I touch up my lipstick, and I delight in the kiss on my neck.
“In about…” I say, glancing at my wristwatch, “half an hour. Why?”
“I was thinking we could go to dinner at that beachfront restaurant we saw the other afternoon,” he reminds me, and I turn on the bench to wrap my arms around his waist. “I want us to enjoy these days to the fullest. Once the kids are here, we won’t have a moment to ourselves.”
“Do you plan on sleeping with them, too?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “Because if so, I’ll find someone else to spoon with,” I joke, bursting into laughter. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’m sure we’ll find a way to sneak away.”
“I hope so, because you know how Pablo is,” he grumbles. “Once he gets an idea in his head, no one can talk him out of it.”
“Don’t worry, damsel. I promise to come to the rescue when you need me,” I tease, and after getting up, I give him a quick peck on the lips before moving across the bedroom to put on my slippers. “What are you doing this afternoon?”
“I think I’ll go hiking.”
“That’s…”—Just as I’m about to finish my sentence, the phone rings, and seeing that it’s Victoria, I smile.—“Hey, Madrid girl! Is it really hot over there?” I ask cheerfully, and switch to speakerphone so Jorge can hear the conversation.
“Not too bad, but I’m sure you’re already roasting in the sun over there,” she says, and I smile as if she were right in front of me. “How’s everything going? Have you guys come to terms with what’s coming?”
“You know we’ve been ready for this for a long time,” I confess, and Jorge gives me a smile. “Although the preparations…” I sigh. “I have to go to the final dress fitting today, and I’m nervous.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll fit you like a glove.”
“I hope so, because the seamstress just can’t seem to get it to fit the way I want.
” I burst out laughing. “I have a feeling she’s doing it on purpose to get on my nerves.
” Victoria laughs with me. “By the way, if you’re coming, don’t buy a dress, okay?
I’ve seen one that will look gorgeous on you…
” I add. “But tell me, have you gotten the invitation?”
“You know I will. That’s exactly why I was calling you…
” Jorge and I looked at each other for a couple of seconds.
Part of me wants to hear that she can’t come, that she’s swamped with work, but the other part is still hoping she will, so we can all get together like we did in those summers of the past. “Tell the dressmaker I’m very particular about dresses. ”
“Are you coming!?” I ask excitedly.
“Did you think I wouldn’t?”
“No, it’s not that.” Jorge bursts out laughing and I stick my tongue out at him. “You know…”
“Yeah, well…” she mutters, and suddenly, silence fills the line. “Is it okay if I bring someone with me?”
“What?” My boyfriend answers at that moment and covers his mouth with his hands.
“Wait, is Jorge listening too?”
“Yeah, he’s here,” I reply, playing it down. “Say hi, honey.”
“Hi, Vic, how’s life?”
“Can’t complain,” she says, and she motions for me to try to get more information out of her. “Things are a bit hectic at the paper. Apparently, there are staff changes starting in August, and everyone’s a little unsettled.”
“I can imagine…” we both say at the same time.
“And well… getting back to what I was saying. I’ve been dating a girl for about six months, and she’s really excited to meet you guys,” she admits, and I purse my lips. “And since she found the card, I couldn’t say no.”
“Yeah, I can imagine…” I whisper, not quite sure what to add, mulling over how I’ll tell Elena that her ex is bringing a date to the wedding. “But don’t worry, we’d love to meet her.”
“Sure, sure… bring her along, no problem.” Jorge shrugs and, looking a bit flustered, starts pacing around the room.
“Well, Vicky, I have to go or I’ll be late.”
“Sure! Sorry for keeping you,” she apologizes. “See you in a few days. I’m looking forward to seeing you all.”
“And we’re looking forward to seeing you, too.”
“Have a nice afternoon,” she adds.
“We will… see you later…” Once the call ends, I drop the phone as if it weighed a ton and look at Jorge, not knowing what to do. “What now? Oh my God, damn it!” I jump up from the bed. “I’m such an idiot!”
“That’s what you get for playing matchmaker and not considering all the possibilities.” He comes over and wraps his arms around me to calm me down. “Didn’t you know anything about that girl?”
“No way…!” I murmur. “Now it turns out I was wrong and Victoria has wiped the slate clean.”
“Well… whatever the case, you have to tell my sister.”
“But doing that…” I shake my head a couple of times. “No, I can’t.”
“Would you rather she find out when she sees her coming in with someone?” He sighs and steps back to look me in the eyes. “Since we’re the ones who caused this situation, I think we owe her that.”
“She’s going to kill me…”
“Talk to Ana,” he advises me. “Maybe she has an idea of how to tell Elena without it affecting her so much.”
“Do you think she’ll help me?” I laugh sarcastically. “Ana can’t stand Victoria. She already threatened me back in the day for being her friend—don’t you remember?”
“Yes, but she’s the only one who can calm Elena down,” he assures me. “Talk to her. Something tells me she’ll help you.”
“She’s going to die as soon as she finds out… damn it!” I exclaim, frantic. “I shouldn’t have invited Vicky to the wedding.”
“Hey… all you wanted was to share that day with your best friends…” He gently strokes my cheeks.
“I know I’ve held it against you many times, but maybe things aren’t so bad, and this will help them mend their friendship.
Besides, they’re adults,” he adds, giving me a smile full of understanding.
“They’re not the same as they were five years ago. ”
“But they’re still my friends…”
“And that’s why they’ll know how to behave…” After planting a kiss on my lips, he makes my nerves and unease fade away. “Now go and have fun with the girls—don’t let anything ruin your afternoon.”
“Okay…”
When I leave our bedroom, I do so with a knot in my stomach that makes it hard to breathe.
I don’t know how I’m going to tell Elena all this, or how she’ll react once she finds out Victoria is dating someone; but Jorge is right, they’re my friends and no matter what happens, they won’t do anything to hurt me…
even though I hate being in the middle of this and being the reason they have to meet and confront each other after so long.