Chance Encounters

“T””hat would be nice. Thank you.”

Caroline smiled and headed out the door. She surprised herself by finding the cafeteria without getting lost. She took a tentative sip of her coffee and closed her eyes tightly, enjoying

the bold flavor that rushed through her.

She balanced the two scalding hot cups with her hands as her hip bumped against the door. It finally budged and she scooted quickly through the opening. “I wasn’t sure how you took it, so I brought some cream and sugar.” She handed Sally one of the steaming cups.

“Thanks again,” Sally said as she grabbed two of the sugar packets. “I get it now.”

“Get what?” Caroline cocked her head to the left and narrowed her eyes.

“Why he couldn’t get over you. The way you looked at him when you walked into the room tonight. I’ve known Jackson my whole life, and I’ve never heard him talk about any girl the way he talks about you.”

Her heart soared within her chest, but she didn’t let it show. “It took me getting that phone call to realize where I was supposed to be,” Caroline freely admitted.

“He said you have a fiancé, right?” Sally glanced down at Caroline’s ring finger, which still bore the enormous diamond ring Clay had given her.

“Yeah. But I did just walk out of my own engagement party to come here.” Caroline shrugged.

“No, you didn’t? Did you really?” Sally’s mouth was agape.

“I did.”

“Guess leaving him at the engagement party is better than leaving him at the altar, right?”

The smile dropped from Caroline’s face almost immediately as the weight of Sally’s words crashed around her.

“Oh gosh, Caroline, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Sally put her hand over her heart and furrowed her brow.

“No. I know. It’s just…” An awful awareness surged through Caroline. “What kind of person walks out of their own engagement party?”

“The kind that isn’t happy to be there?” Sally remarked.

Caroline’s hand covered her mouth as her eyes closed. “I’m a terrible person,” she said under her breath.

Sally hesitated before adding, “No, you’re not, but can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” Caroline nodded.

“Do you love him?” Sally’s gaze turned toward Jackson’s still form.

Without hesitation, Caroline proclaimed, “I do.”

“He’s a really great guy. I’d tell you not to break his heart, but you’ve already done that, so…” The girls’ laughter echoed through the room as Tommy and Alex walked back in.

“How long are you staying, anyway?” Tommy asked in Caroline’s direction, his tone still clearly annoyed.

“I don’t know? I hadn’t even thought about it really. A few days, I guess?” She realized she hadn’t thought this trip through very well.

Tommy groaned and Alex hit him in the arm. “Caroline, don’t listen to him. It’s good that you’re here.” Alex smiled.

“Where are his parents?” Caroline asked.

“Mr. Parks took the missus back home to get some rest and grab some of their things. They’re going to stay in the hotel across the street for a while. They should be back later.” Alex stared at Jackson.

“How long can we stay?” Caroline noted the time.

“We don’t really know.” Alex answered as he looked around.