Page 139 of Save the Date
“Why did you want me to ask Harris about his Facebook page?” Marie asked. “He told me he didn’t know what you were talking about, but I know he was lying.”
Cara hesitated. She hated to rat Harris out, but on the other hand, Marie had a right to know what might have triggered her daughter’s flight.
“One of Harris’s buddies posted some pretty risqué pictures of him from the bachelor’s party on Harris’s Facebook page.”
“Risqué, how?”
“There were pictures of him getting a lap dance from a stripper.”
“That’s revolting. It doesn’t even sound like Harris.”
“He said he was pretty drunk. I saw the pictures, and he looked like he was about to pass out. Which he apparently did later that night.”
“And you think maybe Brooke saw those pictures, and that’s why she left?”
“That could be part of it. Brooke told me she and Harris had a fight about it, because she didn’t want him to go to those strip clubs. But maybe that’s just part of it. I don’t really know, Marie. I’m not a therapist. I’m only a florist-slash-wedding-planner.”
“I’m just trying so hard to understand what was going through Brooke’s mind. I don’t dare say this to Harris or Gordon, but I’m terrified Brooke will hurt herself.”
“Oh, yikes. I hadn’t even thought about Gordon. How’s he handling this?”
“In typically Gordon style. He’s furious at Brooke for quote ‘pulling a stunt like this.’ It doesn’t occur to him that perhaps his daughter is in some kind of emotional distress. All he can think about is how it affects him. How embarrassing it will be if the wedding doesn’t come off as planned. He’s already talking about hiring a private detective to track her down.”
“Would he really do that?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. Gordon’s not somebody who just sits around waiting for things to happen. He’s used to making them happen. Right now. Times like these, I have no idea how we ever ended up marrying or staying together for as long as we did.”
“But you did, and the two of you raised an amazing daughter. I’m sure Brooke is okay, and she wouldn’t hurt herself, Marie. Like I told Harris, she probably just needs some alone time.”
“Have you ever had a bride do anything like this before?”
Cara had to think. “Just disappear? Without saying anything to anybody?”
“Exactly.”
“No.”
“Oh God.” Marie was weeping. “I’m so sorry, Cara. I’m trying not to fall to pieces, but I can’t stand not knowing where she is, or what she’s going through.”
“It’s all right, Marie,” Cara said. “I don’t blame you for being upset. Let me think a moment. Does Brooke have any special ‘happy place’—someplace she likes to retreat to? Maybe a friend’s mountain cabin, or a beach cottage or something?”
“Gordon and Patricia have a condo down at St. Simon’s, but I doubt she’d go there. I don’t think she even has a key.”
“You might ask Gordon to check on that. Where else?”
“She and Harris have rented cottages in Highlands, North Carolina. They usually go in the fall, with other couples.”
“Maybe ask Harris to call the real-estate company they rent from, to see if they’ve heard from Brooke.”
“That’s a thought. You’re making me feel better already, Cara.”
“I’m just taking stabs in the dark here Marie. There’s just as good a chance that she found a motel room on the interstate and she’s lounging by the pool, drinking a Margarita.”
“No. That doesn’t sound like Brooke at all.”
Cara threw her hands up in exasperation. “I’m sorry. I’m out of ideas.”
“I am too,” Marie said, her voice nearly a whisper. “But I’ve got to keep trying.”
