Had To Be You by Juliet Chatham Page B

few seconds to absorb this, her mind beginning to race backwards, as if Amanda’s words had touched off the rewind function of her memory.
    Slowly, she turned to stare at Matt, her expression darkening as she lowered her voice. “Is that right?”
    He was definitely averting his eyes now, almost turning his whole body away.
    “We should probably get moving along here, right?” he said to Amanda.
    Rory finally realized he was maybe more nervous than she was, and now she had a good idea as to why. That not only sparked some resolve and determination in her, it set off a slow burn of irritation as well.
    “I suppose we should,” Amanda agreed before glancing over to explain—even though Rory was really perfectly happy not knowing. “We’re shopping for bridesmaids’ gifts. I love all these little shops here in town because you can find such unique handmade things. Like these sea-glass necklaces.” She motioned towards the display table on the sidewalk behind her. “But I was hoping to get something they could wear with their dresses and don’t know if these are quite right for a formal occasion.” She turned towards Matt, tilting her head. “What do you think, hon?”
    Rory lifted her iced coffee to take another sip as she focused on him as well, waiting expectantly with one eyebrow arched.
    Matt chuckled uneasily, scratching at his temple. “Me? Um, well…” His voice changed as abruptly as the direction of his words. “Hey, did I mention Rory’s house is right on the same street as my parents’ house?”
    “Oh, really?” Amanda gave her a precise, overly polite smile. “You were neighbors, then?”
    “That’s one word for it.”
    “And, look at the time!” Matt glanced at his cell phone and back to Amanda. “Don’t you have to be at that thing?”
    “Yes, but I really wanted to get this done today.” Amanda folded her arms across her chest, the glints from sun bouncing off her ring with the movement. Rory was determined not to look directly at it, as if it might turn her to stone. “It’s one of the last things on my list.” She once again offered information that wasn’t asked for. “My parents are throwing a party to sort of kick off the wedding festivities, give the families a chance to get better acquainted. I was hoping to give the gifts then.”
    “Your parents live here in town?” Rory figured she had to at least pretend she was interested.
    “They have a summer house off Rock Harbor Road. I’ve spent vacations here in the past, and obviously spend a lot of time here now.” Amanda reached out to slide her arm around his waist in a brief hug before she continued. “Now that my father is semi-retired, almost the whole family was able to be here together for this month before the wedding. My brother will be here soon. He just finished finals.”
    “Oh, so, you’re summer people .” Rory drew out the words with purpose. “I did not realize that.”
    She almost felt Matt’s sharp, quick gaze prick her skin, but just smiled innocently.
    “Yes, and I have so many people on my side coming in from out of state, I think we’ve booked all the local bed and breakfasts and motels.”
    “Hey, I couldn’t even get a room at my own mother’s house this weekend,” she joked.
    “And so where are you staying?” Amanda asked.
    “Well, I’m staying with Kevin and Danny,” she replied tentatively, her glance darting between them.
    Amanda’s expression went blank, though her face seemed to cloud over. “Is that right?” She shot him a mildly accusatory look. “You would think you’d remember to tell me your brothers had guests, Matt.”
    “I didn’t mention that?” He rubbed a hand over his hair in a display of forgetfulness so faked that Rory had to catch herself from laughing.
    “Now I feel bad.” Amanda’s voice lowered. “Of course, you should come to the party with them.”
    Matt dove in, laughing it off somewhat nervously. “Oh, Rory hasn’t been home in a long time