“Right. And three years ago, she threw him out. So, not the best example,” Amy said drily.
Three years ago, Momma had been sick. And then Dad moved out and Jo moved in with Eric. Everyone I loved was moving on with their lives. Without me. Everything I knew was changing, out of my control,and I had been alone in Branson, far from my family, far from home. Colt had been my lifeline then, teasing me gently out of my fears, picking me out of the chorus, taking me out to dinner after the show. Choosing my song. Choosing me, out of all the other, prettier, skinnier, more talented girls fighting for his attention.
“Colt cares about me, I know he does.”
“He left you here.”
“For my own good. He wants me to get better. We’re working on a new album in the fall.”
Amy cocked her head. “Whenever somebody tells you something is for your own good, it’s because they want something.”
“Colt’s not like that.”
“All guys are like that.”
I stared at her in mute distress.
Amy’s expression softened. She stroked my hair again. “You’re so good, I guess you can’t help but see the good in everybody else. All I’m saying is, young love isn’t always meant to be. To last. Especially not first love.”
“Speaking from your vast experience?” I teased gently.
Amy’s face closed so smoothly I almost didn’t recognize I was being shut out. “Something like that.”
I blinked at her. Maybe I wasn’t the only March sister with secrets.
CHAPTER 9
Amy
Young love doesn’t last, I’d told Beth. But sisters were forever.
“Aunt Amy! Aunt Amy! Watch me!” Daisy yelled.
Meg and I sat on her front-porch steps, blowing bubbles for the twins as they ran around the yard, colliding occasionally with their large golden retriever mix. The dog was chasing bubbles, too, barking in confusion as they popped and vanished, making DJ convulse in giggles.
I pressed my shoulder to Meg’s. “I missed this.”
“You should come home more often.”
I ignored a familiar twinge of guilt. I’d never told Meg why I stayed away. What was the point? That stupid sexting episode from high school was years ago. And Trey... I couldn’t tell Meg I’d poached our sister’s ex. Plus, Meg loved Trey like a brother. I wouldn’t expose him as the guy who broke my heart.
“I’ve been so busy with Baggage...” I said.
If Meg recognized my excuse, she didn’t let on. “I saw you talking with Phee yesterday at the reception.”
“Ha. You were too busy making out with John to notice me.”
She smiled smugly. “I’m a mom. Multitasking is my superpower.”
“Don’t tell me. You had Drunken Wedding Sex, too.”
“Too?”
DJ stopped in front of us, grubby hands on hips. “Bubbles, Aunt Amy.”
“Please,” Meg coached.
“Bubbles, please.”
