It’s followed by another thought: But it can’t be Amanda.
She’s not from here. She lives in Seattle. And besides, we’re each other’s rebound. That’s the deal we agreed to.
And why that makes my stomach curdle like I just ate cottage cheese and chased it with lime juice? I don’t know. I don’t want to know.
A deal’s a deal. And I need to honor my end. She’s a single woman from the city who’s just looking for a two-week fling. It’s not okay for me to change the rules now.
But it puts me in a grumpy mood by the time I collect Chad and reach my sister’s blanket.
Cra-zy. I’m crazy for feeling so blue…
The Rockabilly’s are knee-deep into Patsy’s playlist when I get there to find Amanda sitting across from my sister, flanked by my daughters. They’re a merry group, stuffing their faces with fried chicken as Bonnie peppers my new friend with questions.
“So, the fundraiser will benefit Fortress of the Bears?” asks Bonnie. She looks up to see me approaching. “Can you believe this? It’s just wonderful!”
“What’s that?” I ask, trying to ignore how completely organic Amanda looks with the other women of my family.
“That Amanda’s article, in conjunction with the Seattle fundraiser, will bring such positive attention to the Fortress!”
My eyes slide to Amanda, who’s looking up at me with a tentative smile. “Luke and I haven’t talked much about my work.”
We haven’t talked much at all, I’m about to say, but then Bonnie’s words sink into my head. Fundraiser? Positive attention?
I sit down beside my sister, facing Amanda. “What’s this all about?”
“Amanda is writing about the two bear attacks as an angle for raising awareness and money for the Fortress of the Bears. Her newspaper is sponsoring a big fundraising event in Seattle. Could mean a lot of money!” gushes Bonnie.
“Is that true?” I ask Amanda.
“It is.” Her smile is more confident as she nods at me. “I promised you I wouldn’t hurt Sitka.”
Not generally at a loss for words, I’m a little speechless at this turn of events. I didn’t exactly think Amanda was writing a smear piece, but to learn that she’s up here to actually support the mission of the Fortress? I’m humbled by the realization. By her goodness. And I’m ashamed of the way I’ve repeatedly cut her off when she tried to talk about it.
I’m crazy for tryin’…and I’m crazy for cryin’…
Bonnie hands me a plate of friend chicken with a biscuit, but I can’t eat until Amanda’s eyes meet mine…and it’s not long until they do.
I’m sorry, I mouth.
She shrugs, giving me a little smile. It’s okay.
“Amanda!” says Bonnie. “We have family dinner at my place on Wednesday nights. Come and join us!”
When she darts a glance at me, there’s nothing I can do to hide the longing on my face. “Six o’clock?”
She smiles back at me and my heart takes flight.
“I’d love that.”
8
Amanda
“Mannnnda!”
“Leigh!” It’s good to hear my best friend’s voice. We’ve mostly traded texts since I got here, so we’re long overdue for a chat. “How’s Seattle?”
“Great! How’s the hot dad in Sitka?”