Chapter 9
Rory
Aswepullinto the winery, I can already tell it's going to be a madhouse. I reluctantly let go of West's hand and though he frowns, says nothing. The moment we stop at the front entrance, my mom, Mandy, and a few other bridesmaids are there, along with Nate and my dad.
I don't even get my seatbelt off before they’re opening my car door, and I barely get both feet on the ground before Mom and Mandy are wrapping me in a hug.
"How was the trip?"
"Can I see the pictures?"
"Tell me everything!"
They rapid-fire at me so fast I'm not sure who says what.
A quick glance as West shows he's getting the second degree from Nate and my dad as well.
"I had the best time, and I’ll show you photos later."
Yeah, like after I move the couples photos of West and me to a secure folder they can't get to.
"We have your room over on the girl's wing with us," Mom says.
"The guys are staying on the other side of the the winery so we can do girls' night and everything!" Mandy says.
That also means it will be that much harder for West and me to sneak around.
"Mom, you and Dad aren't sharing a room?" I ask.
"Nope, I needed some girl time, but we find ways to sneak around," she winks at me.
"Gross! Mom!" I cover my ears and turn away to find West watching me with a smirk on his face.
"Why don't you go with them? I'll bring you bags to your room," West says.
"Oh yes! Come on, I want to show you around. This place has everything." Mandy starts pulling me inside.
"You can’t take her anywhere until I get to say hi to my little sister," Nate says, pulling me into a hug.
"Missed you," I say because, despite everything, I have missed him.
"Missed you too, and I told you having West on the trip wouldn't be that bad!"
"Yeah, you say that now, but boy, do I have stories to tell," I say with a wink and then let myself be pulled away by Mandy.
One last look over my shoulder, and I see West watching me go. Why does it feel so wrong to be walking away from him like this? We've been attached at the hip for just over two weeks, so that has to be it. It will be good to get a bit of space, healthy even, I try to tell myself.
"Ok, so there is a day spa down here and a salon where we’re getting our hair done the day of the wedding." Mandy points them out just off the lobby.
I know she asked me to be a bridesmaid because I'm Nate's sister, and I was excited to do it. Now I realize it means less time being able to sneak around with West.
"Mandy, ask her now so we can start planning," Mom says.
My stomach sinks. This has to be big if they waited until I was here in person.
"So, my maid of honor decided to go learn how to surf. She took a nasty fall and broke her leg. I see now Nate wasn’t joking that there is always drama at your family’s weddings. My niece can be a junior bridesmaid, and we got her a dress, but will you fill in as maid of honor? Please, please, please say you’ll do it," Mandy begs.
I look at my mom, who is standing just beside her. She has a smile on her face. Looking over to the side at the other bridesmaids, Mandy's friends, they all wear smiles too.