Free Rebound Envy (Rebound #2) by Jerica MacMillan Page A

with me anywhere but there to hang out or go over wedding planning. She hasn't said anything, but whenever she mentions going there and I demur, I can tell she's wondering if I'll ever go with her again.
    After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I'm on my way. I'm looking forward to meeting Cate, Brian's sister and Jenna's other bridesmaid. We've talked on the phone a couple times and it will be nice to meet her in person.
    I walk in the door of The Barrel Room and am immediately pulled into a hug. Familiar perfume tickles my nose as I hug the smaller woman back.
    "Amy! I'm so glad to see you!"
    I pull her in for another squeeze. "It's good to see you, too, Gloria! It's been too long."
    Jenna's mom pulls back. Her once dark hair is now almost completely silver and cut into a spunky pixie cut similar to Jamie Lee Curtis. She looks gorgeous in a lavender fitted sheath dress. She looks older than the last time I saw her over a year ago, but still full of life. She grabs my hand and drags me to a group of people.
    Ed, Jenna's dad, pulls me into a bear hug, and I'm engulfed in his embrace. Tall, barrel chested, and balding, he's imposing to look at but is really a big teddy bear. "Amy, I'm glad you're here."
    He loosens his grip on me to smile down into my face. My smile back is just as wide. "Of course I'm here. Where else would I be?"
    He just laughs and squeezes me again. Jenna's parents practically adopted me when we were in college. Her house was only an hour from campus, whereas my parents are on the other side of the country. I only went home for long breaks, and we went to Jenna's on long weekends or whenever we just needed to get away from school for a day or two. I always wondered why they didn't have any more children after Jenna. They have so much love to spread around.
    When I finally get to step back, Jenna comes in for a quick hug. "Come on. You have to meet Cate and the rest of Brian's family." I give an apologetic wave to her parents as she's dragging me to another group of people.
    She introduces me to Brian's parents, Martin and Ingrid. Brian takes after his mother, with her honey blonde hair and blue eyes. She's as tall as I am and still slim. Martin is taller and dark, his hair going a little gray around the temples, a full beard gracing his jaw. They both smile warmly and shake my hand.
    Jenna turns me to the left. A slightly shorter version of Brian with longer hair is standing there. "You must be Brian's brother."
    His eyes travel up and down my body, unmistakable appreciation in his gaze before he smiles and offers his hand. "Connor."
    I return his frank appraisal before placing my hand in his. "Nice to meet you."
    A petite woman with short dark hair steps forward, interrupting my little moment with Connor. Jenna gestures to her. "This is Cate." Cate looks nothing like her brothers, her dark hair obviously coming from her father, but with blue eyes like her mom and brothers. The contrast of her bright blue eyes with her dark hair is startling. Her royal blue dress highlights her eye color even more.
    Instead of offering her hand, Cate steps forward and hugs me.  
    I recover from my initial shock quickly and squeeze back before she steps away. "It's so good to finally meet you."
    She beams up at me. "I'm happy to meet you, too. It's always nice to put a face to someone I've been talking to for months."
    "I know what you mean."  
    Brian claims my attention for a moment with a glass of wine and a brief kiss on the cheek by way of greeting. He tugs Jenna away with him and I fall into easy conversation with Cate and Connor. They tell me funny stories of Brian growing up, Cate talks about graduating last month from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  
    I'm silently marveling at how well this little get-together is going. Both families are getting along well, the room is filled with laughter and talking, and I haven't seen Adam yet. That's a little strange, given that he's the best man, but is a