Matt & Amber: The Beginning (Photo Story)

A while back, my husband saw a photo of Matthew and Amber and wondered how a guy like him got a girl like that. Today, I answer his question.

About ten years ago:

Amber walks into the restaurant where Matt is seated at a table waiting for Tony.

Hey! What are you doing here? I was expecting your other half. (Matt)

I know. Tony can’t make it. He’s sorry. He had to go into work unexpectedly. He tried calling you, but your phone is going straight to voice mail. (Amber)

Yeah, it’s dead and I don’t have a charger with me. (Matt)

Well, Tony had to run but he didn’t want you sitting here waiting for him, so I offered to deliver the message myself. (Amber)

Thanks. I appreciate that. Well, don’t just stand there. Sit down and tell me what’s been going on with you since you left town. Want something to eat? (Matt)

Matt and Amber order food and drinks and catch up. Amber fills him in on what she’s been up to since leaving home five years earlier to go to college. Since then, she's graduated with a double major in music and English. While in college, she worked for the campus newspaper reporting on the school’s music program and concerts. Then she worked as an intern at a radio station. Now, she’s back home and staying with her parents while she looks for a job.

A few days later at the Scotts' home:

Hey, Matt. Tony isn’t here. Actually you just missed him. (Amber)

Yeah, I know. I waited down the street for him to leave. I’m not here to see Tony. (pause) I came to see you. (Matt)

Oh? Come in. (Amber, surprised)

What's up? (Amber)

Matt takes a deep breath.

I had a really good time hanging out with you the other day and I was wondering if you’d like to do it again sometime. I know how much you like music. There’s a hip new place in Decatur with good food and live music. I’ve been twice. There’s always a cool and diverse crowd… (Matt)

Matthew Foreman, are you asking me out on a date? (Amber, interrupting his rambling)

Yeah…I am. (Matt, blushing slightly)

What about Tony? (Amber)

I’ve had lots of opportunities to ask your brother out over the years, but frankly he’s not my type. (Matt)

Very funny. (Amber, laughing and smiling)

So is that a yes or a no? (Matt)

Yes. (Amber, smiling)

That first date leads to another and then another and before long, a serious relationship develops.

Eight months later:

Amber’s in the shower and Matt just put on a pot of coffee. There’s a knock at the door. Matt spies Tony through the peep hole and curses under his breath.

What’s up bruh? (Tony)

What are you doing here? (Matt)

D@m#, try not to sound so happy to see me. (Tony)

What I meant was what brings you by so early? You’ve never been a morning person. (Matt)

True. I had to come this way to run an errand on my way to the gym. I was wondering if you wanted to come and maybe shoot some hoops?

Nah, I can’t. (Matt)

Tony waits for an explanation.

Busy day…I gotta finish up some stuff. (Matt)

Aight then. Is that coffee I smell? I could use a cup. I pulled an all-nighter last night. (Tony)

Matt doesn’t move to let Tony in.

Man, what’s up with you? Are you gonna let me in or what?

Ummm…it’s just that…I have…company. (Matt)

Ohhh, I get it. Now I know what you’ll be busy “doing” all day. (laughs) Just put it in a travel thermos, and I’ll take it to go. I’ll be quick and quiet…cross my heart. (Tony)

Matt reluctantly steps aside.

Matt looks for a thermos to put Tony’s coffee in.

So, who is it? (Tony, whispering)

Huh? (Matt)

You know…your “company”? You and Angel hookin’ up again? (Tony)

Nah. (Matt)

Okay, then who? (Tony)

Ummm…Tony, I… (Matt)

Baby, I put on one of your work shirts. I hope that’s okay. (Amber, calling from the other room)

Tony! Hey, I didn’t hear you come in. (Amber, noticing Tony in the kitchen)

Aw, Hell Naw! I can’t believe this $h!t! Where are your clothes?! (Tony, looking from Amber to Matt and back to Amber)

My clothes? (looking down) Right. Excuse me for a second. (Amber)

My sister? My sister! Your company is my sister?! I should kick you’re a$$. And you know I could do it, too. Son of a... I'm outta here… (Tony, shaking his head and fuming)

Tony storms out, and Amber re-enters the room soon after.

Where’s Tony? (Amber)

Just left. He’s so pissed. I knew he’d be mad, but I never expected… (Matt)

Well, what are you waiting for? (Amber)

What do you mean? (Matt)

Look, I don’t need Tony’s blessing to be happy, but I have a feeling that you do. He might be my twin, but the two of you are like brothers. I can’t come between you and your best friend. If his acceptance is important to you, it's important to me. Go after him. (Amber)

Matt catches up to Tony and tries to explain that his relationship with Amber isn’t just some fling. He’s in love with her and has been since he was thirteen. There was never a good time to act on his feelings before because Tony made it clear to everyone that his sister was unavailable. Not many guys were willing to try their luck since it was widely known that Tony was the best boxer in the neighborhood.