Page 12 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

“Thanks for having me,” I say warmed by the hospitality of my friend’s family. “I really appreciate being here.”

“There is so much to catch up on,” says Jeanie. “And, perhaps, I’m being a little ahead of myself, but I feel that you have a particular reason for visiting after all this time.” She looks directly at me and then nods to Rita who looks increasingly puzzled. I redirect my attention to Dylan who smiles and nods as if I know what’s going on. “But first, let’s eat. We don’t want to let the food get cold. Please, Brodie, help yourself.”

The dinner tastes as delicious as it smells and even better than I remember. As I pile up my plate with chicken, potatoes, and peas, I cast a sneaky glance in Rita’s direction. She pretends not to notice. Her eyes flick up and catch me looking, then she looks away.

We eat and chat happily about what’s happening in Oak River. Some of the old characters are still here; some have moved on; some have passed away. Hearing familiar names of people I’ve known causes a wave of nostalgia: a longing for the past. The home-cooked meal with my best friend and his family is like a warm blanket around my shoulders. I can’t remember feeling this safe or cared for.

“How long are you planning to stay?” Ted asks, wiping the sides of his mouth with a serviette.

“I’m not entirely sure. A few days, maybe?”

“That’s great,” Rita says, her head tilted over to one side. “So, are you on leave, or something?” Her words have an edge to them. She looks as if she already knows the answer to her question.

“Yes. You could say that.”

“That’s wonderful,” says Jeanie beaming. “We’re so happy you came to see us. Aren’t we Rita?”

Rita nods and chases a piece of potato with her fork. She doesn’t look at me.

“It’s unusual that the Bullets can spare their star player so close to the start of the season. That’s unusual, isn’t it?” says Ted.

“There are others on the team who do a good job…” I’m not sure how to frame my thought, so I put down my knife and fork, take a moment and say, “Yeah. It’s unusual.” The family stop eating and turn their attention fully on me. “Truth is, I’m under investigation. And it’s not pretty.” I look down at my plate. I know how what I’m about to say will sound. “I’m accused of misconduct of a sexual nature. But, hand on heart, it’s not true. There are photos in the media. But it’s not me. It’s all fabrication.”

Silence hangs heavy in my friend’s family dining room.

Then, after a long pause, Ted says, “I believe you, son. Things can be sketchy out there. But if you say your conscience is clear, then it is. And that’s good enough for me.”

“Me too, buddy,” says Dylan patting my shoulder.

“Absolutely,” says Jeanie shaking her head. “You can’t always believe what they say on the news.”

I look across at Rita, hoping for her absolution. She says nothing but stares right back. Her expression doesn’t give anything away.

The dinnertime chat resumes, and we talk about other things. When the meal is over Dylan and I clear the plates and take them to the kitchen.

“That must be intense, bud,” he says as he fills the sink with hot soapy water.

“Yeah. It sucks, but the upside is I’m here and it’s so great. And what your dad said meant a lot. I really appreciate your family’s support.”

“Listen, if you’re going to be around for a few days, why not come on the trail with us tomorrow? It’s a small group. I’ve planned a loop, up to the lookout, then around the forest with a stop on the way back for a swim.” Dylan’s enthusiasm is infectious. “We’re going to camp out for two nights. I can lend you everything you need.” He looks down at my feet. “We’re the same size boot, I reckon.”

Seems like a great idea. Camping. Getting back to nature. But most importantly being away from the internet, social media, and people who recognize me. Even here in Oak River, I’m getting spotted.

I am, however, a little apprehensive about roughing it. I haven’t done any hiking since I left. All my time has been spent playing on the field, or training in the gym, or out partying. But hiking. It’s a walk in the park, right?

Even though I grew up around here, I didn’t really get into the Great Outdoors, as such. The national park is so close, but I didn’t have the chance to explore it fully. Not like Dylan did. And now he’s a guide and knows it like the back of his hand.

A three-day hike will be a first for me. And it’ll be fun. I’ll be with Dylan, my best mate. We’ll have a blast even with the other people who are booked on the trip. If I’m going to properly disappear and go to ground, a few days camping might be exactly what I need.

Chapter 7

Rita

The guys are in the kitchen washing the dishes from dinner. Dad has gone out to feed the animals and lock up the barn for the night. Mom and I finish clearing the dining room.

“You could be friendlier to our guest,” Mom hisses at me as she puts the placemats back in their drawer in the sideboard.

“I am friendly, Mom.”

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