Page 2 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

“Wow!” says the young woman with eyes wide like a Disney princess. “You know Brodie Kent?”

“We never dated,” I persist then try to change the subject once again. “How about caramel slice? Or a…”

The young woman doesn’t appear to have heard me. She keeps going.

“Hey, guys, wait up,” she yells at her friends as they are about to exit the café. “She was Brodie Kent's girlfriend in high school.”

“Oh wow!” says the other girl returning to the counter. “Can I ask? Did he kiss you?” She sighs. “Oh, imagine that?” She grabs her friend’s arm for dramatic effect. They giggle together.

“I don’t remember… It was a long time ago… It doesn’t matter.” I collect what’s left of my dignity and steer the conversation away from the star quarterback. “Oak River has a rich and important history and has many interesting landmarks and architectural splendors worthy of your time. As well as a vast network of forest trails close by, for visitors to explore. Let me know if you need a hiking guide. How long are you planning to stay?”

“We just came to see Brodie’s house,” says one of the guys smiling broadly. I can see he’s assessing my level of crazy. “Thanks anyway.”

“Alright, then.” My patience is wearing thin. “Enjoy your time in Oak River. Have a great day.”

“Yeah, you too. Thanks for the directions,” he says nodding to me and then Kate, before turning to his friends. “Come on let’s go.”

The group of fans wave as they leave. The girls are still chattering excitedly that they met someone who knew Brodie at school. I wave back but wait until they move out of eyeline before I trust myself to speak. My pleasant café assistant smile switches in a blink of an eye to a grimace of contorted exasperation.

“Kate. Please. Don’t say stuff like that in front of the customers.”

“Sorry. But you did, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“You kissed Brodie Kent.”

“Argh! For crying out loud! I forget. Maybe. I was young. We were kids. It didn’t mean anything. It was a long time ago… In the past. Let’s leave it there, shall we?”

“Sure, Rita.” Kate smiles suspiciously. “Whatever you say.” She looks back at her screen. “But, gosh, he is absolutely gorgeous.” Kate smiles dreamily. “I wouldn’t want to forget anything about that man. Ever. If he had only held my hand, I would keep that moment dear in my memory. Forever.”

She closes her eyes and holds her phone close to her chest. I roll mine to the ceiling and mutter something as I fold and refold tea towels with far more aggression than necessary.

“Shouldn’t we be prepping for lunch?” I say, hoping, once again, to move the subject away from Brodie Gorgeous Kent.

“In a minute.” Kate looks down at her phone again.

“You have such a lax attitude,” I say stacking some serviettes in the dispenser. “Imagine if the boss saw you slacking off.”

“I am the boss, Rita.” She turns off her phone and play-punches my arm.

“Well, this is no way to run a business.”

“Relax,” Kate says, smiling. “We should enjoy the precious downtime. I’ll give it ten minutes before we’re rushed off our feet.” Kate slots her phone onto the shelf under the counter. “Hey, why don’t you make us a coffee and we can take a seat for a minute before things get crazy.”

Kate makes me laugh. The Half Moon Café is the best in Oak River. Part of its appeal is the casual, friendly atmosphere and the stylish fun décor and artwork which reflects Kate’s personality. The food is pretty good too. This blend of relaxed, shabby-chic style and high quality is only achieved through hard work, attention to detail, and a generous, warmhearted take on life. Kate loves her café and that makes other people love it too. Including me.

I make a cappuccino for Kate and a cortado for me, and we sit at a table in the window. Sipping our coffees, we watch the street outside which is pretty quiet at this time in the morning.

Someone comes into the café. It’s Dylan, my older brother.

“Hey, Kate. Hey, Sis. Can I get a latte to go, thanks?”

“Sure thing. Coming right up.” I drain my cup and walk over to the coffee machine behind the counter.

“You’re still up for helping out on the trail this week?” Dylan walks over to the cash register. “I’ve had another booking, so please, please say you can. I need another guide who knows their stuff.”

“Yeah. Of course.” I grind some beans and fill the double-shot filter basket, then shout across to Kate, “That’s still okay, isn’t it? Three days, starting Thursday?”

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