Page 33 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

I walk on a little way, and something whizzes past my head. I stop and turn around to face Brodie who is gazing intently up into the trees. I’m pretty sure he threw a pinecone at me. But even if he did, he’s sure to deny it. He only did it to get attention, so I’ll just pretend I didn’t notice. I continue walking.

“So, you quit modeling and came back to lil’ ol’ Oak River to be a trail guide and work in your friend’s café.”

“That’s right.”

“And you’re happy?”

“Ecstatic.”

“Yup. Thought so.”

“And plans, you know, for the future?”

“Gosh, Brodie. What is this? Interrogation?”

“No. Rita. I’m just interested.” I keep walking briskly. “That’s all.”

“Alright.” I turn around. “I’m kind of in-between places just now.” Brodie’s listening. We walk together. So, I go on. “I quit modeling. I didn’t want that life anymore, but it gave me quite a nice cushion of savings that’s sitting there in the bank. So, I suppose I’m weighing up my options of what to do next.”

“That’s very cool. And what are these options?”

“Well, I need to do more research and there’s nothing set in stone yet, but I’d love to do something that protects this place. Whether that’s hands-on conservation, or becoming a ranger, or setting up a wildlife rescue center. Sometimes people bring Dad injured animals in need of care. He just takes them in and feeds them until they feel better.”

“Like Bambi the deer?”

“Yes. Exactly. He is so adorable. I hope he is living happily in his herd. It’s a privilege to get so close to a wild animal and help them. They need our help. Living wild is precarious. And when an animal is injured, mostly it just needs some TLC until it gets strong again. And then it’s good to go back to its home.” I sneak a peek at Brodie who smiles as he walks along. “I’ll need to talk with Dad about it, but… That would be cool, wouldn’t it?”

“Yeah, so cool. I can imagine you caring for animals of any kind.”

“It seems like something I’m meant to do. You know. For the love of it.”

“Like playing football?”

“I suppose…” I laugh. “But, right now, I’m enjoying the moment. I like helping Dylan out and working with Kate in The Half Moon. I like my life.”

There’s a long pause as Brodie and I walk together. Our footsteps blend with woodland sounds. Then Brodie stops.

“So, I have to ask. But you don’t have to answer,” he says behind me which makes me turn around.

“Okay. What now?” I laugh.

“I was just wondering... you know... if you’re seeing anyone.”

“Well, right now, I’m seeing you, Brodie.”

“No. Ha! Funny. No, that’s not what I mean.” Brodie strides the few steps to where I am. “I mean, you don’t have to tell me, if you don’t want to. Or if you think I’m being nosy, but, do you have a special someone in your life? A boyfriend, or…?” I stare at the ground. “I notice you’re not wearing a ring, but that might be because you don’t like rings, or it might be because you’re not engaged or married to anyone… yet.”

“No.” I laugh nervously. “Not now. I was seeing someone, but…” I turn and continue down the track. “No. Alright?”

Brodie is right behind me, keeping in step as I go.

“Do you know why I was always at your house?”

“Yes. Because of Mom’s roast chicken.”

“Yes. You’re right. There’s that. But mostly because I wanted to see you. And sure, I came to hang out with Dylan, but… really, I came to your house because I knew you were there.”

I swing around to face my childhood crush and yell, “That’s a lie, Brodie Kent.”

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