Page 44 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

But Dylan is on his way and there’s a media storm on the doorstep, so we put on our boots, lift up our backpacks, and set off for the pick-up point on the park’s access road. We don’t talk much as we walk. There’s so much to say but I know Brodie is preparing his statement for the press.

“Rita. I don’t want to drag you into this mess,” Brodie says when we arrive at the roadside pick-up point. We take off our backpacks and drop them at our feet. “It’s my fight. You don’t need to come to the house. How about we drop you at your place?”

“No way.” I grab Brodie’s hand and hold it tight in mine. “I’m here for you. I’m not going to disappear now.” Then I dig an elbow into Brodie’s ribs. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Brodie laughs. “Thanks. I appreciate that you want to help. But you really don’t need to get involved. Things could get ugly.”

“Brodie. I am involved. And, if things are going to get ugly, then bring it on.”

“Rita. You are the woman for me. No question about that.”

Brodie kisses me fully and deeply at the side of the road just as Dylan pulls up. He toots the horn and slows to a stop.

“Ah, I see,” Dylan says through the open window. He quickly opens the door and jumps out.

“Dylan,” says Brodie with sincerity. “I can explain.”

“Yeah, I would love to hear that, buddy.” Dylan squares up in front of the big quarterback. “Making a move on my sister, as well as the senator’s daughter, huh? Brodie Kent.”

“Wait a minute, Dylan.” I stand between my brother and his best friend.

“Jeez, what’s up with you guys?” Dylan cracks up. “Where’s your sense of humor?”

“You mean, you’re not mad?” Brodie asks, relieved.

“No. I’m not mad. Why should I be mad? I was just having a joke, and man, you took the bait, hook, line, and sinker.” Dylan slaps his knee and laughs at our collective shock.

“Dylan,” Brodie says reaching for my hand. “I’ve been in love with Rita since we were in school and…”

“I know,” says Dylan still laughing. “We all know. Everyone in town knows.”

“Mom and Dad don’t,” I say looking at Dylan questioningly.

“Yes, they do. You guys are so obviously in love, snarling around as if you hate each other. Well, it’s mostly Rita who has been hating Brodie. Brodie just looks like a love-sick puppy. Anyway, it’s been hilarious to watch. We’ve all been waiting for Brodie to get his act together and come back for you, Rita.” Dylan turns his attention to me. “And if you weren’t here today, I was going to come and get you, Brodie, and knock some sense into that thick skull of yours.”

Brodie grabs Dylan in a bear hug.

“Thanks, Dylan, but a simple phone call would have done the job.”

“Now,” Dylan says as he wrestles free from Brodie’s hug. He claps his hands together as if we are part of his hiking group. “Are you ready? Shall we go?”

Dylan opens the rear door and throws in the packs, then Brodie and I pile into the front beside him. He shifts the van into gear.

“So, what’s your plan?” Dylan asks, checking the rearview and nudging the van forward. “Do you want me to drive you to the airport for a quick getaway?”

“Nah, man. I’m facing this head-on. I have nothing to apologize for. My conscience is clear.” Brodie reaches for my hand. “I’m going to make a statement. So, I’m just going to say that. End of. That’s what these people have come for. I’ll tell them my side of the story and then they’ll go away and leave us alone.”

“Well, if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” Brodie looks at me and covers my hand with his. “This is going turn into a massive circus if I don’t.”

“Talking about a circus… How was your night camping out? Or is that something you would rather not share?”

“I can’t say that it was the most comfortable night of my life.” Brodie smiles and winks at me causing me to blush. “But it was certainly eye-opening.”

“Hey, Dylan,” I say deflecting the conversation away from my rosy cheeks. I’m close with my brother but there are certain things I would rather not share. “What happened with the family? Did they demand a refund?”

“Oh, no. They were actually very happy. And grateful that I suggested we turn around,” says Dylan steering around some bumpy potholes. “Once I said that they had a choice, and they didn’t have to continue to the campsite, the kids almost ran back to the parking lot. They were so happy. And they gave me five stars on Trip Advisor, so I was happy too.”

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