Page 50 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

“Yeah, Bro,” says Dylan with a can in each hand. “I don’t have another hike booked until the weekend, so we could go fishing or something, if you want?”

“Thanks, Dylan. But I’d like to spend some time with Rita.” I smile shyly. “I feel we have so much to catch up on... Like ten years’ worth of stuff.”

“That’s cool. I understand… Next time,” says Dylan. “And maybe you won’t be away so long, before your next visit, huh?” He punches my arm.

Jeanie stops putting the groceries away and leans on the kitchen table for a moment.

“I don’t know what’s in store for the future, but I have something I’ve been keeping for Rita.” Then, she says, “Wait a minute. I’ll go get it.”

Jeanie leaves the kitchen and I look at Dylan for clues. He shrugs and looks blank. His mom returns a little while later holding something in her hand.

“This belonged to my great grandma,” she says opening a small black velvet jewelry box. “It’s too small for me, and I think it’s very old, but isn’t it pretty?”

Inside the jewelry box, in a slot in the white satin cushion, is a ring with an oval blue stone in the center, encircled by tiny glittering clear stones.

“It’s worn, but the diamonds still sparkle. And that’s a natural sapphire. Very rare, I’m told,” says Jeanie gently tugging the ring out of its cushion. “When Rita was a little girl, she used to ask to see it. She said it was so pretty, it was the kind of ring that has magic powers, like in a story.” Jeanie holds the ring up close to her face. “When you and Dylan were off doing boys’ stuff, I let her wear it. But only inside the house. Rita loved it. So, I said that when she met someone special, I would make certain she would get this ring to keep.” Jeanie puts the ring back in the box. “Now. I’m not suggesting you ask Rita any time soon. I’m not saying that you should. At all… But if you wanted to, and if you feel that the time is right.” Jeanie pulls open a drawer in the kitchen table. “It’s here. In the top drawer.” She closes the drawer. “I’m not going to tell you again. It’s up to you.”

“Wow! Thanks, Mrs Carmichael… Jeanie. I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful. And perfect. And thank you.” I lean over and hug Rita’s mom.

“Alright,” Dylan says making his way to the door. “I’m going back to the barn. Got to finish putting that gear away.”

“I’ll come too. Give you a hand.” I follow Dylan out of the kitchen. “Thanks again Jeanie. I’m not sure when, but…”

“It’s okay, Brodie.” Jeanie smiles. “No rush. It’s here when you need it.”

Chapter 25

Rita

Iwoke up super early, energized, and restless. I didn’t want to wake Brodie. Although, part of me did. He was so tired after the dramas of last night, I let him sleep and rode my bike into town. I wanted to see Kate. It’s early and I know she’ll be opening the café. I wasn’t supposed to be working today but I thought I would surprise her, help her set up, and maybe we could sit down and have a coffee together. Also, I need to stop by my apartment to change my clothes. Possibly not hiking gear. Although I’m not sure if I have any clothes that are not hiking-related.

Kate waves at me through the window when I hop down from my bike. She unlocks the door and runs out to greet me.

“Rita! I saw you on TV,” she says with the biggest smile, barely containing her excitement.

“What?”

“I was watching the update about the awful story and the accusations against Brodie, then Nancy What’s-her-name comes on the screen and admits it’s all a lie.”

“Yes. I know, Kate,” I say grinning. “Isn’t it the best news?” I chain my bike to the lamppost outside. “The truth is finally out there.” Kate grabs me and we hug by the café door, then we go inside. “It’s so great.”

“Yes. But what is more great is you and the lovely Brodie Kent.” I’m a bit puzzled and not fully sure what Kate is talking about. The expression on my face must have asked her to elaborate, so she continues. “The TV announcer says, ‘Breaking News from Oak River,’ and there’s you running down the driveway and Brodie picks you up, swings you around, and then you say right into the camera, ‘He didn’t do it!’” Kate laughs so hard I think she’s about to have a cardiac arrest. “You were so brilliant!”

“Ah, that’s right.” I laugh and shake my head as I remember the relief and exhilaration of telling Brodie he was off the hook. “They were filming the whole thing. I didn’t even think about the cameras being on.”

“Yeah. They were. And there’s you and Brodie kissing on national television.”

Memories of the previous evening crowd in on me. At the time, I didn’t care about anything else apart from telling Brodie about Nancy What’s-her-name’s announcement. But hearing the report from my friend, in the cold harsh light of morning, a twinge of regret seeps into my delirium.

“You sit down there,” says Kate reading my mood change. “I’ll make us coffee.”

I walk over to a window table and pull out a chair.

“Ah, I kind of wish I’d gone about things differently,” I say gazing out of the window as I sit down. “Ha! The wisdom of hindsight.”

No one is on the street outside. An occasional car passes.

“What do you mean?” Kate yells from the coffee machine. “You were amazing!”

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