Page 51 of Love Never Happens with your Brother’s Best Friend

“I must have looked unhinged.” I remember howling like a banshee.

“Well, a bit, maybe. But I thought you were like this incredible she-devil, protector type, wild woman, defending your man,” Kate says as she brings our coffees to the table. She sets the cups down and sits opposite.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Kate sips her cappuccino. “So, how would you have done things differently? You were all caught up in the moment. You reacted. You didn’t pause to think about what you were doing, or how it would come across. That’s what I saw on my TV. A woman, so in love she would walk on burning coals for the man she adores.”

“Honestly, Kate. What kind of books have you been reading?” We laugh and there’s a pause in conversation as we drink our coffee.

“So, moving right along to something more interesting. Tell me… Everything.” Kate’s eyes glitter eagerly. “You went hiking on a trail, then, next minute, you’re kissing Brodie Kent on a prime-time news channel.” Kate taps her lips with her fingers. “I feel as if there are some details that need filling in.”

“Ah, Kate,” I begin. “We had the nicest time… eventually. I mean, he was pretty annoying on the hike. At the start, but… I don’t know. We had time to talk and, I know this sounds unlikely, but it was like we picked up where we left off.”

“I knew it!” Kate leans back in her chair and grins at me. “I knew you guys were meant to be together. There you go. I was right.”

“Yeah.” I sip my coffee and smile right back. “I was angry with him for leaving. And Brodie left town believing that I hated him. So, he never came back.”

“And why did he believe you hated him?”

“Oh. Because of a massive misunderstanding.” I take a deep breath. “Because I didn’t show up at a meeting place.”

“Why not?”

“Because I didn’t read the letter he left for me. I was too angry about him leaving. I tore it up and burnt it. So…”

“Oh my! That is so tragic! That is exactly like this book I’m reading. Except there’s no happy ending. Not like you and Brodie because, tadahhh! He came back.”

“Yes. And I think this is the bit that’s bothering me.” I finish my coffee and put the cup on the saucer. “Brodie is only here in Oak River because he was getting away from a stupid scandal. He is not here because of me.”

“Man. You are hard to please.” Kate glares at me. “It’s so obvious that he is totally in love with you.”

“I would love to believe that. But he has dated numerous beautiful women. And, maybe, he is still dating numerous beautiful women, for all I know. Women love him, Kate.” I gaze out of the window and I’m grateful that no one has come in yet. I sigh. “We had the best time on the hike. We really did. And, gosh, he’s a fantastic kisser. But…”

“But what?”

“I don’t know. I just feel as if I’m the accidental booby prize. That I’m just a convenient girl-back-home crush that he can walk away from. No strings attached. He’ll get back to his super-star football-player life and I won’t even feature. He did it once. He can do it again.”

“Do you really think that’s what is going to happen?”

“It could happen. I’m just preparing myself for the ‘Been nice seeing ya’ conversation before he jumps in his car and goes back to his center-of-the-spotlight, A-lister, click-bait life.”

“Well, that’s something that you are going to need to talk about with Brodie, is all. Brodie Kent is a very nice man. What does he have to do to make you see that?”

“I don’t know. But, Kate. I don’t want him to go away. To be apart from him is physically painful. I want him to stay with me. I feel so selfish saying that out loud.”

“And what if that’s what he wants too?”

“I’m scared that he doesn’t.”

“Rita. You are not going to find the answer to that question staring at the bottom of your empty coffee cup unless you are a gifted psychic.” Kate stands up and collects the cups. “Go ask him, dummy.”

“You’re right. Of course, you are.” I feel frantic. “I should get going. He might need to leave right away.”

“Maybe he’s gone already?”

“No. Kate. Don’t say that.” I jump up and head for the door. “I’m going to come right out and ask Brodie Kent how he feels about me… I need to know.”

“Me too! Message me, okay?”

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