Page 31 of Betting Brett

But at least one great thing came from this picnic.

Boyfriends. We’re official,I think to myself with a smile as Brett drives out of the parking lot, his hand holding mine.

18

Brett

ThewarmthofAndy’shand in mine is something I’m still getting used to. Each touch, every intertwining of our fingers, is a reminder of the new journey we’ve started together. From childhood best friends toboyfriends. The word dances in my mind. I can hardly believe it. I feel like a kid all over again, the goofy grin impossible to wipe from my face as I drive. The windows are down, and the wind is whipping. The music is playing, and my heart is fucking flying.

The road stretches ahead, winding through the picturesque landscape of Shafter Falls. Ranch houses, with their rustic charm, dot the landscape, each a silent testament to the enduring spirit of our town. Fields of golden crops sway gently in the breeze, their heads nodding as if in approval of the path Andy and I are forging. Horses, majestic and gentle, graze peacefully. Their graceful movements always hypnotize me.

I steal a glance at Andy, someone else with the power to hypnotize me. His profile is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun. He’s beautiful, a blend of strength and vulnerability that calls to the very deepest parts of me. We’ve been friends for years, but right now, it feels like I’m seeing him for the first time.

As we near my house, even the familiar contours of home are viewed through a new lens, colored by the relationship Andy and I now share. Home isn’t just a physical space; it’s the warmth of Andy by my side. Jen’s car is parked in the driveway.

That’s when I realize maybe I should have asked him if he was okay with spending time with my ex-wife…

“Hey, Andy,” I say, the words breaking the comfortable silence that has enveloped us. “Jen’s inside with Izzy. Is that okay?”

Andy turns to me, his eyes reflecting the myriad of colors painting the sky as the sun begins its descent. “Jeez, of course, it’s okay, Brett,” he replies, his voice imbued with a warmth that seeps into the recesses of my soul. “I think it’s time we all hung out together, don’t you? Besides, I wasn’t expecting her to leave Izzy here by herself. I know she’s a mature little girl, but I don’t expect her to hold down the fort anytime soon.”

I laugh and feel another wave of easy happiness cascade over me. The blending of our worlds and the intertwining of our lives is a delicate dance, and I want to make sure it’s done right. Jen and Andy are already friends, but not under these circumstances, with everything completely changed.

We pull into the driveway, and I park next to Jen’s BMW, shining like she just recently got it washed. I swing the front door open, and the scent of freshly baked pizza wafts through the air, an aroma that instantly makes my mouth water. Jen’s laughter, rich and warm, echoes from the living room.

Andy’s hand tightens in mine, a silent acknowledgment of the significance of this moment. We’re not just stepping into a house; we’re stepping into a new world, one where the lines between friendship and love, past and present, are beautifully blurred.

Jen’s eyes light up as we enter the room, her smile a radiant beam. “Hey Andy!” she says, her voice a blend of surprise and delight. She rushes forward, her arms enveloping him in a hug that makes me realize that there was never anything to worry about.

Andy’s laughter mingles with hers. “Jen,” he smiles “It’s been way too long.” They pull away, their eyes locking in a silent exchange before she glances at me, winking. She knows. And she approves. My smile grows wider, my heart lighter.

The sound of racing footsteps heralds Izzy’s arrival. Her eyes are wide and bright. “Uncle Andy!” she exclaims, bolting for him and forgetting all about her dad.

Andy opens his arms and braces himself, ready to embrace the bundle of energy that is Izzy. She leaps at him like she didn’t see him two days ago. They clearly share a bond that’s as unexpected as it is beautiful. I can’t get enough of seeing them interact. I watch the scene unfold before me, a powerful warmth spreading through my chest. This is my new world, a blend of the old and new, the familiar and the unexpected. Jen, Andy, Izzy - each a piece of a puzzle that’s coming together perfectly.

“Come on, let’s get some pizza,” Jen says, leading Izzy toward the kitchen, dodging a pile of scattered books on the way.

We settle around the table, happy to spend time together. I’m still amazed by how right this feels. Jen’s eyes are bright, her gaze shifting between Andy and me, a smile playing on her lips as she places a cheesy slice of pizza on her plate.

“So, Andy,” Jen begins, her tone playful yet laced with genuine curiosity, “Seattle, huh? The big city sure didn’t manage to keep you away from Shafter Falls for long.”

“Seattle definitely has its charms, but it’s got nothing on the starry nights and open fields of home,” Andy chuckles, his voice warm. “Plus, everyone I love is right here.”

Jen smiles knowingly. I grab two slices of pizza for myself and sit down next to Andy, taking a healthy bite and getting some cheese on my chin. “I knew the city lights couldn’t outshine our stars for you,” Jen says, her gaze softening as she looks at Andy. I wonder how long she’s been aware of the potential between Andy and me and if it had anything to do with her encouraging Andy to move back here. She’s absolutely the smartest person I know.

I watch the exchange, a smile tugging at my lips. I’m glad they still get along so well. I shouldn’t have expected anything different. Jen and Andy were very similar, now that I think about it. They both had big hearts and bigger brains, the two of them always thinking logically before they thought emotionally.

We have the best family dinner I’ve had in a long time. The laughter and stories continue to flow until Izzy gives a loud stretch and a yawn. I glance at the clock and realize it’s way past her bedtime. I guess all this fun had to come to an end sometime.

I just didn’t realize how it would end.

Just as I was about to tell Izzy to head to bed, a sudden knock on the door cuts through, an interruption that halts the flow of conversation. We exchange puzzled looks; it’s too late for casual visitors, and the rhythm of the knock is insistent, urgent. It reminds me of when Sam and I have to do a house visit to deliver bad news.

“I’ll get it,” I say, rising from my seat. A sense of unease prickles at the edges of my consciousness. Something is wrong. I just don’t know what.

I pull the door open and am met by a stern-faced man with a bored expression, a manila envelope in his hand. “Brett Andrews?” he asks, his voice devoid of emotion.

“Yeah, that’s me,” I reply, the knot of apprehension tightening my stomach. There’s something about the man’s demeanor, the formal tone, that sets alarm bells ringing in my head.

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