Page 39 of One Sweet Day I Found You

“Why doesn’t she callme, then?” Nick demanded.

“I don’t know. I’ve asked her that. Whatever the reason, there are only two of us.” He wiggled a finger at Nick. “I can’t keep her happy on my own. I’ve tried.”

Nick gazed at him, thinking.

“Although, having Gloria around helps. They love her.” Kenny lightened for a second. “Anyway, why don’t you just think about it? Chicago has an outdoor scene, too, if that’s what you’re looking for now. You know it. You loved it down there. You can still get your cycling on.”

Nick shrugged again. He did miss certain things about his old stomping grounds.

Truth be told, he didn’t want to upset his mother. He’d already done that enough this year.

Thanksgiving had been awkward and Christmas had been worse. He’d had enough of walking around on pins and needles.

He hadn’t even gone home by the time Easter came around.

It was his own fault, though. Or, was it—really? Couldn’t his parents just be happy for him, be proud that they’d raised their son with a backbone? Allow him to live farther than a stone’s throw away for a while? He was a grown man. He could move away and start over elsewhere if he wanted to.

If only they saw it that way.

But maybe Kenny was right. Maybe if his parents couldseethat he was happy, they’d finally believe him when he said he knew what he wanted. Maybe it was time he showed them just how fine he was doing. Maybe Nickshouldthink about going back. Not to med school, just to Chicago.

Kenny interrupted his thoughts. “You know, life’s totally crazy at times at the hospital, but the money—it’s going to be good. Really good. It’s exciting, too. Crazy, but exciting. Maybe taking a year off—well, maybe you’re ready now? I mean—some things deserve a second chance, right?”

Nick kept his eyes on his big brother and pursed his lips. “It’s not about the money, Ken.”

Kenny glanced around the shop at the canoe paddles against one wall and the backpacks lined up on the other. “You don’t want to be doingthisforever, though, do you? You’re just wasting time here, man. You’re going to wake up one day, years from now, and ask yourself what were you thinking, when all your old friends have gone on to build rewarding careers. And then it’s going to be too late. Even the search-and-rescue thing—it’s only volunteer work. You could be doing so much more.”

Nick squared his shoulders and fixed his gaze on his brother. “Nice try, bro.” Kenny’s face fell and Nick glanced at the door. “Gloria’s waiting. You don’t want to miss the ferry.”

Kenny didn’t move.

Nick sighed again. “Ken, I like my job. I like it here. And maybe I’ll workrealhard and become a superstar like you and Dad someday, but don’t hold your breath.”

Kenny shook his head. “I’m not kidding around. Nick…It’s been—long enough. Another summer here—seriously? This whole running away thing—you’re getting too old for it.”

Nick straightened his shoulders and huffed. “Figures you’d call it that. You can’t stand the idea that your brother sells bicycle helmets for a living, can you? You can’t just let mebe. You’re as bad as they are.”

“No.” Kenny stared. “No, Nick. It’s not like that.”

“Oh, I think it is.” Nick straightened a stack of paperwork on the counter nervously and finally met his brother’s gaze.

Kenny still didn’t move.

Nick detected a hint of sadness in his brother’s eyes.

“We just want you back, man. Whatever that looks like.” He reached across the counter and put a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Just think about it.”

Then he turned and walked out.

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