Page 2 of Tethered Hearts

Brie

“Thanks again, Brie.” Glen McBride, the unit commander of Sea Haven Beach’s search and rescue squad, closed the back of his ute and strode across to where Brie Mahoney was sitting on a fallen log at the edge of the gravel parking lot. Darkness had fallen since they’d first arrived at Mt Pullman over six hours ago, and the bright beams from other team members’ headlamps bounced around the scraggly bushland as they packed up and conversed about the latest rescue. Brie untied the laces of her hiking boots and yanked them off, tossing the muddy shoes into a plastic bag before pulling on her runners. She’d learned early on in her time volunteering with the search and rescue team to bring a spare pair of shoes to change into. Her very first expedition had been a river rescue, and a two-hour drive with sodden boots resulted in cold, shrivelled-up toes that resembled prunes by the time she’d arrived home.

“No problem, Glen. I’m glad I was able to help.” She enjoyed being part of the team, and it gave her a thrill like no other when rescues were successful.

Flashing red and blue lights were swallowed by the darkness as the ambulance carrying its single passenger disappeared into the night. It had been a challenging rescue, but one that ended well for everyone. Apart from a few scratches and grazes, and wounded pride, the lone hiker they’d rescued off the mountain was uninjured. As with most rescues in the Glass House Mountains, the hiker had been unprepared, not giving himself enough time to descend the mountain before the sun went down.

The mountains were lovely to look at. The craggy peaks, remnants of volcanic activity, offered stunning hiking trails through forested areas, and summit climbs with panoramic views out to the ocean. As scenic as they were, Brie couldn’t understand why people ventured out alone. Some of the trails were designated for experienced hikers only. There were plenty of signs around warning people of the risks, and the weather could turn quite quickly, making the mountainside a dangerous place to be. Tourists were the worst, thinking more about the view from the top than of the perilous rock faces that could hinder their journey and put their safety at risk.

Brie had been volunteering with the search and rescue squad for the past eight years, apart from a two-year break due to health reasons. She loved the outdoors and anything adventurous, and combined with her passion to help others, it seemed a great way to give back to the community.

There was nothing glamorous about spending hours in the sun, hiking through rocky terrain, or wading in muddy water up to one’s knees. But nothing beat that sweet sense of relief when the day ended well. It all came down to hard work and a good team effort from everyone.

The unit was made up of men and women from all walks of life, and she’d worked with most members over the years, having developed a good camaraderie with them. Well, mostly everyone. She could do without Brett Diete, her ex-boyfriend, being on the team. Having broken up almost a year ago, Sea Haven Beach’s top real estate salesman continued to hover like a bad odour. Somehow, he was always scheduled on the same days as Brie. Most of the time, it didn’t really bother her, because there were plenty of other people to talk to. Besides, there was little time for conversation when they were in the thick of a rescue. But some days, he irritated her like a small stone stuck in the toe of her shoe. He was a nice enough guy. Incredibly handsome with blond hair, arctic blue eyes, and a dazzling smile. All perfect for winning property sales, but thankfully, not her heart. The Holy Spirit had opened her eyes to see that Brett’s efforts to attend church were only to appease her, and not an authentic outpouring of his confession of faith. She’d ended things amicably, but still bumped into him every couple of weeks, much to her chagrin. Perhaps God was still trying to teach her grace.

“Well, it’s always a good day when everyone’s alive,” Glen said, waving to one of the crew members as they walked past.

“That is very true.” Brie chuckled, tossing her muddy boots into the back of her car. There had been a few adverse outcomes in the years since she’d been involved, which had been devastating for everyone. Thankfully, they could celebrate a successful rescue tonight.

“A few of us are heading to the pub for a drink to unwind. Feel free to join us.”

“Oh, I …”

“You should come, Brie.”

She turned as Brett sidled up, injecting himself into the conversation and standing a little too close for her liking. She inched away, creating some space so she couldn’t feel his warm breath on her skin. It gave her goosebumps for all the wrong reasons. His overly cheerful persona, almost to the point of being nauseating, made her cringe. Funny how something she used to find attractive now made her skin crawl. She had to keep reminding herself that he was a nice guy. Just not the one for her. If only he would tone down his million-watt smile, or at least know when the situation called for it. Inviting her to join in drinks was not the time to be lathering on the charm. Or popping her personal-space bubble, for that matter. Surely he wasn’t still carrying a flame for her?

She jiggled her keys before opening the driver’s door to her Toyota Corolla. “Thanks, but I’ve got an early start tomorrow. Maybe next time.”

“Text me when you get home, just so I know you’ve arrived safely,” Brett said, leaning on the door as she slid behind the steering wheel.

“I’ll be fine.” Tugging the seatbelt across her lap, Brie tried to contain her eye roll. What part ofThis relationship isn’t working out, I think it’s best that we end thingsdid he not understand? She’d called off their relationship in the nicest way possible, pulling theI’m happy to remain friendscard. As with all her other failed relationships, she’d expected Brett to move on. Instead, he continued to hover on the periphery of her life. Perhaps she’d been too accommodating in leaving the door open to remaining friends. In all honesty, she hadn’t meantclosefriends. Just an amicable parting so there was no animosity between them should they cross paths again. Her best friend, Melanie Coombes, said she was too nice, and that’s why she attracted the wrong type of men – those who took advantage of her kindness. She couldn’t help it, though. It was who she was – always one to try and keep the peace. To do as much as she could within her ability to ensure she’d apologised for all the wrongs she may have caused.

Regardless of her niceties, when did exes expect a text to monitor her safe arrival home? Those kinds of messages were limited to her close friends, and Brett wasn’t part of her tribe anymore, so no, that wasn’t going to happen.

“See you next time, Glen.” She waved to the unit commander before tugging the door closed and briefly nodding in Brett’s direction. She didn’t dare look him in the eye in case he read too much into it and continued to follow her around like a lost puppy, or worse, beg her to take him back. One day she would learn to not be so impulsive and fall for the next man who showed her any interest. Any future relationship would be because God was leading her heart, and not simply because someone was paying her attention.

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