Page 36 of Mr Best Friend's Brother Grump

The clarity I was hoping for out on the waves, unfortunately, isn’t there. The niggle that I felt when I hung up the call to Rosa is still buzzing around like a mosquito. After a shower I settle on the balcony with an ice-cold Sol as the sun descends to the horizon, lighting up the scene in pinks and oranges. Memories of the elevator kiss play out against the beauty surrounding me. Rosa should be here to share this with me. I picture her sitting on the other chair on my balcony. I imagine how pretty she would be in this soft pinkish lighting: the breeze gently lifting the curls of her hair. The smile in her eyes when she turns to me to say something about how happy she is. Then, I am left feeling as empty as the chair. She isn’t here and it’s almost painful.

I call Kendra. I feel it’s time to tell my sister that I’m in love with her best friend. I’m crossing my fingers that she’ll be okay with it. The last thing I want is to change anything between us. And anything that is going to change things with them.

I attempt to organize my thoughts as I wait for Kendra to answer her phone. I almost bottle out and hang up when she says, “Hey Nate. What’s up?”

We talk about this and that. She seems pleased but surprised to hear from me. It is a little unusual for us to talk on the phone outside of important information, and then it’s in message form and not a call.

“So, Nathan. Why are you calling me?”

“I just wanted to know how you are.”

“Well, thanks. I’m just fine.”

“That’s good…” There’s empty air on the line as I think about what to say next.

“And?”

“And the surf here is perfect. The best it’s been at Venice for a long time.”

“That’s great, Nathan… But you didn’t call me up to give me a surf report. So, are you going to tell me the real reason for your call or am I going to have to guess?”

“Kendra.” I take a deep breath. “I have something I need to tell you.”

I can hear my sister laughing. “What Nathan? For crissake spit it out.” Before I can get a sentence together Kendra bursts out with, “Oh my! Who is she? Who are you seeing? What’s her name? Oh-oh-oh! You haven’t got back with Ingrid, have you?”

“No! Listen… I’m trying to tell you. I hope you’re alright with it.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because…” She cuts me off.

“Because it’s Rosa?”

Chapter 31

Rosa

I was so close to getting on that plane and zooming out to California to be with Nathan, but something didn’t feel right. Was it pride? I don’t know. I didn’t lie. I am super busy here. But after I hung up the phone, a nagging voice started haranguing me for my decision. Why the hell didn’t you go, idiot? He’s the best thing that has happened to you and you’re going to let him walk away? He wanted you there with him at Venice Beach. What is wrong with you?

Fortunately, I am at the center, flat out working on the final details for the mural unveiling which coincides with a significant day in Cuba's calendar, and is the ultimate event of the fiftieth anniversary celebrations.

The mural is fantastic. It depicts the story of generations of Cubans who have made New York their home and is so bright and colorful, that people stop by to say how much they like it: a huge improvement on the bare brick wall, that was a magnet for graffiti. Part of the project involved including the graffiti artists in the design and painting process. We received a grant from the neighborhood and ran fund-raising activities through the center to pay the artists. A home décor store donated the paints and brushes.

So, we have arranged for the parking lot next door to the center, with the mural on the wall, to be fenced off for our fiesta. It’s a ticketed event, with a bar, a stage for entertainment, and food, of course. The performance area is covered but we’re all hoping it’s not going to rain. The mayor is coming to cut the ribbon and say a few words and Liza will introduce Manuela, the brilliant artist who finalized the design and headed the team of mural painters.

There are a million things on my to-do list, and I find I’m adding to it faster than I’m ticking things off. The pace is getting more frantic the closer the date. I’m in the office before anyone else and leave late just to stay on top of things. But then there are always the wild cards that you don’t see coming, such as the sound system supplier who double-booked our event with another, and I had to race around to find speaker stacks, a mixing board and technician at the last minute. Thankfully a friend of a friend stepped in to help out.

I’m in my office looking at the run sheet, checking it one more time when my phone rings. It’s Kendra.

“Hey, BFF,” I say, holding my phone against my shoulder as I type. “How’s it going? I was going to call you.” It’s been a few days since lunch at Happy Cat. “Listen. I’ve saved you a ticket for the fiesta, and I was going to ask if you want a plus one.”

“Rosa! Hi.” It’s evident she hasn’t heard a word I just said. “I talked with Nathan last night. And it was late, so I didn’t call you. But I’m calling now.”

I sit bolt-upright in my chair. “Uh-uh.”

“It’s you! I had a feeling, but I didn’t want to say anything… And now I feel bad because I said that he was a useless boyfriend, and he’s a workaholic and he’s never going to change, but…” Kendra pauses long enough to take a breath then charges on. “Oh, Rosa! You’re perfect for him. And he knows. And he called me to say how much he loves you.”

“Kendra. Are you drunk? It’s eight fifteen.”

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