Chapter 21
Nick ran after Brian but it was too late. By
the time he got outside Brian was long gone. Nick felt awful. He knew Brian
wouldn’t get very far, but he couldn’t stop feeling like he’d royally screwed
over his brother. That hadn’t been his intention, but then, it never was. Nick
needed to do something. He needed to make things right. Nick needed to clean up
his own mess for once but had no idea how to do it. He needed to calm down and he
needed a plan. He needed, “Dee?”
“Hi baby.” Deanna chirped into the phone.
“Honey I messed up.”
“Déjà vu.” Deanna giggled, “Didn’t we have
this conversation yesterday?”
“I mean it Deanna. I screwed up big this time.
It’s Brian. I need your help.”
Deana’s playful attitude turned serious when
she heard the hint of panic in Nick’s voice. “Ok sweetie calm down.” She said,
“Tell me what’s going on and we’ll find a way to fix it.”
Nick took a deep breath. “Babe, you are not
going to believe this…”
********
Brian sat for a while staring out at the water
from the very spot he’d been holding Sarah just hours before. Until this week
he’d never spent much time at the lake, he wasn’t really much of a water
person, but now he couldn’t tear himself away from it. The short time he’d
spent last night would now be his most cherished memory and his most haunting
nightmare, a constant reminder of what he almost had. How had things gone so
wrong so fast? He thought of going after her. If he could just have two minutes
to explain himself he knew she would be able forgive him, but then he would
picture the look on her face when she told him she never wanted to see him
again and his feelings of guilt and remorse would overtake him.
His hope was all but shattered, but he refused
to give up entirely. He may not be able to have Sarah, but hearts heal with
time. Sarah had done so much more for him than just waken his heart. She’d
given him life. She’d given him the strength and courage to stand up for
himself. And if that was all she would ever give him, then he was going to
cherish it. Brian was not going home. He too needed to move on. He stood from
his resting spot, pulled himself away from the lake and just before he left,
glanced out at the water one last time and whispered a sweet goodbye.
********
Mr. Thompson heard the sobs before he saw
Sarah. She ran into the garage and threw herself into the comfort of her
daddy’s arms not caring in the least that he was head to toe covered in grease.
Mr. Thompson held her tightly and his heart broke at the feel of her trembling
body. He didn’t say anything. He knew his daughter and knew that when she was
this upset it was best to just let her work it out. After a moment Sarah was
able to stop the tears long enough to smile at her father. “You ok pumpkin?”
Sarah shook her head lightly but then replied,
“I will be though.”
“You want to tell me what happened?”
Again Sarah shook her head and suppressed more
sobs, “Let’s just say that Lance will have me all to himself when I go back to
California.”
“Sweetheart?”
“It’s ok though Daddy. It’s probably better
that way.” Sarah smirked through her depression, “Lance gets kind of jealous
sometimes.”
Sarah laughed bitterly at her not so funny
joke and then more tears began to stream down her face. Mr. Thompson pulled his
distressed daughter back into his arms. “I’m sorry Sarah.”
“Don’t be dad.” She said gaining control of
herself once again. “Everyone has to have their heart broken sometime. At least
now I should be able to put the Harpers behind me forever.”
Mr. Thompson sighed, “I guess that would
probably be a good thing for you, but you know, you can do that without
leaving. If you wanted to stay, I wouldn’t object.”
“I know dad.” Sarah said turning her frown
once more into a sad smile. “It’s not that I don’t love you, but San Francisco
suits me more. I need to go back.”
Mr. Thompson smiled. “You always were too much
of a good thing for this small town to handle.”
Sarah rolled her eyes, but threw her arms
around her father again. “I love you dad.”
“I love you too pumpkin, and I’m gonna miss
ya.” Mr. Thompson replied as he squeezed his baby girl as tightly as he could.
“It gets really lonely around here without you.”
Sarah pulled away from her father and grinned
mischievously. “It doesn’t have to ya know. I think maybe it’s time you moved
on too,” she said. “I know mom wouldn’t want you spending the rest of your days
alone.”
Mr. Thompson frowned, but Sarah smiled even
bigger and then glanced over her shoulder at the café across the street. Mr.
Thompson followed her gaze curiously. “I think maybe it’s time for a coffee
break, don’t you?”
Sarah gave her dad a little nudge and she
grinned when he nervously cleared his throat, still staring in the café windows.
“Don’t you need a ride to the airport?”
“Don’t worry about me dad. I’m a big girl, you
go get that coffee.”
Mr. Thompson stared proudly at Sarah for a
moment before his eyes drifted back to the cafe. “Come visit me in California?”
Sarah said.
“As soon as I can.”
********
When
Brian didn’t come home that night or show up all day, Nick’s stress levels went
from bad to worse to dangerous. He thought for sure he would have called by
now, but he hadn’t, and then one more night passed. Nick didn’t sleep all
night. His concern was more than just wanting to make things right now; he was
genuinely scared for his brother. He didn’t believe that Brian would actually
leave, but he had, and he’d left angry and heartbroken. Nick was worried that
something bad might have happened to him.
By the time morning came, Nick was barely
functional. If Deanna hadn’t appeared in the doorway when she did, he may have
just had a complete meltdown. She took one look at him and held open her arms.
Nick fell into them as though he’d never missed anyone more in his life.
“You’re home early.” He said before pulling her in for a much needed kiss.
“Only one day. Veronica left for her honeymoon
last night and you sounded so stressed on the phone that I jumped a red eye.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“No, but you love me and that’s good enough.”
Deanna teased. “Now, let’s go get Brian shall we?”
“He hasn’t called. It’s been two days and he
hasn’t even called to let us know he’s ok. I don’t know how to find him.”
“He’s in Grosse Point.” Deanna giggled, “At
your Uncle Jack’s house.”
Nick stared at Deanna too relieved to be
confused at first but eventually the bewilderment caught up to him. When Deanna
saw the mystified look she giggled. “You mom’s out front in her flower garden.
I asked her on the way in.”
“Bri called my mom?”
“Actually she said your Uncle Jack gave him
away. So, should we go get him?”
Nick grinned from ear to ear. “We have one
stop to make first.”
Nick and Deanna made one stop on their way out
of town at Mr. Thompson’s auto shop. Nick was a little nervous about talking to
Sarah’s dad, but it had to be done. Mr. Thompson didn’t take a whole lot of
convincing though, so they weren’t there for but a few minutes. After that they
drove out to the eastern most border of Detroit, not to mention the nicest.
Nick and Deanna had come up with a plan, now all they needed to do was convince
Brian.
Nick knocked on the door to his Uncle’s house
and held his breath as he waited for an answer. Deanna smiled at her nervous boyfriend
and laced her fingers through his for support. “Don’t worry.” She whispered
just as the door swung open.
Brian smirked when he saw the familiar faces.
“I knew Uncle Jack couldn’t keep a secret.”
Without any further greeting Brian walked back
into the house leaving the door open behind him. Nick and Deanna followed him
into the house and joined him at the dining room table where he had been busy
on his laptop. Nick and Deanna sat there staring at Brian for a moment but he
expertly ignored them as he clicked away. “What are ya doing?” Nick asked
trying to sneak a peek at the computer screen.
“Looking up colleges actually.” Brian sighed,
“I was thinking maybe I’d go back for my masters. What do you think about
Florida? I hear it’s really nice there.”
“I think it’s as far away from San Francisco
as you can get without actually crossing an ocean.”
Brian glanced up at his brother with a
piercing glare. “What are you doing here?” he grumbled.
Nick rolled his eyes. “What are you doing here
Brian? This is stupid. Just come home and finish what you started.”
Deanna opened up the briefcase she’d brought
with her and slid a signed partnership agreement across the table. “We’re all
ready to go.”
Brian looked down at the paper with an empty
expression. After a moment of silence he took the contract and ripped it in
half. “No thanks.”
Nick smiled at Deanna. “You see?”
Deanna giggled and Brian could feel his anger
rising as he met their smirks. “Yeah, but how did you know he would actually
tear it up?” Deanna questioned Nick.
Nick shrugged, “Maybe I know my big brother a
little better than he thinks I do.”
With a deep breath Brian ran his hands through
his hair fighting the urge to give it a good tug. “Would you guys just get to the
point already?”
“Alright.” Nick smirked.
Deanna pulled another contract from the
briefcase, the real copy, and slid it across the table to Brian. “Don’t tear
this one up. We’ll need it in order to open next month.”
Deanna now had Brian’s full attention. Nick
cleared his throat as if about to make a very important speech and then said,
“Thanks for the little to do list you left me. I never could have figured any
of that stuff out without it.”
Brian stared at his brother in utter
amazement. He hadn’t been so sure that Nick would understand any of it even
with the help. He couldn’t believe he was actually putting forth some effort;
he even seemed excited about it. It almost broke his heart to say no. “I’m
sorry Nick.” He said, “But I can’t come home.”
“I know.” Nick replied, “That’s why Deanna and
I have decided to hire a manager to run the business for us, at least while
we’re in college. Then after we graduate, and I don’t know maybe get married or
something, then we can take over the business together.”
Deanna stopped giggling over the marriage
comment long enough to add, “Of course you will still be a partner, so if you
decide you don’t like California then you can always come back home.”
“Florida.” Brian corrected as he gritted his
teeth.
“Come on Brian.” Nick sighed. “You have to
go.”
“Aren’t you the one who so graciously pointed
out what a terrible idea that was?”
“That was before I knew how much you loved
her.”
Brian’s mouth hung open in sheer astonishment.
He knew he felt that way, but he’d kept it so secret for so many years, that to
hear somebody say it out loud nearly knocked the wind from him. “It’s true,
isn’t it?” Nick repeated, “You love her.”
Brian
felt almost ashamed of his feelings, but he didn’t know why. He figured it was
because the truth of it hurt too much. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes it does. Bri, if you love her, you can’t
just give her up.”
“She doesn’t want to see me.” Brian grumbled,
“Ever again, remember?”
“She doesn’t know the truth.”
Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a
small piece of grease stained paper with an address scribbled on it. “Here.” He
said handing Brian the San Francisco address. “Mr. Thompson seems to agree with
me that she’ll give you the chance to explain.”
Brian stared down at the paper in his hand. He
couldn’t believe Nick had gone through all this trouble. “Go.” Nick urged.
“Why are you doing this?” Brian asked
memorizing the set of numbers he was looking at.
Nick smiled the most sincere smile he’d ever
smiled in his life. “Because you’ve always cleaned up my messes. It’s time for
me to clean up yours for once.”
Brian couldn’t believe his ears and didn’t
know what to say. Nick smirked and then added, “Besides it’s sort of my fault
she thinks you’re the biggest jerk on the planet and is probably getting fat on
Ben and Jerry’s right now. If I were you I wouldn’t wait too long or she’ll
blame you for gaining five pounds too.”
Brian didn’t want to laugh but couldn’t stop
himself from cracking a smile. “Cheesecake.” He smirked. “Not Ben and Jerry’s.”
Deanna reached across the table and placed her
hand on top of Brian’s. “That’s why you have to go. Trust me, she’ll hear you
out, and when she realizes how much you love her, she’ll forgive you.”
“No she won’t.”
“Even if she doesn’t,” Nick said, “You owe her
the explanation.”
“Yeah, well maybe you should go. She likes you
better anyway, always has.”
“No she doesn’t. Now you’re just making up
excuses. What was it she said to me the other day?” Nick laughed as he tried to
recall Sarah’s exact words, “I think she called me fine dining and expensive
suits and then referred to herself as K-mart and a carburetor.”
Brian froze when he heard his own words being
thrown at him and it gave him a glimmer of hope. Nick could see in Brian’s eyes
that he was getting to him; he couldn’t stop now. “I hate to admit it,” He
continued, “But her exact words were, ‘It turns out that it’s Brian I’m crazy
about.’”
“She said that?”
“Shocking, I know.” Nick teased. “Come
on. If you leave now you can probably
still make it by a decent hour.”
********
Brian knocked timidly on the large wooden door
and was surprised when a young blond opened it. Lance sized up the curious
stranger and smiled approvingly into his fierce blue eyes. “Are you looking to
get married?” he asked raising a suggestive brow.”
Brian did a double take as his mind pieced
together the blatant advance, then took a step back to double check the address
on the building. Lance laughed, thinking the innocence of the stranger was
amusing. “Are you looking for Janet Thompson?” he asked a little more seriously
this time. “The wedding planner?”
“Uh, actually, um, I was hoping to see Sarah.”
All of the friendliness that Lance over exuded
twenty-four seven vanished instantly. “Which one are you?” he demanded.
“Excuse me?”
“I know you’re one of those awful Harper boys,
which one are you?”
Brian gulped. He hadn’t expected he’d have to
get through security first. “I’m the stupider one.” Brian muttered.
“Well, well, well. I wondered if you’d show up
looking for her.”
“Please I just want to talk to her.”
“Brian, is it?”
Brian nodded. “You should have saved yourself
the trip.”
Lance stepped back inside but Brian placed his
hand on the door before it could be slammed in his face. “Wait!” he said, “I
have to see her.”
“She doesn’t want to see you.”
“I screwed up ok?” Brian pleaded, “I’ve never
been completely logical when it comes to Sarah.”
Lance’s interest was peaked by the confession
and he hesitantly stepped back outside. Brian let out a short breath of relief.
“You have to let me talk to her. She turned my life upside down this week and I
don’t think I can live her without now.”
Brian waited anxiously for passage into the
house, but was instead attacked by Lance. “That is just the most romantic thing
I’ve ever heard!” He cried as he threw is arms tightly around Brian. “Oh my
gosh you have to tell her that.”
“Does that mean I can go inside?” Brian asked
as he attempted to escape the hug.
“She’s
not here.” Lance sighed as he slowly pulled himself away from Brian. “She left
an hour ago. She said she needed some air, but I can call her.”
“No need.” Brian said as Lance whipped out his
cell phone. “I think I might know where she is. Could you tell me how to get to
the Golden Gate Bridge?”
Lance grinned wickedly and then looked at the
rental car parked on the street. “You know what?” he said, “I’ll drive.”
Lance frowned when Brian looked at him as if
he were insane. “If you think I’m going to miss this, you’re crazy.”
Fifteen minutes later Brian stared up at the
beautiful rust-colored beams of the most famous bridge in all the world. His
heart was beginning to skip a beat every so often as he anticipated his
arrival. Moments later Lance pulled off the highway in front of a small path.
He stared down the path nervously, knowing he would find Sarah at the other
end. Lanced watched him take a deep breath and then gave him an encouraging
smile. Brian released the breath and then heaved himself from the car and
slowly made his way down the trail.
Sarah sat just a few steps off the beaten path
mindlessly pulling long strands of grass as she watched the ships sail under
the bridge. Her mind seemed to be a million miles from where she sat. Her
expression was somber and her eyes were dark red as if instead of sleeping
she’d spent the nights crying. Brian stood there watching her pluck the grass
and then let the breeze whisk it away from her fingers. It was almost as if she
was waiting for the wind to carry her away too.
It hurt Brian to see the pain he had caused
her and he worried that he wouldn’t be able to take it away. While he stood
there trying to figure out how to say hello, Sarah felt his stare burning a
hole in the back of her head. She looked
up and froze when their eyes met. Brian slowly waked toward her “What are you
doing here?” Sarah whispered when Brian took a seat next to her.
“You never gave me a chance to explain.”
“I think Nick did just fine the other day. You
can spare me the details.”
“Nick was wrong. He jumped to conclusions
because he was angry.”
“Sounded like he had a reason to be.” Sarah
said as she cast her eyes back out to the bay.
Hearing the bitterness in Sarah’s voice made
Brian let out a sigh. “You’re right. He did have a good reason to be mad at me,
and so do you. I lied to you Sarah. I did everything I could to keep my brother
away from you. And I’m sorry that I hurt you, but I didn’t know what else to
do, I was desperate. I couldn’t let him steal you away when you had just walked
back into my life.”
Sarah stopped pulling grass and closed her
eyes trying not to let Brian’s words get to her. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I love you Sarah.”
Sarah whipped her eyes away from the water so
fast that it took a moment for them to focus on Brian’s desperate gaze. What he
was saying couldn’t be possible. She wanted it to be true so badly it hurt, but
she didn't know how to trust him. “I love you.” He said again. “This has been
the most amazing week of my life and it’s all because of you. I can’t lose you
now. I need you.”
Tears began spilling from Sarah’s eyes and
Brian reached up to wipe them away, but she pulled away from his touch. “You
spent all week telling me about some girl who has your heart locked away from
the world and that your feelings could never change. How is today any
different?”
“It’s not.” Brian smiled gently. “Do you
remember this?” he asked as he retrieved an old faded piece of paper from his
pocket. The paper had been ripped in half and then taped back together. Brian
continued to talk as Sarah scanned the letter in shock. “I fell in love years
ago with a girl who was in love with my little brother.”
Sarah placed a hand over her mouth as she read
the lost confession. “This is the letter I wrote to Nick.” She whispered
faintly.
“But it says, so beautifully, everything I
always wanted to tell you.”
Sarah took a moment and just let herself feel
the shock. She then let the letter fall to her lap and threw her arms around
Brian. Brian let her squeeze him for a moment and then dried her tears once
more before proving the feelings in his heart with a powerful kiss. Now that
there was nothing holding him back, he gave his entire soul to her and the kiss
sent shivers through Sarah’s entire body. All of her doubt and her fear and her
pain was gone, now there was only love.
The kiss was interrupted by a high-pitched
giddy squeal off in the distance. Sarah and Brian looked over to see Lance
jumping wildly up and down. “I think there’s something seriously wrong with
your friend.” Brian frowned.
“He just gets a little excited over happy
endings.” Sarah laughed.
“But this is just the beginning.” Brian
replied throwing his lips on Sarah’s once more.
The End
***