Chapter 10 The Present #2
“Well…” She stretched the word, considering her next choice of words. “Shane wants to take a bonding trip with his half-brother and suggested I come along since we’re engaged. He thinks it could be a cool experience for us.”
I sat, processing the information and struggling to connect the dots of how this would help me. “Wow. I didn’t know Shane had a half-brother. How did that happen? And where do I fit into this?”
She chuckled, sipping her drink. “I was getting to that. Basically, his mom was unhappy in her marriage and got pregnant by somebody else from what Shane said, because her husband was an abusive cheater. She ended up leaving town with Shane’s dad since she was already pregnant.
He only found out recently after discovering an old picture at his mom’s house.
The guy is about four and a half years older than Shane, around your age! ”
The midday sun filtered through the café’s tall windows, casting honeyed patterns over our table.
I traced the rim of my iced latte with a slender finger, watching condensation drip onto the polished wood.
“Damn,” I muttered, pressing my mug to my lips.
“That must’ve been weird for him, finding out his mom had another kid.
But, seriously, what does this have to do with me? ”
Sabrina let out an exaggerated tut, her manicured nail tapping the cup between us.
“Oh, Amelia, my sweet, clueless friend,” she chided, eyes dancing.
“I was hinting that you should come along with us! I’ll need someone to chat with while they’re off talking boy stuff.
And who knows? This half-brother might be cute. ”
My heart fluttered in spite of my caution, curiosity sparking beneath my skin.
The idea of tagging along with two near-strangers both alarmed and intrigued me.
I swallowed, my voice a measured calm. “That could actually be interesting. So you haven’t even met this guy in person? Where are you headed?”
Sabrina leaned forward, a grin playing on her lips.
“It’ll be a blast, like a never-ending double date.
” She waggled her eyebrows, and her laughter tumbled out bright as bells.
“Shane’s video-chatted with him a few times and told me all about him, but no real-life meet-and-greet yet.
Shane tracked him down on his own, so proud of him for that. ”
I studied Sabrina’s radiant excitement: the way her eyes sparkled, how a rosy flush colored her cheeks.
A pang of longing tugged at me. Would I ever know that kind of effortless happiness? Engagement rings and breathless declarations of love felt like fairy tales I’d never belong to.
But I tucked the sadness away, reminding myself: Sabrina thrived on sunshine; I was the black cat perched in her shadow, and somehow, it balanced us.
“That’s wonderful,” I said, forcing a bright note into my voice. “Truly. So where’s this trip happening? Tell me more.”
Sabrina clapped, the sound echoing like high-fives in an empty hallway.
“A wilderness retreat! Imagine winding trails through towering pines, the scent of fir and damp earth. While the boys rough do campfires and survival lessons we’ll bask in the spa, do sunrise yoga, soak in the hot springs.
We’re thinking of piling into Shane’s SUV.
It’s massive, room for four and all our bags.
He said it’s about two weeks, but I’ll confirm. ”
I let the image settle. A silent forest, steam rising from a natural pool, morning light through the trees. I had always craved an escape into nature. “Sounds amazing. I’m a sucker for greenery. Do you know how much it costs?”
She waved her latte in a casual arc. “Expenses are on Shane. You know he’s rolling in it.”
I lifted an eyebrow, my tone teasing. “Marrying him for his money, are you? Very generous of him.”
Sabrina laughed, warm and light. “He is loaded, yes, but there’s a reason. He’s the perfect lover.” She sighed, gazing off as though picturing him now, hand in mine.
I smiled, letting amusement and genuine happiness mingle in my chest. “I’m really happy for both of you. I think I could go. It might be fun.”
She squealed, scooting across the bench to give me a side hug. The fabric of her sundress brushed my arm. “Yay! You won’t regret this, Amelia. I’ll text you all the details once Shane confirms times and routes.”
“Great,” I said, sipping my latte as the rich coffee buzz tickled my senses. “I could definitely use some joy, and I’m curious about this mystery brother.”
Sabrina’s grin stretched from ear to ear. “Me too! Shane even said he’s thinking of moving here, his life’s not great where he is now. Wouldn’t it be fun to have him around?”
I nodded, picturing an extra branch on our small circle of friends. “Yeah. I bet Shane would love a bit of family close by.”
She gathered her things and stood. “I have so much to plan, but I’m thrilled you’re coming. Watch for my text!”
We parted behind the café’s counter, each slipping into our own cars. I settled into the driver’s seat, the engine purring beneath me, and watched the urban bustle fade. Doubt flickered at the edge of my mind: Was I wise to plunge into the unknown?
But then I inhaled deeply, released a shaky laugh, and whispered, “Fuck it.”
I deserved a break. I deserved to disconnect. With that, I pulled out onto the road, sunlight dancing across the dash as I steered toward new memories.