This shirtless photo shoot.
Justin looked at his watch. There was time for a run before dinner. A workout first, then a good long run.
When Ben hadn’t appeared by the time Justin had finished his run and showered, he knew where to go looking for him.
The pub wasn’t crowded, but nor was it empty. He immediately spotted his brother, holding up the bar and talking to a couple of blokes who looked like stockmen. Justin joined them.
‘These guys have volunteered to sign up,’ Ben told him, slapping the men on the backs. ‘I think we need a training session next?’
Justin heard the underlying blur in Ben’s voice and wondered how much his brother had drunk. ‘Sure. Thanks, guys.’ He shook the men’s hands. ‘Ben and I will set something up at the fire station. We can get you familiar with the equipment and so forth.’
‘Good. Buy you a drink?’ one of the men asked.
‘No, thanks. I’ve got some stuff to go over with Ben.’
‘Sure thing. I was just leaving anyway. If I come home too late, my wife will have dinner either burned or stone cold.’
All four of them laughed as the men departed, leaving Ben and Justin alone.
‘Why did you do that?’ Ben asked.
‘Do what?’
‘Get them to leave. We were only having a friendly drink.’
‘I think maybe you’ve had enough friendly drinks. Let’s get something to eat.’
‘Hey.’ Ben stepped back unsteadily. ‘Don’t you come the big brother, telling me how much to drink. All right?’
‘Fine. But I’m hungry. I could use a burger. Do you want one?’
‘Sure.’
They found a table and Ben went to the bar to order the burgers. When he returned, he was clutching two beers. Justin accepted his and took a drink. It was ice cold and refreshing. A beer and a burger at the end of the day was always welcome. Although, this first drink would be his last. As for Ben …
While they waited for their meals, Justin told his brother about the photo shoot and Ben was, as always, eager to do it.
When the burgers were done, Ben drained the last of his drink. ‘Your round.’
Justin shook his head. ‘Not for me. We’ve got a big day tomorrow, remember. We’re going to a couple of the studs for fire assessment and advice.’
‘That’s not a big day. You’re getting old, brother.’
‘But if we are both going to look good for that calendar shoot, we need our beauty sleep.’ Justin frowned and peered at his brother. ‘At least you do.’
‘You’re just jealous because I’ve always been the good-looking one.’
It was a long-standing joke, and both were laughing as they left the bar to walk home. It was a slow walk, not so much because they weren’t in a hurry, but because Ben was weaving more than a little.
Ben took a steadying breath. ‘So? Did you see her?’
At last, Justin thought. ‘I thought you didn’t want to talk about her.’
‘I don’t.’
They walked on in silence, until—
‘Yes. I saw her.’
