“Oh.” Brynna tried to wrap her head around what Dorothy was saying. “Are you suggesting I go lie down at Leroy’s feet?”
“Not exactly. But I do know a little something about the Ruth and Boaz story from personal experience.”
“How’s that?” Brynna asked, curious.
“Well, I’m not sure how much you know about Leroy’s father, but I’m his second wife. Sergio married the love of his life as a young man. She died in childbirth just a few years later. Sergio was certain he’d never get over her. He was determined to never marry again, but he was a lonely man. I met him through friends when I was in my midtwenties. He was older than me, but I was smitten and determined to get him down on one knee. I did what I could toget him interested, but it wasn’t working. Finally, I realized I had a choice to make. I could go my own way with my head held high, or I could toss my pride aside and tell Sergio he needed me in his life.”
“And?”
“Obviously, it worked. I know I wasn’t the love of Sergio’s life, but I did eventually win his love.” Dorothy pointed at Brynna. “You have an advantage there since you really were Leroy’s first love. But it seems to me you might have to do like Ruth and I did, Brynna. You might have to humble yourself. You might have to take a risk. No more bouncing back and forth like a human ping-pong ball.” She refilled her coffee cup from the carafe on the table.
The meaning gradually sank in and Brynna nodded. “That does make sense. I can see how I might need to humble myself. Especially since I’m the one who’s waffled back and forth. And that does sound a little risky. Especially since I know Leroy’s fed up with me.”
“Fed up perhaps. But that doesn’t mean he’s quit loving you. Remember that.” Dorothy paused at the sound of Sherry calling out to her, then checked her watch. “Oh dear, I nearly forgot that I have a dentist appointment. We will have to finish this conversation later.” She stood, then reached for Brynna’s hand. “At least, I hope so.”
Brynna thanked her, promising to give the Ruth story more thought. But as she drove back toward Sorrentino’s, she had no idea how to fix the mess she seemed to be perennially stuck in. Going, staying, going, staying, going ... Leroy was right, shewasa human ping-pong ball. It was more than humbling. It was humiliating. And she was done with it.
Instead of stopping by Sophie’s, she drove straight back to the barn, where Jan and Mike were all packed up and waiting. While they hitched Jan’s trailer to her Yukon, Brynna relayed her conversation with Leroy’s mother.
“I want you guys to just go like you’d planned,” Brynna said as she removed her bag from the trailer. “I’m going to stay on a while longer.”
Jan gave her a thin smile. “Do you want us to come back and check on—”
“No. I want you to just go on your way. Don’t worry about me. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll get a taxi then catch a flight back home—and Leroy will never see me again.”
“And if it works?” Jan asked.
Brynna shrugged. “Then I’ll give my resignation at the school.”
“So, this is it?” Jan looked dubious. “All or nothing?”
“Yep.” Brynna slung a strap of her duffel bag over one shoulder.
“I like that plan.” Mike winked at her. “You don’t need any easy outs.”
“Leroy is a good guy,” Jan reassured her. “I could see that the other night when we visited around the campfire together. Please, tell him goodbye for us and thank him for letting us stay here.”
“And promise you’ll invite us to the wedding.” Mike nudged her with his elbow.
Brynna rolled her eyes. “Don’t hold your breath.”
Judith jerked her thumb toward the main house. “And here’s some good news. Shortly after you left, I saw Judith and her girls load up their SUV and head out,” she said. “Judging by their faces, they weren’t too happy either.”
“That reminds me,” Mike added. “I was taking the firepit over to the house when I noticed Leroy’s daughter—can’t remember her name. The fancy lawyer girl. Anyway, she was putting luggage into a small car. Looked to me like she was leaving too.”
“Really?” Brynna felt hopeful. Did this mean the guest cottage was free again?
“Well, good luck.” Jan hugged her.
“Hang in there.” Mike patted her back.
“Keep me posted,” Jan said as she got into the SUV.
Brynna waved and promised to do so. Then, loaded down with her duffel, she walked over to the guest cottage. Relieved that no one seemed to have observed her, and even more relieved that the front door was left unlocked, she let herself inside. Feeling a bitlike a squatter—or maybe like Ruth in the Bible—she made herself at home by taking a much-needed nap.
Leroy was driving down from the burn area after giving his crew instructions when he noticed the camping trailer, followed by the motorcycle, making its way toward the main road. He told himself he should feel relieved, but all he felt was empty and sad. Brynna was gone. This time for good.
Luna had decided to leave today as well. She claimed they needed her back in the law office, but he suspected she was simply getting bored. Whatever the case, they’d said their farewell over mugs of coffee earlier this morning. But when she’d kissed him goodbye, he sensed something different in her. It was as if she was apologetic about something. He wasn’t sure, but he suspected it had to do with Brynna. Or maybe she was just sorry for him. Not that he needed her sympathy—or anyone’s, for that matter. A lone wolf didn’t need pity.
