Sonnet of Slight Foot-in-Mouthery:
I spake too sharp, and in my lawyer’s way. Did file thy hopes beneath “romantic strife.”
To say “desperate for love”—how graceless was that day! A blunder most unworthy of thy life.
For who seeks love commits no foolish sin, but shows a heart still open, brave, and kind.
While I—deflecting with a jaded grin—did leave compassion somewhere far behind.
Thy letters brought me mirth, thy thoughts sincere, a friendship rare, with ink and quirks well matched.
I miss thy tales of code and holidays dear—our parchment bond unfairly left unlatched.
If thou canst pardon words too quick, too rough, return, good friend—thy pen is missed enough.
Please consider my truce. I’m sorry for being so weird. Please don’t hate me forever. I miss you.
Sincerely,
Brittany
P.S. Should I quit my day job and become a poet? Let me know.
A grin spreads across my face as I set the letter back down on the counter. I can’t stop the warmth from spreading through my body.
She misses me. She actually misses me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Brittany
“It’s good to see you, sis.” Parker clears his throat as I slide into the booth across from him. “Thanks for meeting me for lunch.”
I eye him, unsure of this whole random weekday lunchcapade. Heneverasks me to hang out, and definitely not during the work day. And hedefinitelydoesn’t come all the way to my side of the city. “So…”
“You ever eaten here?” Parker clears his throat again and tugs at his collar, shifting in the booth like he’s at a job interview, not out for lunch with his little sister.
“Harlee and I eat here all the time,” I tell him plainly, shrugging my shoulders. “It’s pretty good.”
“Yeah, for sure.” Parker folds his arms across his chest for a few seconds, then shifts again, reaching for the menu. He plucksit up off the table, and starts reading through it. “Wow, this is crazy. There’s so many different options.”
“Yeah. Harlee likes the Mediterranean lunch special.”
He looks up at me, his brows knitting together in the center of his forehead. “Wait, who’s Harlee again?”
“She’s a friend from work. We went on that girls’ trip together. To Florida.”
“Oh, right.” Parker nods, and I don’t miss the redness creeping across his cheeks. He’s got the memory of a cat with dementia … if that even exists. “Did you have fun in Florida?”
“Yeah,” I say, realizing that trip was over a month ago. “I think I’m going to go back with her every year. Make a thing out of it.”
He nods, his eyes staying on the menu now. “That’s cool.”
“Uh-huh,” I answer, shaking my head at him. “Why are you being so weird?” If there’s anything I know about my brother, it’s that if he has a lot to say, he usually acts like he doesn’t.
He lets out a sigh, sets the menu down, then looks up at me. “I don’t know. I guess I’m just trying to find a way for us to connect more often.” His facial expression softens. “I want to know what’s going on in your world, Brit. I always have. Amy’s just kind of been the reminder that I don’t have to be so distant.”
“She’s good for you,” I affirm, smiling. “I’m proud of the effort you’re making. You’re still a little grumpy, but it’swaybetter than what it was.”
