Page 83 of Off the Trail

If the weather holds, the roof of the house is going on next week. We haven’t talked about whether or not we’re going to move there together when it’s finished next year. I think we’ll see how cohabitation goes first. Nothing like a long, cold Maine winter living with your new boyfriend for the first time to see if a relationship has what it takes to last.

“Hey, B,” Brooke says, Rocky right behind her. “This is great.” She hugs me, and I shake hands with Rocky. “Best bonfire we’ve ever had.”

“It’s something else,” Rocky says. “You made this?”

“I had help building it,” I say modestly. “Your first time to bonfire night?”

“Yeah, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Hey, Brooke, Shawn was going to get me some hot chocolate, but I think he forgot. Can you grab me some?”

“Sure.” She glances at her boyfriend. “You want?”

“Definitely,” he says. “I’ll come help you.”

“Actually, Rocky, I have something to talk to you about.”

Brooke looks surprised, then shakes her head, amused. She leaves for the drinks table, and Rocky looks at me expectantly.

“So you guys are moving in together,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Yes,” Rocky says warily. “But there’s no rush,” he adds.

“I just want you to know I think you’re really good for Brooke. And I hope you guys are really happy.”

His face clears. “Oh, thanks, Blaze.”

“And if you guys ever need anything from me, all you need to do is ask.”

“That’s really nice of you, man,” he says, relaxing further.

“But if she ever has any reason to call me because you’ve done something shitty, I know all the nooks and crannies of these woods. No one would ever find you. Understand?”

His face seems to pale, but it’s hard to tell in the light from the fire. “Uh, yeah, totally. Got it.”

“Now, go enjoy the evening,” I say, satisfied my big brother work is done.

Rocky takes off, meeting Brooke over at the drinks table with a forced smile.

“You got off on that,” Nolan says, appearing at my side with a beer in his hand.

“Maybe a little,” I admit. “How’s your night going?”

“Not as good as yours, given that your boy is here instead of San Fran, but the bonfire lives up to its reputation for glory,” he says.

“Oh, I forgot you started working here right after last year’s. That means you’ve been here for just about a year.”

“That’s right,” he says.

“Happy anniversary. I’d raise my glass to you, but I don’t have one.”

“Well, allow me to rectify that,” he says, and I nod my thanks as he departs for the drinks table. I do a circuit of the fire, saying hello to some acquaintances from town, while Misty finds a friendly Labrador to play tag with on the sand.

When I get back to my spot, I don’t see Nolan. Shawn’s nowhere to be seen either, and my sister and Rocky are missing as well. I’m able to catch Marika’s eye, and she excuses herself from her conversation and comes over to me. “Can you take a turn manning the fire?” I’ll just have to get my hot chocolate myself.

“Sure thing,” she says before letting out a screech. “Oh my god, oh my god! I didn’t think you were going to make it!” She runs toward a dark-haired man in a chunky L.L. Bean sweater and slacks. It’s Josh, Marika’s nephew, the PR guy who sends us a lot of his clients. Including Shawn.

It’s been a minute since Josh has visited, so I don’t begrudge Marika’s excited greeting or her swiftly abandoned promise to watch the fire. I let them have their reunion, and then I hear a cheer, and a few boos, from the crowd.