Boris was on his way back to the office from having a business lunch when he bumped into Sandy. “Hello, Boris.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Now is that any way to greet your big sister?”
“Look, I’m on my way back to the office. What do you want?”
“I guess I could have called but I thought it would be nice to do it in person instead of over the telephone.”
“Do what?”
“Invite you and Cate to have dinner with George, the kids and me tomorrow night.”
“You made a wasted trip.”
“What do you mean?”
“Cate and I are no longer engaged.”
“What? Since when?”
“Since two weeks ago.”
“But why? What happened?”
“Cate broke it off.”
“But why would she do that just months before?”
“She doesn’t love me, Sandy.”
Sandy wanted to reach up and touch his face but his expression deterred her. Instead, she said, “I’m so sorry, Boris.”
“Don’t be. I’m fine.”
“Are you really?”
“Yes,” he said shortly.
“Do Father and Mother know?”
“No, they don’t.”
“I can understand why you haven’t told them as yet but you will have to at some point.”
“I know.”
“Would you like me to be there when you do–you know for moral support?”
“No, thanks. I’ll be fine.”
“Well, if you need to talk, call me. And, the invitation to dinner is still open. The kids would love to see their favorite uncle and George would have someone new to talk to about Twin-engine turbines and Hercules propellers. And Adam would love to show you the Ricocheting rockets he got from Father and Mother for his birthday.”
“Thanks, Sandy but another time.”
“All right.” This time, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek before hugging him tightly. “I love you,” she said, gazing up at him, her heart aching.
“I love you too. Say hello to George and the kids for me.”
“I will.”
“Thanks for stopping by and I’m sorry for my rudeness earlier.”
“It’s all right. I know that you might not want to hear this right now but things have a way of happening for the best. Perhaps you and Cate weren’t meant to be. Somewhere out there is the right woman for you.”
“Perhaps I’m not meant to end up like you, Sandy, happily married with three children.”
“I don’t believe that. Now, I have got to run. I’m promised Gaby that I would take her to Smyths to get the latest Jelly Junipers video game. It’s on sale. Take care of yourself.” She gently squeezed his arm before turning and walking away.
He watched her walk away and then, he took out his cell. “Mother, I have something to tell Father and you. I will stop by on Sunday.”
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