Page 36 of Tethered Hearts

Matt

Matt’s phone chimed with an incoming message. The rain had ceased, and the sun had broken through the grey clouds.Streams of glory shining down from heavenwas how his aunt used to describe the shards of sunlight breaking through the clouds. It was a sight to behold, yet his mood remained heavy. He hadn’t moved from the back deck since arriving home from the hospital, staring blankly out at the grey ocean while his thoughts were choppy, like the white caps on the water.

Why hadn’t Brie told him she had a boyfriend? He’d made such a fool of himself at the gala, unable to stay away from her. He’d been captivated by her beauty and the joy that radiated from within. But why hadn’t she said anything? Asked him to keep his hands to himself. Told him to back off. Not that he’d been creepy, he just couldn’t resist touching her and hadn’t wanted to be apart from her. She’d been his comfort when overwhelming feelings threatened to suck him into the vortex of insecurity and inadequacy in the room full of his peers. She’d been his anchor. His rock. His grounding.

But given that he was unaware she had a boyfriend, he could now add another thing to his list of failures.Matt Dallimore. Invalid. Gullible. Fool.

His phone pinged again. It wouldn’t be Blayne. He’d already spoken to his manager, who’d gushed about how well his speech had gone. Blayne had informed him that he’d be happy to represent Matt as new doors opened up, hinting at a future filled with speaking gigs and other motivational tours, this time from a different perspective to that when he’d been an athlete. Matt had murmured his thanks but needed time to think and pray over everything before giving his answer. He hadn’t considered Blayne’s remarks since he’d heard about Brie’s accident. She’d consumed every single thought since.

After storming out of the hospital, as best he could with bum legs and his cane, Aunt Helen had asked if Brie’s friendship was worth anything to him. He’d been mulling over his answer ever since. Last night, he’d been ready to take their friendship to another level. To step out and risk everything for a chance at love with the woman who’d ignited his will to live. And given the way his heart had almost stopped at the news of her accident, it only confirmed he wanted more. But what right did he have to pursue anything after seeing Brett in the hospital room with her?

Regardless of any other circumstances, does her friendship mean anything to you?

Was Brie worth it even if they couldn’t be more than friends? Did he value what they already shared? Yes. He realised that the answer to Aunt Helen’s question was a resounding yes. Brie had been an incredible support to him. She’d shown up when he was barely scraping the bottom of his forsaken life, and yet, she’d stuck around when misery was his closest companion. Regardless if she spent time with him out of obligation, or because of Aunt Helen’s well-meaning interference, he’d enjoyed every moment with her. Her authenticity. Her joy. Her efforts to make him laugh and to see that life was worth living again.

He’d never found himself in this situation before – of having to consider if a friendship was worth holding onto, even if he couldn’t be with the woman in question. Could men and women remain friends if there was nothing else on offer? He didn’t know, but one thing was certain - he couldn’t throw away the connection they’d forged.

He gave thanks to God for bringing Brie into his life and shining light into his darkest days and for the deep, soul-searching discussions they’d had. She was beautiful inside and out, and a delight worth treasuring. Whoever ended up with her would be one lucky guy. It was a shame it wouldn’t be him. Still, her friendship was not something he could just toss away like yesterday’s trash.

With his answer to Aunt Helen’s question in mind, he finally swiped at the phone screen and read the message.

Thanks so much for the flowers. Did you drop by? I’ve been asleep most of the afternoon.

His heart soared, and instantly his fingers tapped out a reply.

You had a visitor, Brett, and I didn’t want to disturb you. How are you feeling?

Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Then reappeared.

I feel like I’ve been pummelled by an airbag.

He chuckled, hope blooming in his chest. At least the accident hadn’t claimed her sense of humour. A vision of Brie asleep in her bed filled his thoughts. Suddenly, a well of emotion burst, and tears escaped, splashing onto his cheeks as the reality of her accident sank in. The fact that she’d escaped with minor injuries was a miracle. It could’ve been so much worse, and that thought horrified him. The thought of losing Brie was too much, and he silently thanked God for His hand of protection over her. His words blurred on the screen as he tapped out a reply.

I’m just so glad you’re okay. You really don’t want to know how much I was worried about you. (And still am).

A few seconds later, his phone rang. His breath caught in his throat as Brie’s groggy voice greeted him.

“Hey,” he said softly. “You didn’t need to call.” He drew a deep breath, gazing out at the ocean. The soothing rise and fall of the waves calmed the tumultuous thoughts racing through his mind.

“I didn’t know Brett was here when you came by,” she said, cutting straight through any formalities.

“He seemed pretty comfortable. Like he’d been there a while.” He recalled the guy’s hand on the bed next to Brie’s. His relaxed posture. The ease at which he’d commanded the room. “I got the impression that you two were together.”

“Gosh, no,” Brie fired back immediately. “Ignore whatever he said to you. He’s my ex. I ended things a long time ago, but he’s like a bad smell I can’t get rid of.”

“Like a rotten egg.” The words slipped out before Matt gave them a thought.

“Or stinky socks. Or a sulfur pit. I could keep going.” Brie laughed. “I’m sorry, I know I’m not being very nice.”

Matt chuckled, his chest feeling lighter as they eased into familiar banter. “Brie, you couldn’t say a nasty thing about anyone if you tried.” Which was another thing he liked about her. She was always so uplifting and encouraging.

“Well, they’re not exactly edifying words.” He heard her take a deep breath. “Honestly, there’s nothing between us. He dropped by to apologise after … after he said a few inappropriate things to me.”

Matt’s relief gushed out on the breath he’d been holding.There was nothing between them.The sweetest words he’d ever heard, and with them, he could feel the heavy weight of melancholy lifting. “I’m glad to hear that you’re okay, and I’m glad to hear that there’s nothing between you and Brett. I felt like a right fool turning up and seeing him there, especially after my actions at the gala. I apologise for overstepping our friendship. I …” He ran a hand through his hair, wishing he could see her now. Hold her hand and look deep into her amber eyes so she’d know how sorry he was. “I enjoyed having you there, and I let my emotions cloud my judgement. And for that, I am deeply sorry.”

“Please don’t apologise. I had a wonderful evening, Matt.”

Her softly spoken words were sweet, like honeycomb, yet there was still more he wanted to say. “I’m sorry I didn’t call to check in on you this morning. To see if you were okay after …” He swallowed the shame and horror at discovering the headlines. Why hadn’t he been man enough to call?