Page 79 of Bear's Heart

“I’d say let them sort it out,” Ansley added after a moment.“But Josie said something to me tonight when we were doing the dishes, and I’m not sure if she’s serious.She’s thinking of going away, moving out of state.”

“Josie would never leave Montana.”

“That’s not what she said tonight.”

Rye shot his wife a narrowed glance.“Is she just being dramatic?”

“I don’t know.If she were in the right headspace, I’d think going somewhere new was a good idea, but, honey, she’s in so much pain.I’m worried about her.”

“She’s tougher than she looks.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt that.But if your mom has said something, or possibly interfered, is it right for us to stand by and do nothing?”

*

Days passed whileRye deliberated over what should be done, at first thinking he couldn’t involve himself, and then changing his mind, and thinking as the oldest, he couldn’t ignore the situation.Perhaps something had to be said, only he wasn’t sure who to speak to first—his mom or Bear.He suspected neither would be particularly forthcoming.His mom would be downright defensive.Maybe even overly emotional, too.

Aware that he had a meeting with Bear scheduled at the Fuller Building Friday morning, Rye decided that after they covered business, he’d ask Bear if he’d met with Mom, and what that conversation had been about.

The meeting Friday didn’t take long.Rye’s subs were on top of things, and the interior was taking shape with electrical and plumbing both in, and drywalling to come next.Bear had no complaints about the job progress, but then, he had virtually nothing to say.Bear was silent and stoic and clearly eager to escape.

Rye told Bear there was one more thing to discuss, but he’d like to go outside for this conversation.

Bear’s expression turned wary, but he rolled out onto the street where he pivoted to face Rye.“I have another meeting in a half hour,” he said, voice flat, devoid of emotion.“Just so you know.”

“Not a problem.This shouldn’t take long,” Rye answered, but then he hesitated.This was not easy, and Bear had never been more remote or detached.“I know you and my mom met in Livingston.Either the same day, or the day before you and Josie had your falling out.I wondered if you ever told Josie that you met with Mom, and if she was aware of everything that had happened.”

Bear just stared at Rye.

“These are small towns,” Rye said.“Livingston isn’t all that far from where my parents now live.”

Bear still kept silent.

“Ansley thinks Mom asked you to meet her.I didn’t want to believe it, but after thinking it over, Ansley is probably right.You don’t have to tell me what Mom wanted to discuss with you, but I think you should share that information with Josie.It doesn’t seem right that a lot of people now know, and the one person that should know, doesn’t.”

“Your mom wants what is best for your sister,” Bear said, breaking his silence.

“We all do.”

“Which is why Josie and I are pursuing different paths and opportunities.”

“You were never an opportunity, Bear.You were the person she loved.”Rye’s throat thickened with emotion.“Josie isn’t a romantic.She doesn’t walk around in a fantasy world.As far as I know, until you, she’s never been in love.”

Bear averted his face.“Don’t say that.”

“She loves you.Really, truly loves you.And if you have any feelings for her, you’d fill her in on what happened, so she’d at least know.So she could at least accept that change in your behavior.As it is, she’s blaming herself.”

“She did nothing wrong.She’s pretty much perfect.”

“Then reassure her before she leaves.Let her head off to her new life with some peace.That is, if you care for her, at all.”

“Where is she going?When is she going?”

“Soon, Ansley said.Probably in the next week or two.”

*

Showing up uninvitedto the Calhouns was not something Bear looked forward to, but if Rye was right, and Josie was leaving, Bear had to speak to her.He’d tried to call her, but his calls went unanswered.He’d texted her, too, but again, nothing.He began to wonder if she’d possibly blocked his number.It would be one way of dealing with him.An effective way of ensuring he could no longer bother her.

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