Page 106 of Keeping it Real

“Oh, Jamie, please don’t go.”

Oblivious to her distress, the boys were still splashing in the pool.Around her, the birds chirped, and someone whistled as they passed through the breezeway connecting the restaurant to the pool area as though it was a normal day and her brother hadn’t just been resurrected on his cell phone.Sheridan was grateful not to have an audience while she sucked in huge gulps of air, trying to regain her composure.

“It’s not stupid, Jamie.It’s priceless,” she whispered when she dove back into the phone again.

There were five videos in all.Most of them lasting a minute or two.In one, Jamie was trying to recount the evening’s escapade with Phil, the bar’s resident drunk.Her brother was giggling so hard that he couldn’t get through the story.Her own smile was filled with gratitude, knowing that she and Finn would forever have the sound of Jamie’s laughter to listen to whenever they needed it.

The final video was a bit longer.It had been recorded three weeks before his death.She traced her tongue over her bottom lip to stop it from trembling.

Jamie was sitting out on the bar’s patio overlooking the river right as twilight was beginning to land.That had always been his favorite time of day.He was twirling an unlit cigar between the fingers of one hand.

“Guess where I just came from?”he began.“Oh, you won’t be able to guess, so I’ll just tell you.The Dartmouth team’s ten-year reunion.”

He popped the stogie between his teeth.

“Damn, it was great to see the boys,” he mumbled around the cigar.“Of course, Ice-Berg was a no-show.”He sighed as he pulled the cigar back out of his mouth.“He’s got an excuse, seeing as he’s in training camp.”Her brother chuckled.“I’m not gonna lie, every guy on the team is as surprised that Alek even made it to the pros, much less is still starting in goal.”

Jamie shook his head with a smile.Sheridan did the same.

“I’m proud of him,” he said with a sigh.“So fucking proud.He deserves it.”

She pressed her hand to her heart.

Something shifted in his countenance causing him to sober up.

“Lots of secrets were unleashed over the weekend.I mean,lots.” He looked directly into the camera.“Imagine my surprise when one of them involved you.”He flicked the cigar at her.

She glanced around, making sure the boys were still where they were supposed to be and not listening.

“You lied to me, Sheridan Leigh,” he said.“Sure, it was a lie of omission, but a lie is a lie.”

Sheridan’s pulse beat hard against her neck.What was he talking about?

“Alek didn’t break up with Madison.In fact, he was going to propose to her.And Smiley says you even approved of the ring.”

He couldn’t have shocked her more if he walked out of the pool right now.Her hands were shaking so hard, she nearly dropped the phone.

“I should be mad at you.Especially with the way things turned out with Madison.”Jamie sighed.“But I’m as much at fault as you.I saw what I wanted to see.I let her manipulate me.”He pointed the cigar at her again.“And you, sly sister o’ mine, have always been in love with Alek.Oh, don’t think I didn’t notice.I did.”

She slunk back against the chaise in astonishment.

He knew!

“Believe it or not,” he continued.“I’m proud of you for taking a risk and going for something.I wish you’d do that more often.You are always so busy trying to make everyone around you happy that I think you forget that you are worthy of your own joy, Sheridan.Always chase your happiness.”

Jamie cleared his throat.

“Things with Madison and I aren’t going to work out.”He twisted the wedding band on his finger.“Not for lack of trying on my part.She’s got some things going on that I can’t help her with.”He looked away for a long moment before dragging his gaze back.“But I wouldn’t call the relationship a mistake.It gave me Finn.And we’ll be okay.We’ve got each other.And we’ve got you.

“If I could change something, though, I’d move heaven and earth for you and Alek to be together.You are two of my very favorite people in the whole world.”He winked.“Well, besides my son.You are the perfect person to soften Alek’s icy-sharp edges and keep him balanced.He’s way too hard on himself.And he is a true romance hero.He would worship the hell out of you, all while he gave you the confidence to be your best self.”

Sheridan was back to gulping in air again as Jamie leaned toward the camera.

“Promise me if you ever get the chance again, you’ll take it.I mean it,” he demanded.“Nothing would make my life more complete than seeing you both happy.”

A mumbled voice behind the camera had Jamie looking away.

“Be right there,” he said to someone before he focused his attention back to the camera.“You know, I should send you this one.”He shook his head and waved his hand.“Ah, you’re coming home for a visit before you leave for Spain.We are going to talk about this in person, young lady.”He jabbed the cigar in the direction of the camera again.“Because it’s your turn now.One of us needs a great love like Mom and Dad had.It may as well be you.”He groaned.“Will you take a breath!I’m coming!”

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