She had seen Bram one time after their stilted lunch. About a year later. Nothing had transpired between them, so why bother relating the incident to Peter. On some level, she knew it would have angered him. Needless to do such a thing…

She stowed the dish in the cupboard, guilt gnawing at her gut as she thought back to their awkward meeting.

Running into Bram at the local supermarket. Watching him from afar. He had been with a group of men—three or four of them, all wearing collars. They had been joking around, having a good time being young and free.

Remembering Bram clearly, his hip cocked, his head thrown back with laughter, Rina hadn’t ever recalled him looking so happy. She didn’t approach him, almost walked away unnoticed. At the last minute, he spied her, excused himself, followed her one aisle over.

They exchanged pleasantries. He spoke of his successes with Rome, of the recent publication of his book, of his new assignment as a residential priest over at the local church. A big church, he had told her. Prestigious. She was thrilled that he was doing so well and told him so. Holding back her own joy and rapidly beating heart until the time was right.

Looking at him, breaking into a smile. She remembered herself speaking softly.

“Bram, I think I met someone.” She looked down at her feet. “A policeman of all things.”

When he didn’t respond right away, Rina felt her stomach drop. Finally, he said, “A cop…” He smiled with closed lips. “Doing your bit for public service?”

Red-faced, she walked away, stung by his nastiness. Of course, he followed.

Instead of lashing out, she rebuked him with guilt. “Of all the people I know, I would have thought you would have been the most happy for me.”

“I’m elated,” he said flatly.

Again she walked away. But he dogged her heels, held her by the arm. “This isn’t the right place to talk.” He blushed, dropped her arm. “Can you come by my place around eight tonight?”

She stared at his face. “No, I can’t!”

“When can you come by?”

“Never—”

“Rina—”

“For goodness’ sake, Bram, you’re a priest. You know how people talk!”

“I don’t care—”

“But I do. I care for myself, I care for my friend. The cop. My bit for public service—”

“Rina, I’m sorry. I loved Yitzy. It just seems so soon—”

“That’s a very odd statement coming from you. Mr. Peptalk. Mr. You’re young and need to go on with your life. Mr. Life is short so live for the moment—”

“You’re damning me out of context!”

“Then let’s talk about context now! Your friends are going to wonder about you, Father. So you’d better go. Like I said, people talk.”