Disclaimer: The Hardy Boys and their friends are owned by the Stratemeyer Syndicate. I just borrowed them.
My Brother's Girl
Iola, you used to ask me if there was someone else. Or if I was just an outrageous flirt. I was just an outrageous flirt...but there were times I wished there was someone else. Sometimes, I still do, even though Vanessa makes me incredibly happy.
But it's not who you think – not some beach-blonde beauty, or anyone like that. She's not quite, like you were, or as brash as Van can be. More of an in-between of you two. And I think that's why she got my eye.
I never used to settle for middle ground. Now, I do, sometimes. Because I've grown up, Iola. I can't always have what I want, or afford what I need. And there've been too many close calls for me to insist on going to one extreme or the other in any situation.
So who is this girl, you're probably wondering. If you're able to wonder. I'm sure you are...
She's Frank's girl. My brother's girl. You knew her. I was never sure how well you knew her, but you knew her.
She's incredible, Iola. Smart, witty...I love the moments when she pulls the rug from under Frank's feet. Or turns to give me a 'look' - I'll never tell her she's cute when she does that. Because she's my brother's girl. And brothers don't steal from each other.
She's not afraid of danger. She's been in fights with Frank and I before. Been kidnapped. Injured. Stared down a gun-wielding maniac or two. She's been a big help these last couple of years.
I never, never should have encouraged Frank to date her. But...you were there. And I thought she was too dull, at the time. Actually, more than that, I didn't really like her. That changed, of course.
But Frank liked her then. He adored her. So I figured, "Yeah, she's cute, but let Frank have her. Much better fit."
And I was right. They went perfectly together. She made him go out and socialize more.
You remember how they looked together, right? The ease they had with each other, the ease we sometimes envied, wished we had. Would have had, if I'd been smart and valued you as I should've. As I did, but didn't realize until it was too late.
But she's my brother's gal. Has been for years. I can't break that up. I can't do that to him. And I love Van. Deeply. Still, sometimes...I wonder. They're getting married soon. And I wonder.
I wonder if she would've married this Hardy, if I'd made a move, said something before they got too closely bonded. If I hadn't first fallen for you, then Van, and ignored her for that time.
What do you think, Iola? Do you think Callie would've given me a shot?
END
