Page 18 of That Time I Kissed My Brother’s Best Friend

“That was wonderful,” Evelyn announces. “And a bit strange. But mostly wonderful.” Then she moves through our group, offering cupcakes, while Hank hands out sparklers, and lights them one by one.

My dad shrugs. “This is probably a fire hazard.”

My mom shrugs back. “At least Ford’s with us tonight.”

Over the next two hours, we make our way up Main Street, past the cemetery, and across to Church Street. Then we head down to the houses on the lake, working through all the carols in our rotation. Brady ends up leading us in “O Holy Night” at least half a dozen times. I do “Jingle Bells” only once because I don’t want Beau watching me more than is absolutely necessary.

Our group gets a few strange looks, but mostly smiles and honks and waves from Abievillians who appreciate weirdness. By the time we reach Auntie Mae and Uncle Cubby’s, most of us are pretty hoarse and all our sparklers are burned out.

Dale Slater shrugs. At least I think he shrugs, but it’s hard to see now that it’s gotten dark. “Did I hear someone say this would be our last stop?”

“Oh, my. Yes!” Betty blurts out. “I mean, OH MY! This has been fun!” Mom gets the hint and suggests we figure out who’s going home with whom in which car.

Nella offers to drive a station wagon full of McCoys back to Big Mama’s house. Auntie Ann, Uncle Irv, Ford, and Letty go with Three in his rebuilt Mustang. Auntie Mae says her two-door sedan fits four people comfortably. “I can take Betty, Dale, Elaine, and Phil.”

“There are five of us,” my dad points out.

She shrugs. “One of you has to be uncomfortable.”

That leaves Nat and Brady—who claim the front of Uncle Cubby’s pickup—and Beau and me, who get the back of his truck.Great.Before we leave, Mom suggests we take the long way around the lake. “That way we can see the boats lit up for the 4thof July!”

Why, universe? Why?

I make a move to climb over the tailgate first, but Beau is right behind me. “I’ll give you a boost.”

“I’m good,” I say. Then my dumb flip flop slips on the metal, and I scrape my knee on the way down.

Beau puts his hands around my waist. “Please. Let me help.” I turn around, expecting to frown at him again, but my traitorous body zings under his touch.

Why, body, why?

After I’m up, he hops into the truck far more gracefully than I ever could. I settle into the corner, crouching awkwardly, as far from Beau as I can get. Uncle Cubby revs the engine and leans out the driver’s side window. “I’d like to get going someday,” he calls out to us. “Are you two about done making out back there?”

My heart jolts. “Making out? Ha! We aren’t making out! Why would you say we’re making out?”

Beau nods at a pile of something next to me. The only light is coming from the porch, but I think it’s a bunch of pillows and blankets. “Your uncle thinks we’re making out back here because that’s probably what he and your aunt do.”

“Ewww.” I cringe as the truck starts to rumble away, plunging us into darkness. And thank goodness for that, because I’m probably turning as red as Rudolph’s nose. “Do not talk about Auntie Mae and Uncle Cubby making out!”

“What’s the big deal?” Beau grins, and his teeth flash in the moonlight. “They’re married. I think it’s kind of cute.”

“They’re also kind of old. And they’re definitely my aunt and uncle.”

“Maybe so,” Beau says. “But I kind of hope when I’m that old, I’ll still be so in love with my wife that we take our truck to the lake to do a little kissing.”

Now I bust out laughing. “A little kissing?”

“Sure.” I catch the shadow of a head tilt. “A little of this and a little of that.”

Oh no.

Now my imagination’s off and running with a little ofthisand a little ofthat. Before I get tothe other thing, my stomach fills with butterflies, every one of them flapping their wings. “What’s wrong, Kasey?” Beau leans forward as the truck bumps over the road. “Are you jealous?”

“Ha! Of your future wife? Now that’s a laugh. I feel nothing but pity for that woman, whoever she may be.” Sinking back into the dark of the truck, I hope that Beau can’t see me blush. We’re quiet then for a while as my uncle takes the winding road around the lake.

I have to admit the scene is lovely. In honor of the 4thof July, most of the boats are strung with lights in red, white, and blue. Too bad Beau Slater’s sitting next to me. He’s totally ruining this festive moment. I try not to look at his face, but I can’t help it. The glow from the lights makes shadows along his jaw. Is he moving his lips? I can’t tell if he’s talking. Uncle Cubby’s truck sure is loud.

“Did you say something?” I ask.

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