Page 20 of That Time I Kissed My Brother’s Best Friend

“Isn’t that wonderful.” My mother beams. “And since you’re in the holiday spirit now, tomorrow should be evenmorefun.” We all stare at my mom. “Didn’t anyone tell you?” More staring from us. More beaming from my mom. “Elaine and I signed you kids up to judge the 4thof July floats. You know. For theactualholiday happening this week.”

“Mrs. Slater.” Brady clears his throat. “When you saysigned you kids up, which kids do you mean, exactly?”

“Why all four of you, of course.” My mother and Mrs. Graham exchange a pointed look. What’s that about? “Elaine told me you’d all love to do it.”

Brady turns to his mom. “No can do,madre. I’ve got work at the clinic.”

Mrs. Graham frowns. “But you said you wouldn’t have to work unless it was an emergency.”

Brady’s mouth goes crooked. “Oh, this is an emergency.Believeme.”

Natalie chimes in next. “Sorry, Mom, but I’ve got plans too.” She flashes a sugary sweet smile at me and Kasey. “Looks like you two out-of-towners will have to do the judging all by yourselves. Guess that’ll teach you to stay away so long next time.”

Brady chuckles. “Sounds fair to me.” He and Natalie high five each other. Okay. Now I know for sure Brady didn’t see me kissing Kasey. He’s in way too good a mood.

You got away with it this time, Beau. Don’t make that mistake again.

My parents say their goodbyes, then head toward their car. The Grahams thank us “young folk” for a great night and excuse themselves to go to bed. Brady turns to Nat, Kasey, and me. “I think the old folks still have a bunch of eggnog inside. And that stuff won’t last until December. Someone’s got to get through it. Who’s in?”

Natalie raises her hand. “I am! And don’t forget the brownies I made.”

Brady turns to me “You coming with us, man?”

I glance at Kasey, who’s shuffling her feet.

Keep away from her, Beau. Just start walking. You’ve got a job you love. An upcoming assignment others would kill for. You’re living the dream. Sure, you don’t have someone to share it with. But that’s because you never wanted anyone besides Kasey. So let the rest of your success be enough. It has to be enough.

“I think I’ll probably take off,” I say. When Kasey doesn’t argue, I paste a smile on my face to prove I’m all good. To her. To them. To myself.

Brady glances at the street. “Your parents left already. Need a ride?”

“Nah. It’s a nice night.” I stuff my hands in my pockets. “I’ll walk, thanks.”

He shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

Kasey’s eyes are trained on mine as I turn and walk away. I’m about two houses down the block when she calls out. “Hey, Beau. Wait up.” She’s not making this easy on me. Still, it’s Kasey, so I reverse course to meet her halfway. When we reach each other, she stands there, looking up at me, and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. Her hand is shaking. Did I do that to her?

Of course you did, Beau. This has to stop now.

Forever.

“About what went on with us back there in the truck,” she begins. Then she squares her shoulders and her jaw. I scrub a hand over my face. I need to show Kasey I’m aware I blew it big time. That this can’t go anywhere. For everyone’s sake.

“I know. Kissing you was a big mistake.” I have to grit my teeth to get the words out. “But don’t worry. It won’t happen again.”

She swallows hard and looks at her feet.

See, Beau? Kasey’s hurting because of you. This is exactly the kind of pain you’ve got to avoid from now on. You can’t have herandkeep your friendship with Brady.

When she lifts her head, her face is pale. “You better believe it was a mistake.” She tips her chin, and her eyes flash. “And it definitely won’t happen again.”

Okay. Wow. I was way off again. Kasey’s not in pain. She just totally despises me. “Try to keep your hands to yourself tomorrow,” she blurts out. “Or else.”

Without thinking, I cock my head. “Or else what?”

She takes a beat. Sputtering. “Or else… I don’t know. Just stay away from me.” She spins around and rushes back toward her house. I just stand there, watching her go.

My stomach’s churning now, but at least I know the truth. After all these years, Kasey hasn’t forgiven me. And instead of respecting her, giving her space, I jumped at the first chance to kiss her behind Brady’s back. Literally. Behind my own sister’s back too. What was I thinking?

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