Page 25 of That Time I Kissed My Brother’s Best Friend
“Good. Then we’re agreed.” A lump forms in my throat. Why do I even care that Beau’s career is halfway across the world? We both have the same goal. To stay as far apart from one another as we can for the rest of our lives. So why has it been so hard for us to stay apart for the past few days? Since we got here, Beau and I have been stuck together for events beyond our control. There’s always a plan. An excuse. Some reason. Every. Single. Day.
Hmm.
I wrinkle my nose. “Our mothers talk to each other a lot now, right?”
He shrugs. “I guess.”
“And they’re both well aware that I’m headed to LA next week, and you’re headed overseas. They know our futures are elsewhere. So why have they been forcing us to be around one another all week?”
Beau furrows his brow. “What are you talking about?”
I start counting on my fingers because four-year-old Kasey is really coming out today. “One, my mom made sure she and Brady left the room so you and I were alone that first night with the poster. Two, my mom invited your family for caroling, and once she saw us in the truck together after, she suggested we take the long way around the lake. Three, your mom signed us up for float judging today. When have we ever donethatbefore? Four, my mom planned gingerbread decorating after we’re done here. Five, your mom invited us all over for fireworks tomorrow night.” I hold up my completely opened hand, all fingers up, plus a thumb. “My mom. Your mom. Both our moms. They’re in on it.Saboteurs.”
“I don’t know, Kasey. That sounds a little far-fetched.” He runs a hand through his hair and it practically sticks up straight. I wish he didn’t look adorable.
“It’s not far. Or fetched. It makes perfect sense. Neither of our moms wants us to leave town. They want to keep us here in Abieville. Together. Think about it. Haven’t they both been all mushy about having their babies home?”
Beau nods, but not in agreement. More like he thinks I’m nuts. “Wanting your kids around is kind of normal, isn’t it?”
“My mom?” I squawk. “Normal?”
Well.” He chuckles. “You’ve got a point there.”
“I’ve also got a plan.” I scan my clipboard. “Okay. Here’s the deal. I’m voting for Margery and Glenn Wrightwood to win the boat float decorating contest. Their donuts were delicious.”
He looks down at his fritter. How has he not eaten that thing yet? “I think your aunt and uncle should win,” he says. “Christmas is way more original than fritters and Tootsie pops.”
“Fine.” I check the box for Auntie Mae and Uncle Cubby’s entry with my trusty Sharpie. “As long as it’s your idea, no one can accuse me of favoritism.” I hand him my clipboard and stick the Sharpie in my pocket. I really do love a sundress with pockets.
Beau looks down at my clipboard. “What am I supposed to do with this?”
“Go turn in our ballots. I’ve got something to do first.” I slip my phone from my other pocket and make a call while Beau looks on. Fine. I don’t care if he hears what I’m about to say.
My mother answers on the third ring. “Kasey!” She always sounds like a giant ball being shot from a cannon. “How are things going there? I’m just getting the supplies ready for the gingerbread houses over here.”
“That’s why I called, Mom.”
“We’ve got frosting and candy canes and M&Ms, of course. Plus licorice and those teeny tiny peppermints. Can you think of anything else we might need? Maybe on the way back from the lake, you and Beau could stop by the mini mart for—”
“No, Beau and I can’t do that, Mom. And just so you and Mrs. Slater know, your plan isn’t going to work.”
There’s a long pause. More silence than my mother’s managed since I’ve been home. Or maybe ever. “You sound upset,” she says. The guilty can sound so innocent when they want to. “What’s wrong, dear?”
“I think you know what’s wrong.” I glance at Beau, who’s shaking his head. Sure, my heart skips a beat at his cuteness, but I’m only on his side when it comes to our mothers. It’s not like we’re a team. We just have a common enemy now.
“Kasey Elizabeth,” my mother says. “I don’t have time to guess what’s going on with you. I still need to stop by Auntie Ann’s to pick up the sheets of gingerbread before everyone gets here. She’s got walls and ceilings and floors of gingerbread to assemble. Enough for two dozen houses.”
“Why can’t Auntie Ann bring the gingerbread when she comes over?”
“Well.” There’s another pause, and I can practically see the wheels spinning in her brain. “You make an excellent point. But the rest of your attitude has been very strange today.”
“Oh, I’m plenty strange, Mom.” When Beau nods at this—in agreement this time—I try to kick his shin, but I almost fall in the lake. So Beau has to snatch me back up onto the dock. My elbow tingles where his hand grips my skin. Then the rest of my arm erupts in goosebumps. When he hauls me in close to steady me, my whole body shivers. Stupid, traitorous body.
So much for dignity.
“Kasey?” my mother pipes up. “Are you still there?”
I step away from Beau, to catch my breath. “Yes, I’m here. With Beau. We’re onto you and Betty Slater, and we’re not playing along anymore.” Speaking for both of us gives me almost as much of a thrill as Beau’s warm touch. “This means we arenotcoming over for gingerbread. Instead, we are going to…ummm…”
