Page 17 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“I hope Luke is cute,” Steven says, after Sam is out of earshot.

I look up at the ceiling. “Lord please help me with this one.”

“Puh-lease.” Steven rolls his eyes. “You know you love me.”

“Well…” I shrug. Steven shoves my shoulder. “Okay. Maybe a little tiny bit.” I hold up two fingers to show about an inch. “You behave tonight. Luke doesn’t want you flirting with him.”

“To be determined.” Steven flashes a smile as he pushes the cart.

We finish our shopping and head back to the house. I try not to get too caught up in thoughts of Sam. It’s not a road I should go down right now, no matter how tempting.

Chapter Seven

After marinating the kabobs, I mix an old-fashioned for myself and whip up a Mississippi mule for Steven. “I’m going to light the grill.” I slide the drink next to him on the counter where he’s shucking fresh corn.

“Don’t burn anything down,” Steven shouts as I exit through the patio door.

The grill’s not that dirty, but I light it anyway to let it burn on high for a bit. It’s a nice evening, the sky a bright orange. Taking a few steps back, I breathe in the crisp fall air, enjoying the contentment I feel. The whiskey burns as it goes down, warming something in me I haven’t felt in a while. I take in the view, the colors stretching over the neighborhood. For a moment, it feels…peaceful. Annie and Bill chose a good place to build a life.

Voices from inside the house catch my attention. I turn away from the magnificent sunset to see that Sam’s arrived with her brother. It’s time to put the kabobs on the grill.

“Hey, again,” Sam greets me. “This is my brother, Luke.”

Luke extends his hand. “Thank you for having me over.” He’s a tall guy with a short salt-and-pepper beard and a full head of hair the same color. His broad shoulders remind me of a football player, but his size suits him. He has the same smile as Sam. The family resemblance is obvious.

“I’m happy you both could make it.” I look from him to Sam. “I’m the drink mixer around here. What can I get you?”

“That actually looks good.” Luke points to the drink in my hand. “Is it an old-fashioned?”

“Yes. I used Bulleit bourbon. Want one?”

“Absolutely.” Luke nods.

“I knew I’d like you,” I say, glancing at Steven, who’s practically drooling over Luke.

“Oh no, Sam,” Steven says. “There are two of them in the same house.”

I roll my eyes at Steven. “Sam, would you like one too?”

“No way.” She laughs. “But Steven’s drink looks good.”

“A Mississippi mule.” Steven takes a sip. “It definitely is.”

Sam holds up two Tupperware bowls. “Hope you like macaroni salad and baked beans.”

“You’re speaking my language,” I say.

After I mix the drinks, Luke follows me out to the grill while Sam stays behind with Steven. “I saw Sam’s dining table.” I place the kabobs on the grill. “That’s some incredible craftsmanship.”

Luke grins. “Sam doesn’t give herself enough credit, but she’s the mastermind behind our work. She used to be the annoying little sister, always curious about what I was doing. Now she’s the brain. I just follow her lead.”

“Her kitchen is quite something! She designed it too?”

“One hundred percent,” Luke says. “Don’t let her tell you otherwise. I’m just the muscle.”

“I doubt she’d agree with that.” I close the lid on the grill. “Do you have any other siblings?”

Luke drinks from his glass, his large hands making it seem smaller than mine. “Just us two. She’s my best friend.”