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.”
That hit me hard. I know exactly what he means. “Nothing like having a sibling as a best friend.”
Luke sits in the chair not far from the grill. “Sam told me about what happened to your sister and her husband. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. And now, raising their kids. I know that must be hard.”
“It is tough.” The whiskey isn’t helping enough for me to have this conversation right now. Luke seems like a nice guy. How could he not be, with Sam as a sister? In the short time I’ve been around her, she’s only given me good vibes.
“Olivia sure does love Kara,” Luke says. I’m grateful to him for changing the subject.
“And Kara adores Olivia.” I get up to check on the food. “I offered to help with Sam’s grocery bill since Kara is over there so much.” Luke laughs, light and easy. Not what I’d expect from a guy his size, but it’s refreshing, and something about it pulls a smile from me.
“I want in on the fun.” Steven appears in front of us.
Sam stops next to him. “Luke, please don’t tell me you told one of your dad jokes.” Sam props her hand on her hip lightheartedly.
“Not this time.” Luke lets out a short laugh.
“Let’s not scare them off too soon.” Sam flashes a smile my way.
Steven sits across from Luke. “It takes more than that to scare us off. We’re experts with bad humor.” Steven crosses his legs, watching for a reaction from Luke. “So, you’re a dad?” I knew it was only a matter of time before he began showing Luke attention.
Luke laughs that charming way again. “No. Just an uncle who loves making his niece smile.”
Steven relaxes back, thinking he may have a chance with this handsome guy. “Uncles are the best. I love my girls.” While not biological, he really is the best. Annie always said so. When my sister passed away, Steven was my rock. I wouldn’t know what to do without him.
Steven’s curiosity is piqued. I knew it would be from the moment I saw Luke.
He’s totally Steven’s type. I understand his quirks.
While he’s loveable, he’s also a wanderer.
I wish he’d settle down one day with a true love, but he’s afraid of relationships.
He blames it on fairy tales—says they’ve sold everyone a version of love that doesn’t exist, and that it’s all a trap.
I don’t think he truly believes it, no matter how hard he protests relationships.
Sam reaches over and squeezes Luke’s arm. “He’s the best uncle. We’re lucky.”
“Can I borrow him? I have a difficult teenager that I need help with.”
Sam’s smile fades. She looks at me with such care that it stills me, drawing my full attention.
“Kara loves you so much, Allie.” She places a hand over her chest. Silence settles around us.
“We experience grief and loss differently. But what I know, without a doubt, is that those girls need you in their lives. You share a bond that’s unbreakable.
Navigating this heartache would be a huge obstacle for anyone. ”
I’m stunned by her words. They come from an honest place. I can tell Luke and Steven feel the same. Luke studies his drink while Steven looks from me to Sam.
Steven stands. “Damn. I need a tissue now.” He pulls Sam into a hug. “You’re amazing. I think we’ll keep you.” She hugs him back, then looks at me. When our eyes meet, something tugs low in my stomach.
I head for the grill, needing something to focus on.
The moment has gotten to me, and I don’t want to be emotional.
As I pass Sam and Steven, still in their embrace, I touch her forearm to thank her for the kind words.
I’m not usually at a loss for words, but lately my emotions get the best of me.
Growing up, I tried not to cry when our mom was high, when we didn’t know where our next meal would come from or where we’d sleep.
Annie looked out for me. I didn’t want to make things harder on her than they already were, so I pushed down my feelings. We were both scared most of the time.
“The kabobs are almost ready.” I baste them one last time. “Be right back.” I don’t look at anyone as I head inside to grab a serving pan. A few minutes alone will do me good. As I rinse the bowl, the back door opens. I had a feeling Steven would check on me. “Are the sides ready?”
“Yes,” Sam replies. I look up, surprised to see her. “Can I help with anything?” She stops across from me on the other side of the island.
“Should we take everything out to the table to fix our plates, or do it in here?” I grab plates and silverware, keeping my hands busy.
“Inside is easier and it keeps the bugs away.” Sam sets the dishes on the island. “Luke and Steven seem to be hitting it off.”
I pause. “Is Luke…” I squint at her.
“Yes.” Sam laughs. “He’s gay.”
“Oh hell.” I grin and shake my head. “Steven’s going to be all over this.”
Sam lets out a soft laugh. I can’t look away—she’s absolutely gorgeous. “It’s obvious to you and me, but Luke’s a slow mover.” She shakes her head. “His last boyfriend went back to his ex, and it kind of wrecked him. I mean, I wasn’t exactly a fan of the guy, but Luke was.”
I look out the window to see Steven sitting with his legs crossed toward Luke, engaged in conversation, his chin propped on his hand.
While Luke is rugged and handsome, Steven is the epitome of a beautiful man.
His full head of dark hair complements his boyish face and dark brows.
He gets hit on all the time by men and women.
“Steven’s happy to take the reins. Trust me.” I smile, knowing full well I’ll hear all about Luke after the evening is over.
“Let me help.” Sam takes the plates and sets them near the food.
“I’ll grab the kabobs and the boys.” Luke moves to stand in front of the grill, the lid raised. “Done?” I ask.
“Yes, ma’am.” Luke nods. “I moved them to the top so they wouldn’t overcook.”
“Thank you.” I smile as I move the food to the pan. Luke turns off the grill. “Take notes, Steven.” I turn to look at him. “Luke’s the best helper.”
Steven stands, a glass in one hand, and the other on his hip. “Guess you don’t get any of the sides I made then.”
Luke’s brows shoot up. “I’ll just go inside to check on Sam.” He pretends to tiptoe away.
“Don’t worry, Luke. Steven’s all bark and no bite.”
“Wanna bet?” Steven grabs me from behind, nearly making me drop the food, and playfully bites my neck. A laugh bursts out of me as I squirm. It’s my weak spot. Steven smirks, clearly pleased with himself.
“Is everything okay?” Sam rushes out of the house, a hand pressed to her chest. “Are you hurt?” Her eyes land on me.
“I was bitten by a savage.” I shove Steven.
“You scared the crap out of me,” Sam says.
“Vampires do exist,” Luke tells Sam. “I told you they were real.” He glances at Steven, and I can’t help but notice his focus.
“Better be careful.” Steven points at him. “I may turn you.”
I swear Luke’s face turns a deep shade of pink—most of it is hidden behind his beard.
“Let’s eat.” I motion for us to head inside. “And no more biting.” I point my tongs at Steven.
“You’re not my flavor anyway.” Steven purses his lips. Sam and Luke laugh.
After we fix our plates, we all head back out to the patio.
I made another round of drinks. It’s a nice night, the lanterns keeping most of the bugs away, and the fireplace adding to the ambiance. Steven sits to my left, Sam to my right, and Luke’s across the firepit.
“I’m glad you two came for dinner.” I tip my drink toward Luke, too aware of Sam watching me to look her way.
I’ve caught her staring all night, and I feel it every time.
I’m not positive, but it certainly seems like she’s interested.
Or maybe she’s just friendly, and I’m hyperaware because she’s so damn beautiful.
And that personality? It makes her damn near irresistible.
“Thanks for the invite.” Luke tips his drink toward me. “I needed this.”
I glance at Steven, his attention fixed on Luke. I hold back a smile. When I look Sam’s way, I catch her watching me again, and that pull hits low in my stomach. It’s been a while since I’ve felt that, and never without actually dating someone.
“We definitely have to do this more often.” Steven tilts his head my way. “My bestie is wonderful, but you two,” he says, gesturing between Luke and me, “have a nasty taste for whiskey. And this one,” he adds, reaching across me to touch Sam, who meets him halfway over my legs, “is my girl.”
“Hey!” I act upset for dramatic purposes. “Have I been moved to the second row?”
“Hell no,” Steven says. “You’re my soulmate.”
He knows just how to get me. I kiss my hand and send it out toward him. He does the same back.
“You two are the cutest,” Sam says, her eyes never leaving mine.
“I mean…” Steven gestures between himself and me. “Look at us.”
I laugh, knowing him all too well. He’s always saying we’re the best-looking gay friends he’s ever known.
He’s my biggest cheerleader now that my sister’s gone.
And when she was alive, he stood his ground, always in my corner.
He did the same for Annie, too. Meeting Sam and Luke like this feels like perfect timing.