Page 43 of Never Kiss Your Brother's Best Friend

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Peter and Linda live just a few blocks from my clinic in town, which is why he was out walking near it the other night. I’m not sure why I never thought about that while Emma and I were having our moment.

Scratch that. I know exactly why I never thought of it. Peter’s face isn’t what came to mind when I was up against that wall. I’ll keep those thoughts to myself.

I park my car in his driveway and head down the path to the front porch. Peter owns a landscaping business, so the front of his house is straight out of a magazine.

Of course, with this being North Carolina, Magnolia trees, with their fragrant scent, stand majestically on either side of the home. The grass looks like a lush green carpet. Perfectly trimmed hedges flank the meandering pathway of stamped concrete.

There are flowerbeds of varying sizes, boasting a mix of perennials and annuals of all colors in perfect coordination, along with a tasteful water feature that tops off the oasis.

It's impressive. Maybe I should just hang out here; it’s very peaceful.

But no, I’ve got to do this.

I take the stairs up the porch slowly, like I’m headed for a root canal appointment. Before I have a chance to waver at the door, it springs open and Linda envelops me in a hug.

“Hi, Sterling! So glad you could come. We’ve missed you around here lately. Everything was so crazy getting ready for the wedding.”

I give her a friendly squeeze. I’m not a big hugger, but Linda is really a great person. Peter found a good one, so it’s the least I can do.

“I really appreciate the invite. And enchiladas? You really know the way to my heart.” I flash her a smile.

“Well, they are not my specialty, but Peter says they’re your favorite, so here’s hoping they’re good.”

We head inside. “I’m sure they’ll be great. And if not, it’s the thought that counts.” She lets out a small laugh.

I find Peter out back setting the table under the pergola. “Hey, Peter!” I say in my most chipper “I am not at all nervous about tonight” voice.

“Hey, bud. How’s it going?”

“Great.” I am really on a lying streak with him.

I help him put the finishing touches on the table, then go in to see if I can help Linda at all. Am I avoiding being alone with Peter as much as possible? Uh, yeah, obviously.

We sit down to eat a few minutes later and the meal is amazing. It’s been years since I had good enchiladas. One thing we don’t have in town is a Mexican food restaurant, and I don’t really cook, so there’s little opportunity to eat them.

The meal conversation is pleasant. I ask Linda about the honeymoon, and she has lots of details to share. Interesting how the responses you get from men and a women to the same question are so different.

Peter clearly couldn’t think of anything beyond… well, you know.

We all tag team the cleanup and it goes quickly. Yeah, more bro time. Anybody have a toilet that needs a good cleaning?

Peter and I make our way to the front porch and sit in the rocking chairs. He has a great view of the downtown from here. You can see the square if you squint.

It’s such a charming area. All the shops have flower boxes on their windows and there are ferns hanging from every streetlight. Cedar Creek has taken great care of the sidewalks, and the businesses have frontier style storefronts like in the old west.

They’re simple rectangular shapes with flat facades, most with wooden awnings. Walking around downtown really transports you back in time. But the best part is the creek that runs right through the park.

Sometimes I take a lunch break there on one the benches and there’s kids always playing in the water or feeding the ducks. It’s relaxing. I’m so glad I came back home.

Peter is quick to start up the conversation, as always. “I’m sure you know why I invited you over tonight.”

“Yep, the enchiladas. Thanks for that.”

“Not quite. The kiss, Sterling. You kissed my sister.”

“Yes, okay, there’s also that, I guess." Technically, she was the first one to do it with the thank you kiss. Then this time she dangled the keys, what was a man supposed to do?

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