The Better Brother

“Sounds good.”

We said a quick goodbye, and I tossed the phone on the bed. My arousal was gone and in its place was a huge ball of nervous energy. I was sure this dinner was a bad idea, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it now.

“You okay?” Julie asked.

“I’m fine,” I said too quickly. “Just still fighting this damn headache.”

Julie nodded and grabbed her muffin again. She nibbled on it slowly as she stared out of the half-open window. I watched her for a few seconds and realized I wasn’t the only one feeling nervous about dinner.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“I’m a little nervous,” Julie said with a sigh. “Meeting the brother. It’s kind of a big deal.”

I took her hand and squeezed it. “We don’t have to do this if you don’t want,” I told her, trying to keep my voice even. I’m not sure why I even agreed to it to begin with.

“Are you sure?” Julie asked. Her voice was soft. Shy. I’d never heard her like this before. It was adorable and made my entire body soften.

“Of course,” I said.

She considered for a moment and I held my breath.

“No, I want to,” she finally said.

I let out a breath. “Everything will be fine,” I told her. “I promise.”

Julie smiled and nodded. We finished our breakfast and lazily made our way out of bed. We showered and got dressed, ready to head downstairs to check out. The whole time, I tried to get my own nerves under control.

Despite my assurance that dinner would be great, I didn’t feel confident at all. Josh and I were still trying to build a brotherly relationship. He’d never once met a girl I was seeing. I didn’t know how I was going to handle this complicated situation, but I knew it was time. Dinner was planned. There was no way of getting out of it.

“You ready?” Julie asked as I pulled my shoes on.

“Yup.” I smiled and jumped up to grab our things.

We walked downstairs, holding hands the whole way. We checked out quickly and then made our way outside to where the limo was waiting for us.

Julie grinned and slid inside. I followed quickly behind her and tossed our things onto the seat.

“Home?” I asked.

“Sure.” Julie shrugged. “I should change at least.”

“I was thinking…” I said slowly. “There’s this big event in the town square tonight. They’re lighting the Christmas tree, and I thought, maybe, you might—”

“I’d love to.” Julie’s answer was fast and certain.

By the time we pulled up to her house, I felt like my smile was permanently etched on my face. There was something about being with Julie that overwhelmed me. I wasn’t just happy. I was content in a way I hadn’t been for years. All my worries about dinner melted away as I followed Julie through her front door.

“What time is th

e tree lighting?” Julie asked.

“Sunset,” I said. “They always do a big carnival, and the tree lighting is the final event.”

“You gotta love small towns,” Julie said.

“Is that why you moved here?” I asked. “You just have a strong love for small towns?”

Julie laughed. “Not exactly.”