Page 11 of Proof

“Excuse me, but I just wanted to go over the weekend plans.” Cullen folded his arms and gave her a look.

“Sorry. There is something bugging me, and I just can’t figure it out.”

“That’s what you said earlier.” Cullen softened a bit. “Have you tried drawing something?” he asked.

Luna picked up her first drawing.

“A question mark,” Cullen noted. Then she showed him the next one. “Two question marks.”

“I hope it doesn’t mean we are going to have money problems.” Luna sighed.

“Doubtful,” Cullen said. “Our cash flow is good, and I have a lot of jobs ahead.” He paused, knowing his next few words might set her off. “What if you stop obsessing about what you don’t know and focus on what you do know?”

Luna tilted her head and looked up at her brother. “Have you met me?”

He grunted. “You got a point, Sis. Sure you’re okay, though?”

“Yeah. It will eventually reveal itself to me.” She sighed.

“See? Give it some time to percolate in that fertile brain of yours.”

“Thanks, Cul.” She stretched. “So tell me more about this new area you want to explore? I didn’t know you had an interest in classic cars.” She peered at him.

“Maybe it’s my age, but I’m finding things that have been around for a long time have value.” Cullen wasn’t lying about that. “Furniture, lamps, sconces. Why not auto interiors?”

“Well, you’ve done a lot of work with leather and reupholstery. I guess it makes sense,” Luna said thoughtfully. “Have any idea where you want to start?”

“Not really. I figured I’d look around. Talk to people. Find out the process, steps, do some networking. The usual.” Cullen was beginning to think this actually could be a good idea. At least worth looking into for real.

“Chris is coming around three, right?” Luna asked.

“Yeah. We’ll head over to the car show and then grab some dinner.”

“A guys’ night out?” Luna teased.

“You could say that. Chris and I haven’t spent a lot of time together for a while. It’ll be good to catch up.”

“I hear ya. We haven’t seen each other in three weeks.”

Cullen stopped suddenly. “Oh gee, Sis, sorry. I didn’t mean to impede on your time with Chris.”

“No problem. I’m glad you invited him. I was going to see what he was doing this weekend anyway. Chi-Chi and I are going to have dinner together, so we can all meet up at my place afterward.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” He kissed her on the top of her head.

Luna touched the spot. Odd. He hadn’t done that in a very long time. “Cul? Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yep. Couldn’t be better.” He smiled and walked toward the adjoining door to his showroom.

Then she remembered and called out, “Chris said to make it a turquoise boutonniere.” She scrunched up her face.

“Stupid joke.” With that, Cullen knocked on the doorjamb, turned, and left.

Luna shook her head and looked down at Wylie sitting at her feet. “What do you think, pal? Is it me, or is everyone acting a bit off?”

He lay down on the floor and put his paws over his eyes.

“Just as I thought.” She bent over and ruffled the fur around his ears.

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