Page 32 of Show Off

“Don’t apologize.” I don’t want to pry, but?—

“My brother had a brunch date this morning.” He looks so sheepish that I bite my tongue. “I’m waiting to hear how it went.”

“You’re worried?”

With a shrug, he looks down at the table. “Just protective, I guess.”

I know how that goes. “Have you met the person he’s dating?”

“A couple times.” He shrugs again, a boyish gesture that tickles my heart. “Her name’s Rosa Pato. Seems like a cool girl. Passionate about accessibility issues. She lobbies for stem cell research and fights insurance companies on rights for people in wheelchairs.”

“I can see why Ji-Hoon would be smitten.” I make a mental note to have Mari check her out. Due diligence for the show and all that.

“Anyway.” He shrugs and looks up from the table. “I just want him to be happy, you know?”

“I get it.” I touch his arm, surprised when he doesn’t pull back. I leave my hand there, soaking up warmth from his skin. “For what it’s worth, I felt concerned every time one of my siblings got into a relationship.”

He regards me with interest, dark eyes searching mine. “How’d you handle it?”

“Nervously.” I laugh, remembering sharp waves of worry that my siblings would get their hearts broken. I felt it with Mari and Griffin. With Dean and Vanessa. With Cooper and Amy and— “But they’re all happily married now, so I guess there’s something to be said for trusting them to make their own choices.”

Dal cocks his head. “Are you jealous?”

“Of what?”

“That you’re the only one not married and popping out babies.”

Hello, Mr. Blunt Guy. “Not really.” I give that some thought since he’s asking me honestly. “I’m glad for all of them. And I love all my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.” I should stop touching his arm, but I’m lost in my story, and it seems awkward to move my hand. “I guess I’m just watchful. My parents have sort of a weird marriage, but I’m cautiously optimistic that my siblings?—”

“Weird how?”

I blink. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why not?”

I swallow hard, hoping Cassidy shows up soon. Why did I bring up my parents’ marriage? “It’s private,” I manage, and maybe Dal sees something in my eyes. A sign he shouldn’t keep probing. “What about your parents? Were they as happy as they looked in commercials?”

It’s a risk asking Dal about his dead mom and dad. But his shoulders relax like he’s glad to be asked. “They were fucking nuts about each other.” He laughs as his eyes go unfocused, lost in nostalgia, maybe. “Always playing grab-ass around the kitchen. Dad called her his special spice blend.”

My insides warm with a memory that’s not even mine. “I saw an interview where he said convincing your mom to marry him was his single greatest achievement in his life.” Dal gives me a questioning look. “I watched a lot of old Korean TV spots before we brought you guys on. Your parents were adorable together.”

“They really were.” His voice sounds hoarse, and he clears his throat. “I miss them a lot.”

“I can only imagine.” My fingers curl protectively around the rope of his forearm. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.” He nods and looks away, casting around for a subject change. “Can’t wait to try the chowder.”

Like an angel in a raincoat, Cassidy flies through the door. I wave so she sees me, and Mom’s assistant smiles warmly, flipping her hood as she peels off her jacket.

“Remind me of her name again,” Dal murmurs.

“Cassidy Brooks,” I whisper. “Her fiancé is a commercial fisherman. Maybe if you’re nice, he’ll give you a lead on fresh seafood.”

“I’m always nice.”

I slant him a look and—maturely, I think—no eye roll.

Dal sighs. “I am,” he insists. “Mostly.”

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