Page 46 of Show Off

I draw a deep breath and push open my door, snatching my bag from the back as I follow her onto the walkway. “So I was thinking the next chowder stop should be—” I freeze in my tracks, blinking in case I’ve seen wrong.

There, on the sunbaked walkway in front of my cabin, stands Uncle Korain.

He’s smiling and waving and resting his hand on Ji-Hoon’s wheelchair like it hasn’t been six years since we laid eyes on each other. My heart twists through the bars of my ribs, then drops like a slab of slick beef.

“Dal.” He smiles and steps toward me, dark eyes just like my father’s. “Surprise.”

“Samchon.” I don’t even know I’ve spoken Korean until he smiles.

“Joka.”

Uncle.

Nephew.

Like we’re defining who we are to each other. Like the years and the conflicts that kept us apart could just melt like heated butter.

Then he’s wrapping me up in a hug that smells like chilis and ginger. Like my father. Likehome. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Uncle Korain.” What is he doing at Juniper Ridge? “I didn’t expect to see you—” Here? Today? Ever?

I’m not even sure what I mean.

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” He turns to my brother and chuckles. “I expected you both to be here, but this was even better. I got a day to catch up with Ji-Hoon.”

I glare at my brother, who could have texted a warning. He shrugs as I turn back to Korain. “I couldn’t be more surprised if someone filled our Coke dispenser with soy sauce.”

My brother laughs and wheels forward. “I tried to call, but your phone went straight to voicemail.”

“There’s no service over the mountains.” That’s assuming he tried in the last few hours, though I should have seen an alert when we stopped for gas. I look back at Korain. “Where are you staying?”

Lana steps up and sticks out her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. Yang. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Lana Judson.” Pumping his hand, she throws me a smile stuffed with questions. “I’m sure Ji-Hoon filled you in on Juniper Ridge protocol, but we need to get you a name badge and have you fill out some paperwork.” She waves in the general direction of the lodge. “Cameras rolling all the time around here. I’m sure you know the drill.”

Uncle Korain chuckles, a soft, earthy rumble that sounds just like my dad. “Lana Judson.” Her name sounds like birdsong in his softly accented English. “You’re even prettier in person, dear.”

“Aren’t you sweet?” She looks at me and rocks back on her heels. “Cabin sixty-three is free for a few days. That’s one of the spots we keep for guests.”

She’s tossing a lifeline, offering space between Korain and me if we want it. I can’t decide if I do.

“Thanks.” I look at Uncle Korain. “Is that okay? You’re staying a bit?”

He nods and claps Ji-Hoon on the shoulder. “That’s perfect.” He looks at Lana. “Thank you for your hospitality. Can I offer you a gift basket of Yang’s Sauces?”

“Not necessary, but I won’t say no.” Her smile feels contagious. “I love the doenjang sauce.”

“That’s my favorite, too.” Korain rubs his hands together. “We make it a little like a Japanese miso, but with an earthier punch.”

“Whatever you do, it’s magic.” She turns her smile on Ji-Hoon. “Did everything go okay with Chef Sean at the helm?”

“He’s an excellent chef.” My brother looks at me. “And he doesn’t swear at the customers.”

I give a low growl, but Lana just laughs. “I’m sure everyone missed Dal’s passion.”

“Speaking of passion…” Ji-Hoon spins his chair, so he’s staring straight at me. “How was the trip?”

“Good.” I don’t look at Lana, but I doubt her expression shows anything. She’s better than me at hiding her feelings. She’s probably not even blushing. “O’Brien’s definitely makes the list. We tried chowder at a couple other stops, too.”

Lana grabs the baton and runs with it. “There’s this cute café called Ugly Mug with a traditional clam chowder that’s really awesome.”

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