Page 61 of Show Off

But he’s right and I know it.

Last year, Ji-Hoon had a UTI incident like this one. It was pinecones tonight, but last time involved a pants-free cruise around campus in his wheelchair. I learned later it was Lana who laid down the law. Who informed all her siblings that they would not, under any circumstances, air footage on the show.

I never thanked her for that, did I?

Anyway, I’m pretty sure that’s different.

“You do see,” he says when I don’t respond. “Protecting someone you love sometimes means keeping their secrets.”

Frowning, I pick up my wine. “You’re saying youdidknow about my father’s condition.”

Uncle Korain throws up his hands. Cursing in Korean, he violently chomps a chip. “Stubborn as a mule,” he mutters. He’s speaking English now, though I’d grasp his meaning either way. “For the last time, Dal—I did not know your father suffered from Parkinson’s. He never spoke a word of it to me. I saw no tremors. No outward symptoms at all.”

“Okay.”

He stares at my face, dark eyes flashing. “Do you believe me?”

“Yes.” I wait a few beats to make sure. “I believe you.”

“Yu-Jun kept me in the dark, just like you.” He huffs out a breath. “Happy?”

“Yes.” I pick up a Turtle Chip. “Actually no.”

“No?”

“I’m not happy.” I chomp on the chip, savoring its spicy, airy crunch. “I’m not happy you suffered.”

“Thank you.” He blinks a few times and sips his wine. “Nor am I happy for what you and your brother suffered.”

I nod and reach for another chip. He does the same, and our fingers collide over the snack tray. Without thinking, I catch his hand and hold. “We’ve been through a lot.” My voice sounds rough and strained. “All of us.”

“Yes.” His throat rolls as he swallows.

“We’re still family.”

Tears fill his eyes, and he blinks them back. “Yes.”

“I’m glad you came to visit.”

He nods as his eyes shimmer. “So am I.”

The moment feels tense and brittle. I don’t want to leave things like this. “I take it back.”

Korain blinks. “We’re not family?”

“No, I’m also unhappy about something else.” I squeeze his hand and release it. “If you hadn’t come banging on my car, I’d probably be having sex right now.”

Roaring with laughter, Korain sets his wine down hard. “It’s been two hours since lovely Lana departed.” He draws a hankie from a pocket and dabs at his eyes. “Even for a young man like you, that’s unlikely endurance.”

I chuckle as well, grabbing a handful of shrimp crackers. Mouse gives me a pitiful look, so I hand one to her. She takes it daintily, crunching with pleasure.

“I’m going to bed.” Even as I say this, I don’t get up off the couch.

Korain watches me, missing nothing. He must assume I still want to talk, and maybe he’s right.

“Do you love her?”

“Lana?”

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