Page 62 of Show Off

“No, Mouse.” My uncle rolls his eyes and leans across me to scratch the dog’s ears. My big doofy dog offers her belly. “Of course, Lana.”

I hand Mouse another shrimp cracker, which she chomps as my uncle rubs her belly. Rough life for this dog. “I’m not even sure if we’re dating,” I point out. “Lana and me, I mean.”

“Glad you didn’t mean the dog.” Korain looks thoughtful. “Lana’s your girlfriend, then?”

I’m really not sure. “It’s complicated.”

“Love often is.”

I snort. “I don’t know about love…”

“Really, joka?” He looks deep in my eyes, like my father would do when he sensed me fibbing about finishing my homework. I shift on the couch without speaking. “Your silence says volumes. I only hope you see this.” He stands and drains the last of his wine, patting me on the shoulder as he heads for the kitchen. “Good night, Dal. I’m sorry I ruined your date.”

“It’s okay.” I look down at Mouse, who surveys the empty tray with sad eyes. “I’m always glad to help my brother.”

My uncle gives me the oddest look. “Same,joka. Same.”

As he walks out the door, he pauses to ruffle my hair. I peer through the window, watching him vanish past the edge of the house.

* * *

“At least youkept your pants on this time.” Dr. Imani Williams scrawls something on her prescription pad and tears it off. “I’ll call that a win.”

“Speak for yourself.” My brother grins and takes the scrip from her hand. He looks pale, or maybe that’s just the contrast of Doc Williams’s dark skin against his tawnier tone. “I kinda liked the pants-free cruise.”

The good doc laughs and sets her stethoscope off to the side. “Any questions before I send you on your way, gentlemen?”

“You’re sure he’s okay?” I cross my arms so they won’t see my sweaty palms. “Do you want to take his temperature or something?”

“For fuck’s sake, Dal.” My brother rolls his eyes. “She’s a Harvard-educated physician who did fellowships in neurology and internal medicine. I’m pretty sure she can handle a pee-pee infection.”

Doc Williams regards him with kindness in her eyes. “I’ll let you know as soon as we get lab results back for the rest of the tests I ordered.” She looks at me when she says the next part. “And you know you can call me anytime, night or day.”

Ji-Hoon grabs my forearm and powers his chair toward the door. “Maybe you can boost my top speed,” he calls to Doc Williams as he heads down the hall. “Give me a chance to drag this dipshit behind me.”

“Hardy har.” I follow my brother out the door of the clinic, not ready to concede he’s okay. As soon as we reach the paved path outside, I fall into step beside him. “You gave us a scare.”

“I’m fine, Dal.” He waves to Mari and Griffin, pushing their baby in a stroller as Griff’s teenage daughter skips beside them. They all say hellos with the backdrop of birdsong like a goddamn Disney flick. It’s a beautiful day. Even I can see that.

That doesn’t mean I worry any less. “How are things with Rosa?”

“Good.” Ji-Hoon grins like he’s got a secret. “Excellent.”

I’m spared from hearing details when the bakery door swings open. Nick Armbrust strides through with a bag in one hand.

“Hey there,” he calls, lifting a hand to high-five us both. “How’s it going?”

“Good.” Nick’s one of my favorite guys here at Juniper Ridge. He’s married to Lana’s oldest sister, and I know for a fact Lauren keeps him on his toes.

Nick slaps my palm, then Ji-Hoon’s, as he holds open the bakery door for us both. “Going in?”

I wasn’t, but my brother zooms ahead. “Thanks.”

Guess we’re getting baked goods. As we enter the cozy café, Colleen Mumford-Carver looks up and waves. “Just the men I was looking for.” Her silver-white braid swings over one shoulder as she waves us over to the bakery case. “Patti made way too many marionberry muffins this morning. I seem to recall you gents are fans.”

Ji-Hoon beams and wheels up to the counter. “You know it.”

My mouth’s watering as I step up behind him. I’d give my left nut to have a fraction of Patti’s baking talent, and she’s not even formally trained. She and Colleen run this place part-time, but they’re wildlife biologists. And moms to an ex-Navy SEAL. Rumor has it Colleen’s also an internet hacker, but I’ve never heard the full story.

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