Page 105 of Quinton's Quest

Zahir kept having to adjust the leashes so they didn’t tangle. “Why don’t you hand me Lucky’s? Then I can keep them organized and you can scoop.”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer the other way around?” I eyed Lucky’s offerings and winced.

Zahir chuckled. “Uh, no. You seem like a very nice man, but I’m not getting anywhere near your dog’s poop.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Squeamish?”

“I’m a nurse who covers shifts in the emergency room.” I puffed out my chest. “I’ve seen it all.”

“Oh.” He shoved Daphne’s leash into my hands, dug a poop bag out of his pocket, and headed straight for Lucky’s shit.

“You don’t have to—"

“You deal with human crap all the time.” Zahir niftily had everything done, and the bag tied in no time. “I have the utmost respect for nurses.” He held the bag. “Garbage?”

“In the garage. But my remote is on the other keyring. I’ll have to take it through the house.”

Zahir waved me off. “There’s a bin in the park down the street. By the time we get there, Daphne will have done her business as well. I can take care of all of it.”

“But I can’t ask you to scoop and then dispose of Lucky’s, uh…” I gestured.

“Shit?” He grinned. But it didn’t reach his eyes.

I’d never wanted more in my life than to ask what had happened to this man. Why he had such reverence for nurses. Why he carried a sadness that he mostly kept hidden by a broad smile.

I wouldn’t, though.Not my place.Instead, I handed Daphne’s leash back. “Thank you. Truly.” He dug into his pocket and handed me two more bags. “Just in case.”

“Don’t you need them?”

His smile didn’t falter. “I always carry extras. You never know when you might run into someone in need.”

“Like me.”

“Yep. Like you.” He gestured to Lucky. “Might I see you around? The park’s a lovely spot. Oh, you know about the dog run in Centennial Park, right?”

“We just came from there. Uh, I don’t know if Lucky will be visiting again. But hey, you’re welcome anytime. In fact, why don’t you come to my St. Patrick’s Day party next Friday night?”

“Oh, I couldn’t—”

“Seriously, it’s going to be a blast. Lots of single people or you can bring a significant other if you have one—”

“Widower.”

Ouch.Okay, so that explained the sadness that sometimes permeated. “I’m sorry. Which sounds so lame, but—”

“Brain cancer. A year ago. Our dog died the next week. I think of a broken heart. When the dust settled, I went down to the shelter and Daphne had become available that day. She slotted into my life and I’ve tried to move on. Some days are easier than others, you know?”

Slowly, I nodded. “My dad’s been gone a few years, but it’s still hard on Mom.”

“And on you.”

I hesitated. I rarely acknowledged the grief because I was always so worried about Mama. “Yes, I guess.”

“Quinton!” Mama shouted my name from the doorway. “Invite your friend inside. The kids are helping me with lunch.” She closed the door.

Zahir met my gaze. “You have kids too?”

“Also borrowed. But—” I eyed Lucky. “—I’m hopeful their dad might come to be an important person in my life.”Liar. Leo already is.

“You’re gay?”