Page 106 of Quinton's Quest

“What? Oh, yeah. I forget that everyone doesn’t know that. What with the rainbow painted on my ass.”

Zahir laughed. “Where no one can see it, I assume?”

“Uh…that’s true.”

“I’m gay too.” He offered a smile. “Nice to meet you properly.”

“So you’ll come to my party?”

He gazed down at Daphne.

“I’d suggest you bring her, but things can get a little…crowded.”

“Ah. Probably not my scene then.” He gestured to the house. “Your mother called—you’d better go.” He saluted me with the poop bag. “Take care, Quinton. You’re a good man.” And then he was gone. Whether he meant I was good for watching someone else’s kids and dog, or whether he meant because I was a nurse, I couldn’t be certain.

Damn. I didn’t get his number.

Even if he didn’t come to my party, I was still convinced he was someone I could be friends with. Someone who might be lonely. Maddox, Simeon, and Adam were three men who could relate to that. Maybe I could loop Zahir into my circle.

Lucky woofed.

“Crap. Do you need food? I didn’t think to ask Leo. Oh, does Melodie know?”

I could’ve sworn he rolled his eyes as he dragged me to the house.

The smell of tomato soup hit me when I opened the front door.

Lucky again attempted to drag me. “Hey, cool it.” I glared. “You have to stay calm. I was promised you were avery good dog.”

“He is.” Melodie skipped out from the kitchen. “Nainai said the con…conk…” She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, congee is done. She said we can have the special crackers.”

I smiled at her brave attempt and eventual success, at saying congee. The onlyspecial crackersI knew were the imported ones I served at my parties. I grinned. “Sounds perfect. Oh, cra—darn it. I left the coffee mugs in the SUV.”

She unclipped Lucky from his leash.

When he tried to bolt, she said, “No.”

He stopped in his tracks.

“Hey, neat trick.” I eyed the dog.

“Lucky, sit.” She held up her hand.

He plopped onto his butt.

Glad someone has dog-handling skills.“Uh, can you teach me this?”

“Sure.” Her bright-blue eyes shone with obvious glee that she knew more than the adult in the room.

“Okay, I’ll grab the coffee mugs. Does he need to eat?”

Lucky turned his full attention to me.

“Nope.” Melodie stuck her hands on her hips. “A scoop at breakfast and a scoop at dinner.”

“Is he allowed…you know…”

She squinted. “Probably a cracker would be okay. Nainai put a water bowl out for him.”