Page 11 of Cash

“Yeah, she is.” Jules’s smile grew. “She’s one of my best friends back home.”

“Yeah? Where’s home?”

“Strassen Springs.”

Brick was surprised Jules had answered. He vaguely knew the name, some big city up north. “Wow, you’re a good ways away, huh? You miss her?”

“Yeah.” Jules glanced at his wine. “I don’t like not bein’ there. Miss talkin’ to her.”

“Well, your brother is still there, right? So, she’s not alone. And you can talk to me! Talk to me about whatever you’d talk to her about.”

Jules laughed as if that was very funny, but only said, “Yeah, maybe. It’s been nice. Seriously. I didn’t realize how much I really miss her and my brother.”

“Don’t get out much?”

“Not really. Work keeps me in the city. I like it that way.”

“Is that where you’re from? Strassen Springs?”

“Born and raised.”

“Well, for whatever it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here. This has been fun. You know, other than the whole trashing my front yard and mangling my beloved flamingo part.”

“Yeah? Good. You’re real easy to talk to.”

“Thanks.” Brick checked the pot. “Mm, just a few more minutes, and it’ll be good to go.”

“What about you? You from Raleigh?”

“Yup. I was born over at Rex Hospital. My dad’s family is from here. This house belonged to his parents. Most of my mom’s family is still in Korea, but I think I have a second cousin in Charlotte or something.”

“You ever wanna go?”

“Go where? Korea?”

“Anywhere.” Jules shrugged. “Anywhere in the fuckin’ world, where would you go?”

“Shit.” Brick paused to think it over with a drink of wine, glancing over at Jules’s mouth. They were still standing very close together, and he swore he could feel the heat coming off of Jules’s thick body. He remained calm, casually answering, “I’d love to visit Korea, see where my mom is from, but after that? Cruise through the Caribbean.”

“No shit?”

“I’ve always wanted to go. The beaches here are okay, but have you seen those islands? They’re like little bits of paradise.”

“I have, as a matter of fact. My brother got hitched on one of them.” Jules made a face. “Just don’t ask me which one. I don’t fuckin’ remember.”

“Ah, that’s awesome! Please tell me you have pictures!” Brick gushed.

“Somewhere. Hang on.” Jules pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Brick broke himself away from Jules’s warm orbit to retrieve two bowls. He ladled out two big portions and remembered at that very moment he’d forgotten something. “You didn’t want this with rice, did you?”

“No.” Jules didn’t look up from his phone, thumbing over the screen. “It’s fine.”

“Okay, good.” Brick carried the bowls over to the breakfast table. He had a larger table in the dining room, but he much preferred the cozier setting here. He went back for the wine and utensils, telling Jules, “Hey, it’s ready.”

“Yeah, one sec. You got me on a damn mission.” Jules was a step or two behind him, walking slowly as he continued to search his phone.

“What? To find wedding photos?” Brick sat down with a laugh. “It can wait, you know.”

---