The Convenience Series #1-3: Luka (Convenience #1-3; Zoric Family #4-6) by Stella Gray

Author:Stella Gray [Gray, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781953520159
Amazon: B08W2DDLF1
Goodreads: 61281546
Publisher: Paige Press, LLC
Published: 2021-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

13

BROOKLYN

“What the hell do you mean we’re getting a dog?”

Luka’s arms are crossed so tightly that the fingertips on his right hand are turning white. He’s staring at Stefan as if he’s lost his mind, but Stefan isn’t backing down.

Truthfully, I’m also uncomfortable with this sudden new development. Stefan came up with a list of social engagements for me and Luka in an attempt to shed a positive light on Danica Rose while drawing some of the media attention away from Konstantin’s trial, but privately, everyone is stressing about the case. Luka won’t admit anything to me, but I can tell how it’s eating away at him. I wish he’d let me be there for him. Instead, all he’s done is close himself off even more. He’s not sleeping, and I’ve seen him up at all hours of the night, just staring out the living room windows at the city below.

He barely speaks to me, either—I mean, even less than usual. It’s as if he’s ceased to exist outside of his rote schedule of going to work, doing his job, and coming home.

I don’t know if Stefan is doing much better. The lines on his face suggest that he’s not.

I glance at the printed list in my hand. We have a new event each day for the next two weeks. None of them sound horrible, and I’m pleased to see that many will have a much broader impact than simply keeping the DRM image above water. I’m happy to support the community.

We’re going to teach a craft workshop at a foster care facility on the South Side, play bingo at a senior center, and help deliver meals to the elderly via a mobile kitchen. But for our first assignment? Stefan is convinced we need to adopt a shelter pet. With the media invited.

“Maybe we can adopt one for a few weeks, and find it another home?” I suggest.

“Absolutely not,” Luka interjects, crushing my hopeful solution.

Luka is not a pet person. He made that very clear from the beginning. He didn’t want the mess, the noise, or the responsibility. I’ve always been open to the idea, theoretically, but never felt like the timing was right. I’m home a lot more now, though, working only a few hours a week when I have a modeling gig. If there was ever a good time to be available for an animal in need, this is it.

“What about a cat?” I ask. “They’re a lot more low maintenance.”

“Nope. Not gonna cut it.” Stefan is firm. “Everyone trusts a man with a dog.”

“Then you and Tori get a dog!” Luka says.

His brother smiles and leans back against the kitchen counter. “It’s not a good time for us right now. We’ve…got some things going on. Besides, we’re not the ones who need to earn the public’s favor. Ergo, you’re about to become puppy parents.”

Luka turns his eyes to me as if I had something to do with this. I shrug and shake my head. I don’t know what he expects me to say.

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