This random bench at the corner of Dreamland has become our weekly meet-up spot. While my original intention of joining the mentorship program wasn’t altruistic, I’ve come to enjoy the hour break from my busy schedule because Ani is a decent companion. During the time I’ve gotten to know her, I’ve come to realize she shares some of Zahra’s best traits. She fills most of the conversation, giving me a chance to sit back and listen. Thanks to her, I can spend an hour not thinking about Dreamland or the demands from the employees.
“I don’t do much besides work.”
She fake snores. “Boring.”
“What do you do on weekends?”
She beams. “I hang out with JP. Watch movies. Go to the mall and shop!”
“Sounds like fun,” I say with a flat voice.
She giggles. “You don’t like those things?”
“No. The idea of going to a mall makes my skin crawl.”
“Zahra hates the mall too.” Ani grins.
“You don’t say.” I press my lips together to hold back my smile. Ani always finds a way to bring up Zahra during all our conversations. At first, I thought it was because Ani idolizes her older sister, which she does, but her true intentions became clear after a few meetings. I’m being set up. Ani tries to be slick about it but only a blind man would miss the way Ani’s eyes light up whenever I ask a question or two about Zahra in return. She feeds my curiosity while I entertain her little mission.
She perks up. “Actually, you and Zahra have a lot in common.”
Unlikely. Zahra’s my opposite in every way that counts. I can’t compare to a woman who can light up a room with her smile alone. She’s like the sun, with everyone orbiting around her to bask in her warmth. Unlike me, who keeps people away from me with nothing but a scowl.
“You always find a way to bring your sister up.”
Ani tucks a brown curl behind her ear. “Because you like each other.”
“And you know that how?” My voice keeps a neutral tone despite my growing interest.
“She looks at you like she wants to have your babies.”
I choke on my sudden intake of air. My fist pounds against my chest as I take a deep inhale. “I definitely don’t think that’s true.”
“You’re right. I wanted to see your reaction.” She shrugs.
Unbelievable.
“You’re a cruel woman.” I steal a piece of her pretzel in retribution.
“But my sister does smile at you.” She says it in the sweetest, most innocent way.
“She smiles at everyone,” I grumble under my breath.
“How would you know?”
Shit. Ani’s question sounds innocent, but it sheds light on how much I pay attention to Zahra. The smile on Ani’s face tells me she probably noticed too.
“It’s hard to miss.”
“How cute!” she squeals. “I knew it!”
“Knew what?”
“You do like my sister.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“No, but you smiled.”
Well, shit. I didn’t notice that. Get a handle on yourself. “People smile.”
Ani only laughs and shakes her head. “Not you.”
“Let’s pretend this conversation never happened.”
“Sure, Rowan. Sure.” She swipes another handful of cotton candy from me as payment for her secrecy.