I take a deep breath. “Why were you here so late? Really?”
She points over her shoulder at the mason jar filled with Post-its. “I was working on a new idea.”
“And?”
“And I lost track of time.”
“Does this happen often?”
She shrugs. “I don’t have much else going on.”
“What do you like to do for fun?” The question sounds natural as if I care about other activities besides work. Maybe Ani is rubbing off on me with her personal questions.
Zahra smiles. “I like to read.”
“For fun?”
She ends up throwing her head back and laughing. My whole chest warms at the idea of making her laugh like that, and a little kernel of pride swells within me.
“Yes. Some people read for something other than work.” She speaks breathlessly. “What do you like to do when you’re not working?”
Text you. “I run.”
“Figures.” She rolls her eyes.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. “What does that mean?”
She clears her throat like it can hide the way her cheeks turn the lightest pink color. “Nothing. You have a runner’s body.” Her eyes look everywhere but at my face.
Hmm. She’s been checking me out.
“Not that I check you out or anything,” she stammers, and her cheeks only redden more.
I sit up taller, pleased with this new development. “Right.”
“Only a masochist runs for fun.”
“It clears my head.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
A laugh bubbles out of me, making my lungs burn from the rush of oxygen.
Zahra grins. “It’s a shame you don’t laugh more often.”
Because I don’t have many things to laugh about. I tug at my tie, loosening its hold around my neck. “Don’t get used to it.”
“I wouldn’t dare. I kind of like the fact that it’s a rarity because it makes it even more special.” Her smile is infectious, making the corners of my lips turn up in return.
No one has called my laugh special. Hell, I don’t think I’ve been labeled special in any other way that wasn’t derogatory. It makes me feel…good. Appreciated. Valued in a way that has nothing to do with how much money I make or what kind of job I have.
I want to see myself like she sees me. Because in her eyes, I don’t feel like I’m a man carrying an entire mountain of expectations on my shoulders. I’m just Rowan, the kind of guy who sits on a floor in a pair of expensive slacks, eating takeout from a carton and loving every second of it.
It hits me, as Zahra grins at me, that I want more of this with her. I need to find a way to make it happen without drawing attention to the fact that I’m two different people in her life.
If only I knew how.
22
Zahra
My sister is up to something. That’s the only reason behind her impromptu buddy mentorship event for all four of us. Rowan might be busy but I’m pretty sure my sister has him wrapped around her finger. Ani thinks she’s clever but I’m on to her.
But how could I tell her no? The whole point of this project is to help the buddies become more independent, so I would be the biggest hypocrite if I told my sister I don’t need her help.
It seemed like a safe bet, but I’m regretting it big time today. Ever since she walked into my apartment with only two pumpkins and a devious smile “It’s no big deal. People forget things all the time.” She smiles, revealing the tiniest glint in her eyes that has me tilting my head. I’ve only seen that look on my sister twice and it usually led to us being grounded.