Reena shrugged noncommittally, but she disagreed. Maybe for others dating within their own culture was easier, but forher? No. Dating from within meant family expectations were higher. Parents intruded more. Were involved more. After all, here Nadim and Reena were, apparently “dating within their own culture,” and neither had the balls to tell their parents about the relationship. This was hardlyeasier.
She finally pulled into the long gravel driveway of Amira and Duncan’s country house to see them on their porch couch, both in jeans and flannel shirts. Reena squeezed her lips shut so as not to laugh at how frickin’ adorable her best friend had become.
“Watching the sunset over the river,” Duncan said, standing as Nadim and Reena approached. Duncan’s eyes narrowed as he made his way toward them in his trademark Duncan-strut and gave Nadim a blatant once-over before crossing his arms in front of him with menace. With the low evening light illuminating his angry eyes and red beard, he looked like a fire Djinn appraising his foe. “Duncan Galahad,” he drawled. “I gather you’re this Nadim we’ve been hearing about?”
Reena rolled her eyes as she climbed the porch steps and sat on the seat Duncan had just vacated. “Hey, Meer. Want to call off your guard dog?”
Amira smirked as she leaned close to whisper, “Duncan doesn’t trust him.”
They watched with fascination as Nadim stood taller and puffed his chest out before shooting his hand out for Duncan to shake. It wasn’t much use. Even if Nadim stood on his toes, Duncan would be at least three inches taller and a hell of a lot broader than him. Amira’s boyfriend was huge. “Nadim Remtulla,” Nadim said, his voice weirdly sounding deeper.
Duncan’s eyes narrowed even more as he looked at Nadim’s outstretched hand as if it were a dead salmon.
“Is this a glimpse of the dance for dominance among male members of the species?” Reena whispered to Amira.
“Both fearsome, both protective,” Amira responded. “True, one alpha is clearly a more formidable opponent physically, but in this arena, brawns may not be enough to best cunning wits.”
Reena fell over giggling.
Duncan’s head snapped around to glare at them. “What are you girls going on about?”
Amira smiled as she stood up. “Nothing, sweets.” She walked down the stairs, patted Duncan on the arm briefly before giving Nadim a quick hug. “I’m Amira. Reena’s my best friend in the whole world, and she deserves to be happy. Don’t fuck this up.” She patted Nadim’s shoulder reassuringly before turning and heading toward the front door. “C’mon inside. Duncan made venison chili.”
After dinner, Duncan looked at Nadim, sizing him up again. “You look like a man who likes sports. I’m meeting some buddies to watch the CFL game at my friend’s bar. Come along.”
Nadim looked to Reena, clearly needing her to translate CFL.
“CFL is the Canadian Football League. Football like what North Americans call football, not soccer,” she explained.
Nadim rolled his eyes. “You know, the rest of the world has another meaning of the wordfootballso I don’t get—”
“Nadim,” Reena said as sweetly as she could. “Go with Duncan. He’ll find you good beer and you can get to know each other.”
***
“Well?” Reena asked once alone with Amira.
“He’s cute in person. Actually, really cute. I love his accent.”
“It’s already sounding more Canadian. I caught him saying ‘for sure’ the other day, and he’s been calling kilometers ‘clicks’ for a while now.” Reena chuckled. “But is that all? Just cute?”
Amira tilted her head a moment. Reena knew her friend—she had a strong opinion about Nadim but, for whatever reason, didn’t want to say it. Maybe to spare Reena’s feelings? “He’s affectionate. And he’s really into you.”
“I know.” Reena smiled.
“And you’re into him, aren’t you?”
“It’s early, but, yeah, I am. More than I have been for anyone in a long time.” She sighed as she put her feet up on Amira’s coffee table. “I just wish it wasn’t so ridiculously complicated.”
“Is it really, though?”
“Of course! I mean, my parents are trying to set me up with him, and his dad’s all like…marry thisgood girl, and I’m hardly that. Plus, the secrets—”
“No one can possibly know everything about a person a week into a relationship. And your parents…they seem okay with your choicenotto marry him. You’re not usually one to chase drama, Ree, but are you sure you’re not finding problems that aren’t really here?”
Reena folded her arms in front of her. First, Amira was all like,this is complicated, don’t date him, and now she was accusing Reena of seeing drama that wasn’t there? “That’s a low blow, Meer, considering your rant on Monday morning.”
“I know, I know. I’m just…wondering out loud. I hope you aren’t using the drama as a scapegoat for why you’re keeping him at arm’s length.”
