Page 253 of When a Soul Cries

“For a minute. I’ve been working on some stuff.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

I gave her a look.

“Interesting question coming from you.”

Her mouth closed.

“Exactly.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Okay, but seriously. A whole boutique?”

“A whole boutique.”

Her excitement came right back.

“That’s big, Zari.”

“I know.”

“Do you already have a place?”

“I’m working on it.”

She stepped closer.

“Wait. How are you paying for all this?”

I shrugged casually.

“I ran across a couple coins and figured I’d invest them.”

Sol frowned.

“A couple coins?”

“Don’t worry about my pockets.”

“Zari—”

“Look.” I held up one finger. “When everything is finalized, you’ll be one of the first people to see it.”

She studied my face for a moment.

I could tell she wanted to ask another question, but she let it go.

Instead, her expression softened.

“I’m proud of you.”

That caught me off guard.

My smile faded into something smaller.

“Thank you.”