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I bite on my cheek as if it can erase the need to smile.
Me:Does anyone tell you that you’re ridiculous?
Zahra:Of course. Ridiculously Amazing happens to be my middle name.
Me:I’m half convinced that you’re crazy.
The next message pops up before I have a chance to breathe.
Zahra:Half convinced? I need to step up my game because I don’t half-ass anything.
I can’t stop the laugh that escapes me. It’s a rough sound I’m not used to hearing.
Me:I see why Rowan hired you.
Am I really going to pretend I’m someone else like this?
Zahra:And I see why he hired you.
Yeah, I am.
Zahra:I’m nothing but smooth if I do say so myself.
I smirk. This is what I’ve been waiting for because I knew she was too good to be true.
Zahra:In case you missed the subtle clue, this is the moment I proposition you.
Me:I don’t think you considered how that sounded.
My text earns me a GIF of someone laughing into their coffee mug. I’m so used to people laughing on cue that I forgot what it’s like to genuinely entertain someone.
My phone rattles in my hand.
Zahra:So how do you feel about us establishing a partnership of sorts?
My response is instantaneous.
Me:No.
Zahra:Come on. You haven’t even heard my proposal yet.
Me:Sorry. My bank doesn’t accept Monopoly money.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. How lame is that?
Somehow my comment gets me a trio of laughing emojis.
Zahra:You’re kind of funny.
Me:I don’t think I’ve been called funny in my life.
I groan as I read the text a second time. I’m making my alter ego into a complete loser, much like my normal self.
Zahra:That’s kind of weird, Scott. Maybe you need to find new friends who appreciate your brand of humor.
Friends? What friends?The higher anyone climbs up the ladder of success, the harder it is to relate to anyone below. Maybe that’s the reason why I enjoy talking to Zahra. It’s not because of her specifically, but rather the idea of letting loose and being myself.
Zahra:So scratch the idea of Monopoly money. I’ll do you one better. I’m willing to pay with food, booze, or whatever it is you like.
