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“I didn’t say that.”
“No, but yousmiled.”
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.
But something about her smile tells me I’m anything but safe.
* * *
I shut off the light in my office and pull out my phone.
Me:Hey. I finished up your drawing. I’ll send it over tomorrow.
There’s no need for me to message Zahra, but it feels weird to let a whole day go by without talking. Between my busy schedule and her lack of text messages, I’ve grown restless as the hours have gone by. It’s a warning that I’m becoming dependent on her company. Yet I can’t find it in me to stop.
My phone vibrates in my hand. Zahra sent me a photo of her cubicle, where she has a hundred Post-its strewn across the wall.
Me:You’re still working? It’s 10 p.m.
Zahra:Yes, Grandpa. I had a fun idea I wanted to finish before I went home.
Me:What could possibly be better than sleep?
Zahra:Dinner.
I frown as I type out my next message.
Me:You haven’t eaten anything?
Zahra:No. I burned through all of my snacks hours ago.
Me:I pity you.
Me:Your work ethic reminds me of Rowan.
I’m a piece of shit for referencing myself, but I’m somewhat interested in her unfiltered opinion of me.
Zahra:Yeah right! I wish.
Zahra:I think the man runs on solar energy because there’s no way he’s human.
I chuckle low under my breath. That would be convenient and way more time-efficient than sleeping.
Me:Sounds plausible. It would explain his need for taking a walk during his lunch break.
Zahra:How do you know these things?!
Shit. Yeah, Scott, how do you know these things?
Me:Everyone knows to avoid the back lot quad at noon.
Zahra sends a few laughing emojis and another text.
