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He shrugs. How can he play it so cool at a time like this?
“Why did you come?”
“Because I felt like it.”
I tilt my head at him. I’m not sure what to make of this kind of revelation. For some weird reason, Rowan wants to hang around me. He is even willing to take time off.
But why? What changed? While we might have this strange chemical reaction to one another, not much has been different between us besides dinner at the warehouse.
Yet he came here to spend time with you.
“Your turn.” He shoves the stuffed pumpkin at me.
“Gross. Ani does that part.” I wrinkle my nose at the pumpkin brains.
He sighs and takes the pumpkin back.
“You’re the best!” I grin as I pass him a garbage bag.
He tries to hide his smile by looking down, but I catch it anyway. Another wave of warmth rolls through me.
Together, Rowan and I work on the pumpkin. By the time we are done, I conclude that I genuinely enjoy his company.
23
Rowan
Isend the message before I can stop myself.
Me:What are you up to?
I fix the pillows behind my head as I get settled into my bed for the night. This is the usual routine now, with me getting home late and texting Zahra once I’ve eaten and showered. I’ve only been at Dreamland for a few months, and I’ve already fallen into a comfortable ritual that can only lead to one thing: dependence.
A photo of some child’s homework pops up on the screen.
Me:You’re finally learning the alphabet? Nice.
Zahra:No. I’m tutoring kids.
Me:At 10 p.m.? Don’t they have a bedtime?
Zahra:Yes, but I can’t see my clients at their usual times with my new schedule.
Clients? I didn’t even know she tutored on top of everything else she does. When does she find the time to take care of herself if she’s so damn busy helping everyone else?
Something resembling a rock drops into my stomach.Guilt?
Nope. Maybe indigestion.
Me:Don’t they pay you enough as a Creator?
Zahra:I do this as a favor for a single mom I used to work with at the salon. It’s only once a week so no big deal.
Me:Why?
Zahra:Because she works a second job and can’t afford a tutor herself, so I offered to help.
Me:For free?
