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She went to the door and opened it.
There were two women standing there and one of them had a little dark-haired boy in her arms.
"Becca?" Grace asked incredulously.
Becca Al Shirah smiled at Grace. "Surprise!" she exclaimed. Becca looked at the younger woman alongside her. "Told you she wouldn't be expecting us," she said to the young woman who Grace had never met before.
But she had met Becca Al Shirah, briefly at a reception on one of her early dates with Qazim. She was the wife of Zaheer, Qazim's older brother.
Becca narrowed her eyes good-naturedly. "You do remember me, don't you?" Her soft East coast accent was sweet music to Grace's ears.
Grace hesitated and then said: "Of course, Becca. We didn't meet for long."
"I know," Becca exclaimed. "It was a while ago. Can we come in?" Becca asked brightly.
Grace blinked and nodded, stepping aside, holding the door. "Of course," she said. "Forgive me. I didn't expect any visitors."
Becca waltzed breezily into the apartment, and the younger woman followed behind her. "This is Anilya," Becca explained. "She helps me look after this little one."
The "little one" gazed straight at Grace.
Grace watched disbelieving as the two woman made their way into the middle of the apartment.
"I hope you didn't mind us popping in," Becca said. "We were just passing and I wanted to say hello." She gazed at her son. "I thought it would be nice for you to meet our son, Tariq. Zaheer is awfully proud of him."
"I can see why," Grace said smiling at the little boy. "He's adorable."
Becca ran her gaze around the room. "This is nice," she said.
"It's been fine." Grace glanced around the apartment and shrugged "Comfortable enough."
Becca glanced at the sofa. "Do you mind if we sit down?" She glanced at Tariq. "This one is getting heavier by the day," she added and smiled at her son.
Grace gestured to the sofa. "Be my guest," she replied.
Becca and Anilya sat down on the sofa.
"Can I get you both anything? Something cold to drink?" Grace asked, realizing she had to make at least an effort at being courteous, even if she had been caught completely unawares by this very surprising visit.
Becca shook her head. "No thanks, we're okay."
Grace glanced out the window. "It's just so hot here. Don't think I'd ever get used to that," Grace said.
Grace saw Becca glance at her, eyes narrowing slightly and Grace was sure Becca was about to say something, but Zaheer's pretty American wife bit her lip, as if she'd held something back. Grace wondered what Becca had been about to say.
Becca handed little Tariq to Anilya who swept the boy into her arms. Tariq giggled as Anilya took him. He started to pull at Anilya's white blouse. She played along, seemingly enjoying Tariq's boisterous nature.
Grace saw Becca watching Tariq. There was obvious adoration on her face.
"Do you mind if I take a moment and change into something," Grace said glancing down at her robe.
Becca waved a hand. "You don't need to bother. It's only a short visit. As I said, we were just passing," Becca said.
Why didn't Grace believe that? She knew that Zaheer's residence, a large palace, was situated on the other side of town. Maybe Becca had been out shopping. But then again, perhaps she'd made this trip for some other reason.
"I'll just put on a dress," Grace explained. "This robe is sweltering," she said, pulling at the collar.
She made her way into the bedroom and changed into a plain blue dress and flat shoes. When she came back out, she saw Anilya on the carpeted floor trying keep Tariq from crawling under a small table.
