She seemed to consider that for a moment, but then shook her head. "I want to try on what I'm buying." She attempted a smile. "Besides, what are the odds of running into another terrorist? Lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place, right?"
"Right," Din agreed, though privately he wondered if the odds held any significance when it came to Fenella. She seemed to attract trouble like a magnet.
As they continued working, the shelving units began to take shape around them, and the empty house was transforming into something that actually resembled a small store.
"What kind of luggage should I get?" Fenella asked. "I always just threw things in a backpack or duffel bag."
"Something with wheels," Jasmine said. "Trust me, your back will thank you."
"These are the last two units," Ell-rom announced, dragging over another flat-pack box.
"Good." Rana flexed her hands. "My fingers are starting to cramp from all these tiny screws."
"Almost done," Soraya said, though she looked ready to collapse.
It was easy to forget that the women were still human and didn't have the same strength and stamina as the immortals.
"You should take a break," Din suggested. "Walk over to the café, get something to drink, and rest. We can finish here."
Soraya shook her head. "We are almost done for today. I'd rather finish here and go to the café to celebrate when it's done."
Her tone brooked no argument, and Din figured that it was better just to let it go.
He and Ell-rom made quick work of the final units while the women began discussing product placement. Where should the spices go? Would the tea selection be better near the front or the back? Should they organize by cuisine type or product category?
"I'm still amazed that you're doing this," Fenella said to Soraya. "Opening a store in a new country, in a language you're still learning. You're so brave."
Soraya shook her head. "We're not brave. We're desperate. There's a difference."
"You are brave," Kyra said. "Desperation might have been the catalyst, but what you're doing now, building something this community needs, that takes courage."
"Besides," Parisa added with a smile, "we're not doing it alone. Look at all of you, giving up your morning to help us."
"That's what family does," Fenella said.
Din saw the emotion that flashed across the sisters' faces at that statement.
Family.
Such a loaded word for women who'd been betrayed by those who should have protected them.
"Well," he said, setting down his tools, "I for one think that we've earned a lunch break."
"I'll stay here." Soraya put her hands on her hips. "I should start cleaning the shelves."
"I'll stay too." Yasmin walked up to her.
"Nonsense," Fenella said. "We'll bring lunch back for everyone. Din's buying."
"I am?"
"Yes, love. You are."
