“Cats climb when they are in danger,” she said, walking back towards the house. “I will tell Ghufran you are outside.”
What was all that about? I sighed, pulled out my phone and messaged StanleyP.
AnaBGR
I need some more advice, oh wise one. You managed to get your dream project green-lit while I haven’t managed to do anything right lately.
I pressed Send and waited for an answer. After a few moments, I wrote again.
AnaBGR
I’d like to hire you as a consultant on how to stop fearing and learn to love competition. You would be doing me a huge favour. I can offer as compensation one hilarious meme on one of the following topics: classic ’90s movies, vintage stationery, or Hollywood icons. Reply now—this offer won’t last!
Nothing from StanleyP. Vaguely disappointed, I sent him a meme of Tom Hanks wearing a sweater vest, then headed inside.
Thankfully, the rest of my family had retired for the night, so I could delay further awkward conversations about the BOA until tomorrow. I got ready for bed and was settling on the sofa when my phone pinged.
StanleyP
This is going to sound strange but... what business is your family in? I know we said no personal details, and you can keep it vague, but I’ve been having a few weird days. That’s my price.
AnaBGR
This feels like extortion.
StanleyP
Furniture? Automobiles? Manufacturing? Tech? World domination? I have to know.
AnaBGR
World domination, via the exciting world of tech.
StanleyP
Thank God.
AnaBGR
What’s going on?
StanleyP
Nothing. I’m only losing my mind. Don’t mind me. As for your question: I have suggestions, I have battle plans, I have a militia of eager bots standing by. I will send them all your way soon. Things have become complicated with my own dream project, so working on that first.
I wished him good luck and signed off. I wasn’t sure why I had lied about my family business. I suppose I didn’t want anyone, not even my loyal listener and friend, to know the truth about me and Three Sisters. I wasn’t ready to feel that vulnerable, not over a situation that had only begun to feel dire in my own mind.
As I drifted off to sleep, I felt better knowing that StanleyP had my back. Even if his suggestions were ludicrous, they would at least make me laugh. He was slowly becoming a necessary part of my life. I could admit that to myself, at least.
Chapter Fourteen
Iplanned to corner my cousin the next morning over breakfast and get him to spill every last detail he knew about Kawkab Khala and what she was really doing in town. I was confident Rashid would crack quickly—the boy had zero game.
Except, when I emerged from the shower, Rashid had disappeared. I resolved to catch him at Three Sisters, after I had made my father and Fazee breakfast.
My sister was awake when I knocked on her bedroom door. She hadn’t had much of an appetite lately, but I urged some toast and fruit on her anyway. The small television was on, and her eyes remained on the morning news as she absently answered my questions. Yes, she felt fine. Yes, she had slept well. No, she didn’t feel like chai this morning.
I was worried about her. Then again, I was worried about a lot of things. And I still had to speak to Rashid. I set off for the restaurant.
