The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires #1)(38)
Zahra’s eyes connect with mine as I step through the doorway of the small meeting room. The rented space Zahra chose is located at the back of the park within the employee apartment complex. I’ve never visited this area for anything but a quick glance for my checklist.
Her smile falters as I unbutton my suit and take a seat like I belong here. My neck heats from the way she tracks my movements, with her eyes following my hand as I pluck a cupcake from the tray.
Her small hands ball up by her sides. I don’t even love sweets but I pretend it’s the best cupcake.
Come on. Show me what you’re really hiding beneath those fake smiles and innocent pins. Speaking of, today’s offensive dose of serotonin is a ridiculous ghost wearing a sombrero with the saying Ami-Ghost. Where does she find these things, and why does she wear them?
Zahra’s eye twitches. “What are you doing here?”
I look around the nearly empty room as if the answer is obvious. The lack of a turnout fills me with a sense of accomplishment. “I’m here for a meeting. Carry on.”
She leans forward on the table, attempting to intimidate but failing. “You don’t tell me what to do. You’re not my boss after working hours.”
“If you’re on company property, then you’re still considered my employee.”
“Everything here is company property.”
“Perceptive as ever.”
Zahra’s eyes narrow while her cheeks turn an interesting shade of red I haven’t seen before. I’m somewhat interested in learning more about this version of Zahra. It’s quite the contrast from her pin-loving, happy-going self that she shares with the world.
A younger brunette woman walks into the room carrying a bottle of soda, followed by a blond male. They both have soft facial features, which is a dead giveaway for their Down syndrome diagnoses.
Shit. It doesn’t take much effort to draw conclusions about exactly what kind of mentorship program this is.
For the first time in God knows how long, I feel intense regret. No wonder Zahra was so pissed at my comment. It was wholly deserved based on the kind of program she is trying to create here.
Fuck. You’re such an asshole sometimes.
Zahra smirks. “Now’s your chance to leave before it’s too late.”
“I think I’d like to see this through.” I meant what I said about challenges. The more Zahra wants to push me away, the harder I’ll push back.
The shorter brunette elbows Zahra in the ribs. “Be nice. He’s cute.” Her almond-shaped brown eyes brighten and bring out the softness in her face.
She officially became my new favorite person.
Zahra glares at her. “I am nice.”
I raise a brow.
“Why are you really here?” Zahra looks around the room that’s empty besides us four.
I could comment on the lack of a turnout but it’s my damn fault.
“I’m interested in the mentorship program.”
She scoffs. “What happened to not being interested in hiring toddlers?”
“I was wrong.”
Both her brows rise. “You—well. Wow. Okay. I didn’t think you had it in you to admit when you make a mistake.”
“Don’t hold your breath waiting for the next time.” My comment earns me a tiny smile.
“So, are you going to start the meeting or do you plan on staring at me all night?”
The brunette beside Zahra giggles.
Zahra’s eyes move from the shorter woman to me. “You know what, Rowan? I have the perfect buddy for you.”
Buddy? I never agreed to becoming a buddy. I’m only here to watch from afar, not become some mentor. I don’t think I’ve mentored anyone in my life. It requires too much speaking and not enough working, and I end up redoing their job anyway.
The way Zahra smiles at me has my skin itching. “Ani, you’re partnered with Rowan.”
The brunette beside Zahra cackles. “Yes!”
Well, shit. That laugh should worry me.
“So my sister told me all about you.” Ani and I take a seat on a bench near the apartment complex. Zahra split off with the male, giving us time and privacy to schedule our first official mentorship outing.
“Who’s your sister?”
She looks at me like I’m the dumbest man on Earth. “Zahra.”
My head tilts. “I didn’t know she had a sister.”
“Surprise!” She grins.
“Well, is it too late to revoke her sister card?”
Ani looks at me with furrowed brows. “Why?”
“Because no sister who loves you would partner us together.”
“Oh, please. I doubt you’re that bad.”
“And you got that in the two seconds you’ve known me?”
Ani shakes her head. “Because not many guys would come to a meeting like this. Lance never wanted to.”
“Who’s Lance?”
“Zahra’s ex.”
“He sounds like a dick.”
She elbows me. “No bad words.”
I raise my hands in surrender.
She fidgets with her hair tie on her wrist. “I never liked him.”
“Because?”
“Because he looked at me funny. And sometimes I heard him say things on the phone when I wasn’t supposed to listen.” She looks away. The look on her face has me wondering what kinds of awful things she might have overheard.