I had spent the next few weeks avoiding him by not answering my phone and being conveniently out of the way when he stopped by the shop. It killed me every time I heard his voice asking for me while I was hiding out in the kitchen, but I felt it was for the best. As long as I kept my distance from Jamal, I could not hurt him indirectly with my bad luck. My strategy was working out well until Fatimah pulled me aside one day after his last visit.

“What’s wrong with you girl?” Her voice was harsh and motherly. “That poor boy is in here every day looking for you, and you can’t even be bothered to give him the time of day to say you’re not interested.”

Her words cut me to the core. Pressing my back against the wall, I slid down to the floor and buried my face i...

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