Nadim high-fived her once the video was sent. “We totally got this. Don’t forget me when you’re a rich and famous food personality and I’m just the project manager you exploited to get your way.”

She laughed. “I don’t want to be rich or famous. I just want to take that course.”

Nadim tilted his head and smiled warmly. Which prompted Reena to grab Brian, say goodbye, and get the hell out of there. Because that look on his face just made it even harder for her to figure out exactly how he felt about her.

Reena’s phone rang early Monday morning. Well, not really that early. She’d finally learned to enjoy some of the perks of unemployment. But despite knowing the rest of the world was awake and bringing home the bacon (or for her fellow Muslims, chicken bacon), confusion still washed over her when she heard that shrill ringtone before nine a.m. Who would call her at this hour?

She grabbed the phone and checked the call display. Crap. Saira.

“Hey, sis, what’s up?” Reena asked, schooling her voice to sound as if she’d been awake and getting ready for work.

“Reena, I’m coming over.”

Jesus. Why was her sister dropping by so much all of a sudden? “But, Saira—”

“Look, Reena. I figured out you’re not working, so no need to make up a story.”

Damnit. Saira knew?

“Do you have a job interview or something to do? If you’re home, I’m coming over,” her sister informed her.

Reena sighed. Apparently today her carefully constructed wall of secrets would be tumbling down. She rolled out of bed. She should’ve been afraid but instead just felt numb.

“I’m home,” she said. “Come on over.”

Saira arrived twenty minutes later, two vibrant green smoothies in hand. Reena tried to conceal her unease as she let her in.

“Relax, Reena,” her sister said, handing both smoothies to Reena. “You look tense. Do some yoga, or something. I haven’t told anyone you lost your job.” Saira bent to take off her boots.

So much for hiding her feelings.

“Um, okay … let’s sit.” Reena took the armchair in the living room, letting her sister sit alone on the sofa.

“So, Railside laid you off.”

“How did you find out?” Reena asked, putting the almost luminous green smoothie on the coffee table.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice that Sidecar stores are closing? Ashraf’s phone store is right near a Sidecar. They’re having a big clearance sale. I got a bunch of sweatshirts and leggings.”

Crap. She’d forgotten Saira’s boyfriend worked in the mall. “But how did you know they let me go? Railside is still open.”

“The cashier told me about layoffs. And your work email address bounced back.”

Reena’s hands fisted. This deception wasn’t sustainable.

“I’m not going to tell Mum and Dad, if that’s what you’re worried about. Drink your smoothie, Reena. You’re looking a little peaked. You should watch your blood sugar in the morning, you’ll find a power smoothie like this will boost your energy all day.”