My smile nearly splits my face in half. “I think I’d like that, Ace.”

I’m heading to bed when Dadu calls me back from her own doorway. “Myra, can I talk to you for a second?”

I pause halfway to my room and look back at her. “Of course. What’s going on?”

Dadu grimaces. “That Alistair boy...is he your friend?”

My chest collapses. Why don’t I ever think? I shouldn’t have humored Ace. Of course Dadu wouldn’t embarrass me in front of him, but that doesn’t mean she approves, no matter how careful we were to keep our distance. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. “He’s—no, no. I have to tutor him. We’re just classmates.”

My grandma’s frown deepens. “You two seemed very close. I’m unsure if you should...continue in this manner. I don’t know if your parents would approve.”

Oh God. There’s never been a situation where Dadu hasn’t supported me. This is the first one and of course, of course, it’s because of Ace.

In the back of my head, I knew I was pushing it. I’m not dating Ace, but whatever it is that’s between us is forbidden, and I know that. My parents would have a conniption if they knew I was spending this much time with any kind of boy, regardless of race or religion.

This friendship—this fake romance—all of it breaks unspoken rules. Spending time with him alone, flirting when no one is looking, accepting his invitation to prom; none of it is allowed. Even three weeks is too many.

I thought if I kept it secret, it would all be okay. But in doing that, I’m asking the universe of my grandma, when she’s already given me the world.

Dadu is a saint, but even she has to have limits. In this case, I don’t even think they’re her limits, so much as the limits of my parents she feels obligated to uphold.

I have a feeling if it were up to Dadu, she’d let me do whatever makes me happy. That’s the kind of person her experiences have shaped her into—from Dada, to the expectations put in place by her older brothers and parents, to the young girl she never had a chance to raise.

But my parents are still a part of this, even when they’re not here. No matter what, they always will be.

My mouth is so dry it almost hurts to speak. “It’s just for school. He’s just a study buddy. It’s nothing serious.”

Dadu sighs and takes my hand. “Just be careful, Myra. I don’t want to see this end poorly for you.”

I nod. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. “Don’t worry about it, Dadu. I doubt you’ll ever see him again.”