“Yeah,” Ace says, nodding. “My sister is waiting in the car, if you want to join.” He glances at my grandma. “If it’s okay with you, Mrs. Ahmed.”

There’s a moment of stark silence after I nervously translate. Ace probably doesn’t notice, but I’m hyperaware of it. There’s no way Dadu will say yes, which is definitely for the best. I don’t want my brother and Ace anywhere near each other, because it’ll inevitably get back to my parents.

But missing out will still suck.

I hold my breath, waiting and waiting and waiting for the blow.

Finally, Dadu looks away from Ace and glances at me. “Okay. If Myra says yes.”

Wait, what?

“Really?” I say in disbelief. Dadu has always had my back, but this isn’t something I thought she’d budge on.

Dadu considers me for another moment before nodding. “Yeah, Myra. He brought me flowers. You can go bowling with him.” She pauses. “Your Dada would always bring me flowers, too.”

Oh my God, only Ace would unwittingly charm my grandmother.

Samir looks at me hopefully. He might love bowling, but the risk of going with him and Ace...

My brother keeps pouting at me and my resolve finally breaks. “Fine. I’ll get dressed.” Still, I have to figure out a way to make sure Samir doesn’t slip up and tell our parents something he’s not supposed to. I can’t risk it. I won’t risk it.

Both Ace and Samir cheer obnoxiously. I open my mouth to tell my brother to come upstairs with me but, before I can, Samir rushes toward the foyer and puts on his shoes. “Wait, before you leave—” I say, but he waves me off.

“Tell me in the car,” he says, far too eager, and slips through the door.

I stare after him woefully. Mia and Ace will be in the car. I definitely can’t talk to him with them around.

I sigh and head upstairs, hoping I’ll have a moment alone with Samir once we’re at the bowling alley.

In my room, I stare at my wardrobe in distress before plucking something from the back, where the clothes I hide from my mother reside. I slip on a tank top and skinny jeans with holes in the knees. The jeans aren’t that bad, but wearing something without sleeves feels too bold. I’m already testing my luck by agreeing to this outing. After a moment’s hesitation, I throw on a cardigan, covering my bare arms.

I hurry down the steps and nearly run straight into Ace, who’s standing in the doorway. “Hi, Karina.”

A swarm of butterflies rushes through me. “Hi,” I say back, and force myself to turn around and shout, “Bye, Dadu!”

“Bye, Myra. Have fun!” Dadu says, which is strange to hear.