Page 99 of The Love Match

I didn’t think he’d ever forgive me, or that I’d ever hear from him again… until today.

“Grand gestures are hit-or-miss in real life… but I’m over it,” I tell him truthfully, smiling until he smiles back. “It honestly makes me happy to see you doing so well, Nayim. Just because we won’t get married doesn’t mean we can’t stay friends.”

He shakes his head with a chuckle. “True, even though getting rejected proper sucked, I don’t regret it. I always thought both of my parents were hell-bent on shoving me into the Perfect Son box no matter how hard I screamed inside. But we understand each other better now because of you.”

I frown down at Thara’s fluffy head. “I swear I’m not hung up on it anymore, but all the stories you told me…”

Nayim senses the question in my voice at once, and answers ruefully, “Most of it was the truth, you know? Everything except my family.”

I nod, but that’s not quite the end of the story, so I gently venture, “Is everything going okay with them now?”

A grin alights on Nayim’s face, chasing away all shadows.“Bajan hasn’t quite come around to the ‘peddling guitars on the street’ thing, as he calls it, but everything that’s happened since has only convinced me that my mother, at least, will always have my back. She even got Bajan to invest in the shop. He’s coming with her and my sister, Noreen, to visit it next time she’s stateside. To make sure I’m not ‘blowing through’ his money. But hey, it’s something.”

It feels strange to hear him talk about his family so casually after all the secrets, but I’m glad we’re finally being honest with each other. I cast a glance over my shoulder, where it appears Keelie has invited more friends to pine with her. Turning back to Nayim, I arch a brow. “I have a feeling finding business won’t be a problem for you, Casanova. Especially when the other Paterson girls learn that Prince Dalim Kumar is still up for grabs.”

“Maybe.” He chuckles uneasily and shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “This isn’t exactly how either of us imagined I’d accomplish my dream, though, is it? I have to admit, it’s a bit gutting knowing I only got here with my family’s money.”

For a moment, I contemplate this, stroking Thara’s soft black fur. Then I shake my head. “No. It’s good you let them do that. I think they need to feel needed sometimes. To know you still want them around to take care of you.”

It’s a form of love, all on its own.

He smirks. “Speaking from experience?”

“Shut up.” I glare even as begrudging amusement tugs atthe corners of my mouth. It’s impossible to resist giving in to it. Nayim’s joy always was infectious. “Besides, it’s okay if your dream doesn’t look exactly how you expected it to. Dreams are messy and difficult and important to hold on to because of that. I know that better than anyone.”

“I guess you do,” he replies, smile softening into something painfully tender.

I clear my throat and put Thara down. “Anyway, I’m jealous you have such a cute coworker, but glad you won’t be lonely all by yourself out here.”

“I’m just gladsomeonewanted to come with me,” he jokes. “My ego couldn’t have survived if Thara turned me down too.”

I huff another laugh. “Thanks for inviting me here, Nayim.”

“Thanks for coming,” he responds. “Where are you off to now?”

“There’s just one more thing I have to do.”

We part as friends.

Chapter36

Visiting Columbia never ceases tobe a wonder.

Although many things have changed since I first applied to the school last year, a tiny part of me will always delight in the way no one spares me a second glance while I stride through the Southfield section of the campus toward the freshman dorms.

It’s only when I reach the John Jay Hall building that I stop in front of the three sets of black steel doors, admiring the matching trelliswork in the arches above them.

It doesn’t take long for the center door to open.

“Hey, you,” I say, already grinning.

Harun grins back, his whole face brightening in a manner that makes my heart dance inside my ribs. Like Columbia, he’s still a bit of a wonder.

Or more than a bit.

“Hey.” The word ghosts across my lips as he dips his head to kiss me, bringing up his palm to cup my cheek. I lift myown arms to wind around his neck and pout when he draws back, until he adds, “Man, I’ll never get tired of that.”

My brows arch. “Oh? Then aren’t you glad I—”

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