Winnie let out a breath. ‘No. It isn’t that which bothers me. It’s just…Enzo gets all my father’s attention and time, while I’m forced to watch over the shop as they study.’
‘That sounds frustrating.’
‘Papa says it’s because he doesn’t trust the shop to anyone else—it’s our livelihood,’ Winnie explained. ‘I’ve been looking after the shop since I finished school a year ago. Enzo is just soannoying. Couldn’t Papa have picked anyone else to have as his apprentice?’ She blew out her cheeks. ‘He always comes straight from the butcher’s shop—his father is the butcher—and I wouldn’t put it past him not to get the manuscripts dirty, he’s so careless. And he really knows how to push my buttons.’
‘Even Rowenna the Just has her foes,’ Sonya said, referencing the main character from Mirabel Summer’s books. That seemed to cheer Winnie up, and she smiled.
‘Which book is your favorite?’ Winnie asked. There were over a dozen books about Rowenna the Just, chronicling her adventures and romances.
‘Oh, that is too difficult a question!’ Sonya said, and they begandiscussing the merits of different books, as well as their favorite side characters and subplots.
‘I love your hair,’ Winnie said suddenly. She reached out and touched the ends, and Sonya smiled. ‘I just noticed. And your dress! Gorgeous.’
‘Thank you,’ Sonya said. ‘Azam trimmed my hair, and he tailored the dress for me, as well.’
‘Ah, no wonder,’ Winnie said. ‘He’s remarkable with his hands and with a needle and thread. It looks like he put special care into your dress.’ Winnie wiggled her brows, giving Sonya a pleased look that Sonya didn’t quite understand.
‘What?’ Sonya asked.
Winnie laughed. ‘Oh, nothing.’
They perused the shelves, and Winnie pointed out other books Sonya might enjoy, while Sonya pointed out booksshethought Winnie might enjoy.
‘Have you read this one?’ Sonya asked, pulling out a book. She opened it, and at the same time, she and Winnie leaned forward to inhale the scent of ink and paper. They exhaled together, then their eyes met. They both laughed.
The book was one of her favorites, though this edition was different; it had illustrations and speckled edges, along with a thick olive-green ribbon bookmark. She was admiring the book when Azam popped by the shelves she and Winnie were between.
‘Enzo’s off with Jerome,’ Azam said, referencing Winnie’s father. ‘Shall we head back?’
‘Yes, sure,’ Sonya replied. She gave the book a final glance before setting it back on the shelf. Azam’s gaze tracked hers.
Winnie walked them to the front door, then gave Sonya a hug. ‘Come again soon!’ she said. ‘We’re going to be thick as thieves—closer than Rowenna and Morwenna—I already know it!’
With a smile, Sonya hugged Winnie as well. Winnie waved goodbye to Azam.
‘Be nice to my friend,’ Azam said, gesturing to the office door Enzo was behind.
Winnie rolled her eyes. ‘You need better friends.’
‘Well, I’ve got Sonya, now,’ Azam replied, bumping Sonya’s shoulder with his. ‘That must count for something.’
‘Definitely,’ Winnie agreed.
They headed out into the sun, turning to go back home, and Azam said, ‘I’m glad you made a friend already, though I’m not entirely surprised.’ He glanced over at her, eyes warm. ‘You’re lovely company.’
Her heart expanded in her chest.
They walked together, leisurely. The sun was shining bright above them, and there was a heavenly breeze in the air, carrying little pink petals in the wind. Some flowers were already in bloom, and Sonya paused by a thicket of bright purple and blue wildflowers, picking a handful.
‘For Grandma Kiri,’ Sonya said, pressing the flowers to her nose.
They continued walking until they reached a courtyard, and Azam led her to a bench, where they both sat. There were children playing in the courtyard, and he pointed out a larger building across from them.
‘That’s the school,’ he said. ‘Dania will go next year, when she’s five.’
‘Is this where you, Enzo, and Winnie went?’ she asked.
He nodded. ‘I had to leave a year early, when I was fifteen, after my parents passed away. It was only a year, but I was sad to miss the time with my friends.’
