But as she finished scrolling her messages, a cold weight settled in her stomach. She’d texted her sister on the way here. Told her they needed to talk.
Lulu still hadn’t responded.
They pushed off the pier. As the dock slipped from viewand the city faded behind them, something in her unspooled the slightest bit. Closing her eyes, she drew a deep breath. The discordant hum in her head quieted a notch.
“Can I help?” she asked, walking over to Reza.
The muscles in his forearms were taut as he fixed up the sail. Knotted the rope.
“We’re all set,” he told her. “The wind will do its thing.”
The sail caught and they moved effortlessly, the only sounds coming from the creaks of the boat, the rustle of the sails, the splash of water against the hull, and the distant cries of seabirds.
“So, this was teenage Reza?” she asked. “Other kids sneak beer. Meanwhile, you’re mastering sails and knots.”
“I didn’t get out as often as I’d like,” he said. “But it’s nice, isn’t it? Being out here, navigating the boat yourself. It stills the mind.”
“It really does.”
Her stomach growled and Reza grinned.
“The cabin came stocked,” he said. “Let’s see what they’ve got.”
She followed him to the compact but cozy wood-paneled space.
“Watch your head,” he warned as she stepped inside.
They pulled out crackers, cheese, and fruit from a mini fridge. Hena sank onto the built-in berth. It was thickly padded like a bed—so soft she could have lain back and fallen asleep with the sway of the sea. Instead, she sat on the edge, stretching out, pretending not to notice how his eyes flicked to her legs, then quickly back to her face. He waited a beat.
“We should talk about what happened. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” she said automatically.
“Hena.”
She looked out at the water. Exhaled.
“I’m better now,” she said. “I needed this even though I know everything is waiting for me when I get back.”
She checked her phone. Still nothing from Lulu. The moment of peace she’d found started to fray.
“If Lulu thinks I could have done all that…” She blinked quickly. “Whoever it was made sure to have receipts. Literal receipts.”
“It’s bullshit. Come on. Anyone can make up a delivery receipt. I didn’t believe it. Not for a second.”
“Does it matter if it’s unbelievable? My mother always says if enough people say a thing is true, it might as well be. She’s right. Those videos. Those accusations…You don’t know the people around here like I do. If you knew what they say, all the things they think they know…”
“Like what?” His gaze held hers.
“I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about my family at this point.”
“I’ve heard bits and pieces. I much prefer this, though. Hearing about you, from you.”
He was being polite. She was sure he’d heard far more than bits and pieces. The truth was, she’d rather he know about her in her own words too.
So she told him.
About her father’s towering reputation—the way their standing crumbled after he vanished. She told him how her community reacted when they learned Nasir was marrying her—as though she were Hades luring Persephone into the Underworld.