Page 45 of The Matchmaker

“You got it.”

“You could have told me that you were going to be following me, Genevieve!”

“I told you that you needed coverage. So, I’m covering you.”

I have competing impulses to hug her and strangle her.

“For someone so proud of their work-life boundaries, you have a funny way of showing it,” I tell her.

“What can I say? I’m partial to you, Nura.”

“Well, I’m partial to you too.” I smile. “They’ve got restricted entry at that mehndi,” I remind her. “I’d say it’s one of the safest events I’ll ever attend.”

“Restricted doesn’t mean impossible to get into,” she says. “I’ll chill in the parking lot and make sure things stay as boring as possible for youandthe cosmetics heiress.”

“I can’t talk you out of it?” I appreciate her concern, but it’sa Friday night. Knowing she’s sitting out here is touching, but I also feel bad.

“Once you agree to a bodyguard, I’m gone.” She pulls a long sip of soda from her straw, and the ice whistles. “Until then, consider me your shadow.”

There’s no arguing with her.

She turns on her car, the ignition rumbling. “After you.”

Twelve

A banner adorned with marigolds welcomes me when I walk inside the swanky Baudelaire Country Club. I give my name and identification to the check-in clerk. Genevieve really doesn’t need to be here. Unlike a hotel, where there could be a million different access points, there’s only one way in tonight, and it’s through metal detectors and a gate that’s opened and closed by black-garbed guards who won’t let you through without both photo identificationanda signed nondisclosure agreement promising you won’t share any media of the event online.

You really don’t want to head home?I text Genevieve.It’s as secure as can be here.

I’m all set,she replies.For all the security they have inside, they have no one out here, do they? Have fun. I’m catching up on podcasts.

My heart swells, touched by Genevieve’s kindness. There’s no point protesting. Once Genevieve makes up her mind, there’s no changing it.

I hardly recognize the interior when I step into the main hall. Flowers in mehndi colors of red, yellow, and orange overflow on the stage, the tables, and the windows. A cushioneddais rests atop a stage adorned in yet more florals. The back windows overlook the golf course, which features exotic plants imported from around the world. The bride and groom probably already took their photos out there—a separate and pricey add-on to the wedding packages at this place—not that they’d have blinked at the expense. I know they’ve flown in Chef Zardar from Islamabad for this plated affair. Already, I can smell the buttery scent of naans going into the tandoori grills they had built on-site. This place is famous for not allowing outside chefs, but everyone has a price. I feel a wistful tug—I wish I’d let Azar come. Sure, it was a pity offer, but Mr. Foodie would have died over the eats here.

Darcy hurries toward me. Her blond hair falls soft against her shoulder. Her cheeks are flushed pink. “I amsosorry. I can’t believe I’m this late. Traffic was a complete nightmare.”

“Don’t worry about it. I just got here too,” I tell her. “Looks like it’s a slow start to the festivities anyhow.”

She adjusts the straps of her dress—then eyes me. “You look a bit flustered yourself.”

“Had a bit of a scare earlier.” I recount the run-in at Khala’s home, and how Genevieve’s parked outside the country club as we speak.

“Good on her,” she says.

“Thanks for coming tonight,” I tell her. “I know this is out of the way for you.”

“It’ll be nice to see Lena off.” She looks around wistfully. “I forgot how beautiful this venue is. You know it’s one hundred grand just to reserve the space? Not to mention the photos in the garden. The food. Décor.”

“The Georgian Terrace will be just as wonderful,” I assure her. “I personally like it better.”

“We’ll see if that’s still on,” she says with a sigh. “They announced another round of layoffs at Samir’s work last week.”

“Again?” I grimace.

“Just as we were getting ready to put down the second half of the deposit.”

“Oh, Darcy, that’s unbelievably stressful.”

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