Page 61 of The Matchmaker

But thingshavechanged. I look at Darcy’s forlorn expression. Farhan was unhinged. He was poised to shoot her. He would have if she hadn’t stopped him. But that doesn’t change the reality that taking a life is no small matter.

“Have you had a chance to see Dr. Higdon?” I ask her gently. “It might be time to get a regular schedule started.”

“He’s squeezing me in tomorrow morning,” she says. “He thinks we should meet twice a week for the foreseeable future, but I don’t know how much talking helps anything. I’ve talked to the police so much, my voice is going to give, and they still keep coming up with more questions. Like I’m going to remember something that will make any of this any less fucked up? I just want to knock myself out and forget any of it ever happened.” She shivers. “The sooner this all is behind me, the better.”

“I get it. I wish I could erase it all from my mind’s eye as well.”

She looks at me worriedly. “How areyou?”

“Still shell-shocked. I keep thinking I’ll go for a run after I get home from work. I know it’s safe now. He’s gone. But I can’t bring myself to do it. I feel exposed even thinking about it.”

“My body hasn’t gotten the memo it’s over either. I spilled my tea this morning when the UPS guy rang the doorbell to deliver a package. That was when I knew I had to come in to work.”

“This whole thing is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. We need to figure out how to not think about it 24/7 or we’ll slowly go insane.”

She purses her lips. Then brightens just the littlest bit.

“Uh-oh,” I say. She picks up her phone and types. I know that look. “Darcy, you’re not signing us up for a meditation retreat or something, are you?”

“No meditating, but I do think we should get our minds off things. Even if it’s only for a little while.”

“What do you have in mind? I don’t think I’m up for axe-throwing.”

“Me either. I was thinking of something a little more low-key. Like a double date?” She points to her phone. “There’s an opening for seven o’clock this evening at Meta Sushi. You and I have been meaning to go there forever.”

“This is the exact worst time to try to set me up, Darcy.”

“Nura! I didn’t mean literally. I texted Azar and Samir for a casual get-together. Samir’s in.”

I fidget. It was my idea for us to try to get our minds off of things, but I’m not sure I’m up for fine dining this soon.

Her phone chimes. She glances at it, then me.

“That’s Azar. He’s in too. If you’re not comfortable, we don’t have to. I guess I just thought it might be nice to be among friends. Celebrate that we’re alive? Besides, you and Samir haven’t had a chance to really get to know each other. The engagement party was swamped with people. Maybe this could be a small way to feel normal for a little while. What do you think?”

She gives me her most winning smile. Even though she doesn’t need to. I’m not sure I’m in the mood to be out in the world at large, but that doesn’t matter. Darcy needs a distraction, so of course I’m in. This woman saved my life. I’ll do whatever she asks. Thanks to her, the danger is over. I wish my brain could communicate this to my body, which still feels tense as a live wire. Waiting for what comes next.

Eighteen

Twinkle lights frame the golden Meta Sushi sign. We are sitting on the patio overlooking the Chattahoochee River. There’s a veritable feast spread out before us. Spicy tuna and two rainbow rolls. Twelve different pieces of nigiri. Edamame. Dumplings. All placed at the center of the table and served family style. Looking around, I can almost pretend this is an ordinary night out.Which it is,I remind myself. The danger is behind us. How many times will I need to say this to myself before my body actually believes me?

“I don’t know why we haven’t done this sooner,” Darcy says. “I feel like I’m bringing Samir over to meet his in-laws. Nura is like a sister to me at this point.”

“I’m still processing everything that happened.” Azar’s voice catches. “Thank you, Darcy. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Me either.” I look at her. “You’re a hero.”

Darcy winces. “Come on. No more of that. I’m serious. You would’ve done the same for me, Nura.”

“What’s next for the rescued couple?” Samir asks. He leans back, one arm resting on Darcy’s chair. He’s still got on his work clothes. Gray slacks. A navy-blue tie. A starched white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

“I spoke to Lena again a little while ago,” I say. “The public response has been overwhelming. Oprah’s in talks with Lena’s management team to do a one-on-one sit-down with them about the whole ordeal. First things first, though, they’re getting married.”

“The wedding venue is offering a redo of the nuptials. Baudelaire Country Club is going to host a new mehndi celebration too, on the house,” says Darcy. “That photographer Jade offered to do their photos for the nuptials. Karma’s stock is skyrocketing.”

“And bonus,” I add, “Tanvir’s getting his elephant for the wedding after all.”

“After everything they’ve been through, I’m glad things are looking up for them,” says Azar.

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