Page 85 of The Ex Factor

“Did she get the job?”

“Yes, she started this week.”

“Good, and the pay bump she was hoping for?”

“Yes, she is very happy. She will be trained by the head nurse, who has already taken a liking to her. I said, that’s surprising.”

“And how did she take that?”

“Not well,” he said with a laugh. “Hit me on the arm and said, you better be careful what you say. I’m a nurse,and I know all ways to make murder look like natural death.”

I had to laugh at that. “Good for her.”

“She’s so smart, Boss. I wonder what she’s doing with me.”

“You are not bad yourself, Imran.”

“But I’m not educated. Can I keep her happy?”

“Those two have no correlation. And you had to quit studying and migrate to a foreign country to support your family. It’s because of you that Razia is an engineer today. Your little brother is on his way to getting his degree. And your mother could have her knee surgery.”

He nodded.

“And if you ever want to go back to college, you know you don’t have to think twice.”

“I know, Boss. But it’s too late for me. Now I want to settle down, marry, have kids.”

“So when’s that happening?”

“Afra and I think after Razia gets back on her feet. We don’t want her to feel like she’s dependent on us after our marriage.”

“That won’t be long. Tell Razia I was upset and asked her to focus on her courses.”

He nodded.

“Have you talked to Afra’s parents yet?”

He blew out a breath.

“What’s the holdup?”

“I’m a driver. That’s the holdup,” he said in a sorrowful tone. “They want her to marry someone educated, someone rich.”

“Have you told them how much you make?”

“No, bragging is un-Islamic.” He smiled heartedly.

“Then let me brag on your behalf. You’ll always have a job with me, you know that.”

“Thank you, Boss. But that won’t be necessary. Afra is strong. She’s got my back.”

“Good. I’m glad you have a strong, smart woman in your life.”

He eyed me in the mirror with a sly grin.

“Yes?” I asked.

“And you?”

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