After the interview Mazen escorted Zain outside. When they got to the sidewalk, they ran into a towering, extremely good-looking young man. He and Mazen exchanged a hug, and Mazen said to him, “Let me introduce you to Zain, a well-known writer.” Turning to Zain, he added, “Zain, meet Amer the poet. He looks like a wrestler, but he’s actually quite a gentle soul!”
As she shook Amer’s hand, she shuddered as if she’d just wrapped him in a passionate embrace.
“Where’s your car?” Mazen asked her.
“I haven’t bought one yet!” she said.
Hearing this, Amer offered her a ride. Mazen was about to object when, to his amazement, Zain replied lightly, “Thanks! I’d appreciate that!”
She and Amer got into his car and drove off. Mazen’s jaw dropped in amazement. As he stood on the sidewalk watching th
