Chapter Seven
Keystone
“A memory is a beautiful thing. It’s almost a desire that you miss.”
– Gustave Flaubert.
“Did you like the movie, ladies?” Alim asked.
“Wonderful,” Mia said. “Thank you for taking us.”
“Well, you ladies won the lottery, and the ride was part of the bargain.” He smiled as if to say thanks were unnecessary.
“All the same,” I said, leaning up from the van’s backseat, thrusting my chest forward, “you were very kind.” I reached forward and touched his shoulder with my fingers. “Thank you very much.”
He glanced down as I gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. He glanced back at me, and I smiled, running my tongue over my bottom lip. The lights of oncoming cars shined on my lip gloss and it sparkled in the darkness.
The rest of the ride was in silence, though Alim gla
