Emma’s POV:
I saw Maman’s name flash on my phone screen, and I quickened my pace towards the restaurant. I swiped to accept her call just as I stepped inside, bringing my phone to my ear and heading for the first available booth I could find.
“Hey, Maman,” I greeted her cheerfully.
“Azizam, how are you? Am I catching you at a bad time?”
“Nope, not at all. Just got done with an exam.”
“Did you do well?” She asked, then laughed. “What am I saying— of course you did.”
I grinned, even though she couldn’t see it. “That’s right, Mama, finals couldn’t kick your girl’s ass if they tried. I kicked their asses. Hard.”
Columbia University didn’t take it easy on their students. They set their standards higher than a frat boy at a Saturday night party, and their instructions were strictly
