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“Sometimes,” I admitted “It doesn’t stop those days where you feel like a fraud, though So that I accidentally sneaked into a place where I don’t belong, and anyto discover me, kick me out, and er joint forever” I laughed, like I often did when I was talking about upsetting feelings “Then it’s easy to wish I ended up sohts so often But it always passes in the end”

“Safer,” repeated Rafiq “That’s it, isn’t it? That’s the choice People assuive up on their dreae for it”

I nodded sadly “I’ve lost a lot of friends over the years because of it I understand the impulse I just… I don’t share it” The memory made me sad

As if he could sense it, Rafiq said, “Evie, you’re braver than any single person I’ve ever met Don’t be ashamed because you don’t share that impulse It’s people like you who er than all of the to be ashamed of You refused to let your dreams die”

I loweredinin his voice or expression suggested he was being anything less than sincere

“Thank you,” I replied quietly “I don’t feel that way a lot It’s nice to hear”

Rafiq nodded atabout your artistic strength You’ll be perfect for this”

“When will I meet him?”

“He’s co in from the Middle East on his jet sometime to schedule, which is why it’s iether It’s just easier to do it than to fake it He could show up at any time, but I know he has plans to return home at the end of the week”

“So we only have to pull this off for a week?”

“Give or take,” said Rafiq “And then you can return to your gallery a richer woman, and hopefully find some of that stability your creativity needs to flourish”

I loved the sound of that, and smiled “I think we can definitely do business, Rafiq” I raised ainst it with a half-smile “Cheers”

“Cheers,” he replied with a smile

We were interrupted when the bistro’s social photographer arrived, bea to take a photo of us to remember the occasion I was surprised, but Rafiq seemed to expect it, and he scooted his chair over next to mine

He wrapped his arm aroundagainst ,” he said to me “This will be one for the scrapbook”

I tried to ignore the sparks shooting through my skin when Rafiq touched ainst hirapher directed us with annoying little hand waves until he liked the ere posing, and then rapidly clicked a few photos with his bright flash

The photographer seemed pleased with the results, and Rafiq handed hi for a copy of the best photo The photographer promised to have a print ready by the ti Rafiq with a beautiful eight-by-ten copy of the portrait in a white envelope as we reached the doors

“Can I see?” I asked, trying to slip the envelope frorasp

He pulled it away teasingly as he led et it framed for you, don’t spoil the surprise”