God's way

Part 15

The next day, I was back at the flower shop, arranging a bouquet of lilies when the familiar jingle of the door rang out. I looked up, expecting another customer, but it was Nabil again.

He stood at the entrance for a moment, scanning the shop like he wasn't quite sure if he should come in. When he finally did, he walked over to the counter where I was standing and leaned casually against it.

"Hey," he greeted me, his voice a little more hesitant than usual. "Got a minute?"

I looked up, surprised by his sudden appearance. "Of course, what's up?"

Nabil seemed a little unsure, like he was trying to figure out how to phrase his next words.

Finally, he blurted out, "Do you think it's... I don't know, gay to work at a flower shop as a guy?"

I blinked, not quite expecting that question.

"What?" I couldn't help but laugh a little. "No, I don't think it's gay. Why would it be?"

He shifted on his feet, looking uncomfortable, but I could see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. 

"Well, my mom refuses to pay for anything for me anymore," he said, almost as if the words were forced out. "And I need a job, so... I don't know, I was thinking of asking if you could maybe put in a word for me with your boss or something."

I raised an eyebrow, the offer of him asking for help catching me off guard. But I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.

"So, you're just worried about the flower shop making you look... gay?" I teased.

Nabil rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his smile.

"No, I'm serious. I just need a job, and this place seems... chill."

I smiled back at him, then nodded.

"I can ask my boss for you. I'm sure she's looking for someone. You'll hear from her soon enough."

Nabil looked relieved. "Thanks, I appreciate it. Seriously."

He lingered for a moment, clearly unsure if he should say anything more. But after a short pause, he gave me a quick nod, then turned to leave.

As he walked out, I noticed something strange. I was still smiling, despite the weirdness of the conversation. There was something about the way he'd asked for help that felt different from what I had expected. It wasn't awkward or desperate, just... honest.

I found myself thinking about the way he'd looked when he walked in, the slight nervousness in his step, the way he'd hesitated before speaking. He wasn't like most people, who just walked in and made small talk. There was something about him that made me want to know more.

I shook my head, laughing softly to myself. Why was I still smiling?

It wasn't like I had known Nabil for long, but it felt like the start of something — something I couldn't quite put my finger on yet.

It had been days since I last saw Sayjan, and even though his mother had told me to stay away from him, a part of me had been wondering whether he was actually following her orders. Maybe he really was staying away from me, just as she said. But every time I thought about it, my heart tightened, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. I hadn't heard a word from him, and the silence was starting to gnaw at me.

My thoughts were interrupted when the bell above the door jingled, signaling someone entering the shop. I looked up, expecting another customer, but to my surprise, it was Selina. Her face was lit up with a wide grin, and she practically rushed over to me.