“Sadi Andrews?” Kashan repeated, resisting the temptation to roll her eyes. “What for, exactly? Or am I not allowed to ask any questions?” she added, giving Lily a dirty look.

“Because I think you need some expert advice, not mine,” Lily replied smoothly.

Kashan snorted. “I’m doing no such thing,” she said at once, crossing her arms against her chest. “No way am I telling Sadi Andrews that I’ve actually managed to fall for a boy, after all these years. And that too for one who’s a major, handsome jerk.”

Even though she was telling Lily all this, Kashan could not help admitting to herself how appealing Lily’s little piece of advice sounded. Sadi Andrews was, by far, the girl in most demand around Faztel. She also happened to hold the officially unacknowledged record of having five boyfriends in one week, ditching each when she realized he was not the right person for her, and getting a new one, before finally settling on her current one.

So far, those two had managed to be together for a whole, solid month, and Kashan was sure Roger Turner was ecstatic about it. A whole month with Sadi Andrews. It was common knowledge that Sadi had to really, really like a boy to stay with him that long. If anyone could give her some advice on how to tackle someone like Tanzeel, Sadi could.

And if her advice didn’t work, Kashan knew nothing else would, either.

“Don’t be stupid, Kash,” Lily was now saying. Kashan barely heard her. “Sadi and you’ve always been on excellent terms; you know she would love to help you out. And she can keep a secret for several lifetimes, if she gives one her word of honour to. Tanzeel wouldn’t suspect a thing. Besides –”

“– Well, I guess I’ll go talk to her,” Kashan said, cutting across Lily’s seemingly endless lecture.

Lily looked momentarily stunned at this new turn of events. “You will?” she asked, blinking.

Kashan nodded.

Lily beamed. “Excellent.”