Chapter Thirty-six

AMALA

Finrel gives a rare expression of his bewilderment. "What? There's n-no way that I–"

"Whatever excuses you say, your voice and your expression give away," I continue as I gulp juice. "By the way, is this natural pulp orange? We don't have that there at the border."

He shakes his head. "H-how did you know?" His mind is still focused on the part when I caught him in the act.

"I was a thespian before I started hustling for money. Observing people is fundamental for the Stanislavski method."

"Stanis–what?" He continues shaking his head. "Never mind. I don't need to know."

He stands up as he starts pacing back and forth.

"So, is it because I was too obvious? What should I do?"

"Calm down, Finrel." I pat his shoulder. "You are consistent in keeping that poker face of yours, Finrel. You don't have to worry about being caught. I mean…why are you worried especially now that Marie is single?"

He sighs, returns to his seat as he plops back there. His back bends awkwardly as his large ha