Summer Romance Quotes

“walls are painted sky blue with swirls of white stenciled in, giving it a sort of whimsical vibe. The white canopy over her bed also helps with that. Her floor is covered with the softest carpet I’ve ever felt in a blue-gray color that goes nicely with the walls. All the furniture in the room is white, and I don’t know how everything still looks this clean and put together. Maybe she cleaned it in preparation for us? Regardless, I’ve always thought this room didn’t feel like Amira. When I think of Amira, I see bright colors and random items from all her various activities that Ma is always telling me she does. Trophies, her dance uniform—things like that. Instead, Amira’s room looks like something spit out from those renovation shows Ma loves to watch on HGTV.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“It looks just as bougie as I remember. Her walls are painted sky blue with swirls of white stenciled in, giving it a sort of whimsical vibe. The white canopy over her bed also helps with that. Her floor is covered with the softest carpet I’ve ever felt in a blue-gray color that goes nicely with the walls. All the furniture in the room is white, and I don’t know how everything still looks this clean and put together. Maybe she cleaned it in preparation for us? Regardless, I’ve always thought this room didn’t feel like Amira. When I think of Amira, I see bright colors and random items from all her various activities that Ma is always telling me she does. Trophies, her dance uniform—things like that. Instead, Amira’s room looks like something spit out from those renovation shows Ma loves to watch on HGTV.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Kerry and Taylor still don’t know that Amira and I are more than friends now. While I could say it’s because we’ve all been so caught up with our own stuff, Kerry doing the musical and Taylor with Shawn, the few moments I’ve had to say something, I couldn’t. For starters, I’m not even sure what I would say. Calling Amira my girlfriend doesn’t seem right, especially since technically I’m not sure we’ve even been on a real date yet. But saying we’re just hooking up doesn’t feel right either.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“I would’ve liked to sit next to Amira, but my annoying best friends surrounded me while Amira was out of the room grabbing pizzas. There was no way for me to stealthily move to her side.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Absolutely not. Kerry’s my best friend, and she’s as bubbly as any cheerleader.” Kerry perks up at this. “It’s true! I have no off switch.” “Right,” Taylor says, with a roll of her eyes.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Now I can see Amira again, and she looks just as cute as she did when we first arrived. She’s wearing a matching pink pajama set, the top a short-sleeve button-down with a collar and shorts that stop a few inches above her knees. Her curls are braided back into two perfectly neat cornrows again, this time with pink rubber bands around each end.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“my comfiest black T-shirt that has a slight V-neck, so I don’t have a uniboob situation. I am slightly worried about how I’m going to sleep though. I cannot sleep in a bra, but if my bra is gone, my boobs are going to run free, and while I don’t care when that happens around Kerry and Taylor, I don’t want to feel exposed that way in front of everyone here. Especially Amira.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Even Jennie, who’s been looking at Kerry with heart eyes for most of the evening, grimaces.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“I think Taylor might actually be falling asleep beside me, and I’m almost halfway there myself. This pillow is very comfortable. Just as I’m about to give in to my drowsiness, I feel someone hovering above me. I don’t have to open my eyes to know it’s Amira. “Should I be worried about Kerry trying to ambush the uncles?” I start at the sound of her voice and find her big brown eyes staring down at me. It takes everything in me not to reach up and pull her lips down to mine—a ridiculous impulse since I do not know how to kiss someone when their mouth is upside down. Also, that’s not exactly how I’d like to reveal what’s going on to everyone in this room.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Probably,” I say. “But that can be a Future Amira problem.” She smiles at that, and then as if it’s just the two of us alone in her room, she lowers herself down to my other side so her mouth is right by my ear. “I really want to kiss you right now,” she whispers. I’m pretty sure my whole body shivers, and I pray the other girls are still focused on whatever it is they’re talking about. “Ditto,” I say back. “Want to go to the bathroom?” she asks. “I can meet you there.” I glance at her sideways, unsure if she’s serious. “For real?” Amira nods, the corner of her mouth pulled up in a daring smirk. “Unless you don’t want to,” she says. I think the only thing I want more right now is to get into Wharton, and that’s by a very small margin. “Where’s your bathroom again?” I ask, loud enough for everyone to hear. Amira rolls her eyes, and I don’t know if she thinks my acting is absurd or if she’s leaning into the bit. “Where it always is, silly,” she says. “Make a right and it’s at the end of the hall. You can’t miss it.” “Thanks.” I jump up probably faster than I should, based on the way my stomach reacts. Maybe that third slice of pizza and the two Kit Kat bars were a mistake. Thankfully, I’ve recovered enough by the time I reach the bathroom. When Amira arrives soon after, the only feeling in my stomach is butterflies.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Amira still elbows me in the side. “I did tell her,” Amira says. She gives Glory one of her patented teacher’s pet smiles that makes all adults bend to her will.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“I don’t need help with anything.” I exchange a look with Amira.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Are you okay?” I ask. Amira’s already made her way to the register, using her key to open it and slipping out the money bag. “Yeah, I’m good, why?” She doesn’t look up at me when she says this, which only makes me more worried. “Well, for starters, you’re not looking at me,” I say. “And I’m pretty sure you just put the twenties where the ones should be.” Amira’s hands pause, and she looks down into the register before releasing a groan and rearranging the bills. She closes the register and turns to me. “Okay, it is possible that I am also a little nervous about Derek and Eric coming,” she says, arms crossed, eyes locked on the ceiling.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“I look around to make sure Glory is still off somewhere and Danny and Shawn haven’t arrived yet. Once I’m sure the coast is clear, I place my hands on Amira’s elbows, gently pulling her closer to me. “Can you tell me why you’re nervous they’re coming?” I ask. “You’re not planning to audition for them too, are you?” That thankfully makes her laugh. “No, definitely not.” “Okay, so what’s going on?” I ask. “You don’t get nervous.” Amira finally brings her eyes down to me, a look of disbelief on her face. “You think I don’t get nervous?”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“I mean I’m sure you’re constantly worried about the embarrassment you’ll feel when it’s announced that I’m valedictorian,” I say. “But otherwise, no, I didn’t think so.” Amira looks like she maybe wants to flick me or something, but only rolls her eyes. “I get nervous all the time,” she says. She bites her lip for a second, contemplating something before she adds, “And I know you’re joking, but I do get nervous about school, for the record.” I open my mouth, and she puts a hand over it, silencing me. “Not about our rank,” she says, removing her hand from my mouth. “Though blindsiding you and becoming valedictorian does still give me a bit of a thrill when I think about it.” I don’t even dignify that with a response. Amira keeps talking.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“But I mean in general,” she says. “I’m guessing your mom never mentioned that they put me in special ed when I changed elementary schools?” I shake my head. “No, she definitely did not.” “Yeah, well, it’s true.” She shrugs. “I have the tools and everything I need to succeed now, obviously, but it was like the move from kindergarten to first grade was this huge leap and I couldn’t make the jump. Maybe it was also because we moved and everything was different, but school became really hard for me. They were even thinking of holding me back one year, but my mom pushed back and told them it was their job to help me learn better. And so, they did.” I nod as if I understand, but I don’t. I’ve always been the smartest kid in my class, which has had its advantages and disadvantages, of course, but being at the top of my class has always felt like a given. I still study and work my ass off to succeed, but it’s also second nature to me. I know how to get A’s. I thought Amira was the same way. Out of all the marvelous things Ma has to say about Amira, it’s interesting that this somehow never came up. Then again, maybe that was for the best. I’m not sure I would’ve trusted my past self with that information either. That version of me wasn’t always kind to Amira, I can admit. “Anyway,” Amira says, obviously ready to pivot away from this conversation.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“But that’s not your fault,” I say, giving her hands a squeeze.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“But that’s not your fault,” I say, giving her hands a squeeze. I pause and quirk an eyebrow. “Unless there’s something you’d like to tell me.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“This time she does punch my arm, albeit lightly. “Obviously not,” she says. “But still, it’s weird that everything started as soon as I got promoted. What if Glory made a mistake and promoted the wrong person?” I squeeze her hands again, lacing my fingers through hers and tugging her closer until she finally looks at me again. “Respectfully, if the options were you and the other returnees, I think Glory made the right choice,” I say. “You’re perfect for this.” “That’s not—” Amira cuts herself off. Shutting her eyes, she takes a deep breath, and I wait while she tries to gather her thoughts.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“This was right before you started—that’s why they were so desperate to hire someone.” Though I knew Glory only hired me out of desperation, hearing that now stings. But I push those feelings aside and focus on what Amira’s telling me. “I don’t think they planned on firing Pete,” she goes on. “I think it kind of just happened,”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Amira, just because Pete was supposed to be the assistant manager doesn’t mean you don’t deserve this.” I take her by the shoulders and give her a little shake until she meets my eyes. “You’ve been killing it this summer,” I say. “And if I’m saying that, you know it must be true.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“position, all that matters is what you’ve done with it,” I say. “And what you’ve done is revive our social media accounts and make a mostly fascinating history display.” Now she rolls her eyes, but I push on before she can say anything. “My point is, besides Glory, no one knows Horizon or loves it as much as you do,” I say. “And whoever’s been causing havoc, it has nothing to do with you. They’re just an asshole.” Amira’s big eyes go even bigger and she gasps. “Asshole?” she repeats. “Wow.” I nod solemnly. “I know. I like to limit myself to one swear word a week, and I’ve wasted it on someone I don’t even know. Alas, it had to be done.” “Oh my God,” she says, laughing, and then she’s pulling me into a hug. The feel of her pressed against me is a surprise, but I embrace it, hugging her back until she’s ready to let go. “Okay,” she says. Then she says it again as if to really convince herself. “Okay, you’re right.” I grin. “My two favorite words.” Amira smirks and pushes me away, returning to the register. “Go start taking inventory, and text the boys, please?” she says. Boss mode reactivated.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Under the counter, I reach for Amira’s hand and give it a light little squeeze to tell her everything will be okay. Unfortunately, there was no way to know how wrong I was.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“between us. “What’s wrong?” I’m already moving, working to put more hot dogs in buns. “Soda machine is being stupid,” I say. I try to brush it off like it’s a silly thing, but I’m not sure I hide my growing fear that something’s wrong. “What else do you need? For food, I mean.” I can feel her eyes on me as I put one of the hot dogs into a container and pass it to one of the guys.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Amira looks up from the register and glances between us. “What’s wrong?” I’m already moving, working to put more hot dogs in buns. “Soda machine is being stupid,” I say. I try to brush it off like it’s a silly thing, but I’m not sure I hide my growing fear that something’s wrong. “What else do you need? For food, I mean.” I can feel her eyes on me as I put one of the hot dogs into a container and pass it to one of the guys.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“I rush over, directly back into the spray, and grab her hand, holding her steady as she gets up.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Amira holds on to me for balance and reaches out with her other hand to try to grab the tube while Danny does the same below.

I help Amira back down, and we all take stock of the damage.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Although she addresses all of us, her eyes lock with mine, and I can already tell what she’s thinking.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“She looks to me, her eyes finding mine. “What do you think?” Everyone turns to me and I freeze. I don’t do parties. Amira knows I don’t do parties. So, why on earth is she asking me?”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie

“Amira and I have told no one that we’ve gone from friends to more, but I think I’m ready to, and tonight may be the perfect time. We can tell everyone all in one swoop. All I need to do is run the plan by Amira, but I’m sure she’ll be down with it. Our moms will be annoying about the whole thing, but I think it’ll be better to just have everything out in the open. Still, the nerves about tonight have me second-guessing everything, especially what I’m going to wear. It’s taking me way too long to get dressed and Ma notices.”
― Zakiya N. Jamal, If We Were a Movie