The Study Group

It was an otherwise normal day in the neighborhood. The men rose early, getting ready, getting a chaste kiss on the cheeks, and driving to work. The wives got what children there were ready for school, picked up by the new yellow buses. Then the wives -- Hannah, Amber, Allie and Cindy -- and the affianced, Bianca, picked up their Qurans, walking to Elizabeth Barre's home.

The knelt in a circle, all discussing the latest reading from their new holy book. All raised in a different faith, it felt horribly taboo and exciting.

"I have a special guest," Elizabeth announced as they finished their discussion. "This is Faheem. He works at one of Yusuuf's stores, and is from Sudan." The African Muslim, scarcely over 20, was leanly built, but what was there was muscle. He kept his head clean shaven. What was most notable about him was how black he was. His white teeth were almost a perfect contrast to his dark skin. The wives couldn't keep their eyes off of him, and his shy demeanor was a perfect introduction to them.

Afterwards, Allie nudged Cindy.

"If I were you, I'd be all over him. Wow, what a catch!"