Page 64 of Poinsettia Lane

Everly holds him for a moment, her thoughts spinning through scenarios, lists, problem solving and brainstorming solutions at a rapid rate. Her business brain has kicked in, and she’s ready to buckle down and get to work—for him this time.

“Where have you been staying?” she asks, pulling back from him and taking a hard look at his unkempt appearance again. It’s so unlike him.

“I’ve got a room at a neighbor’s down the road. It’s fine, it’s close by," he says, but Everly can see how mentally and physically drained he is, and she knows it’s not a long term solution, or even a viable short-term one.

“You’ll come stay at the hotel. Free of charge for as long as you need. Moose will come too.” She nods in emphasis and scrabbles her hand around by her feet for her keys. Finding them beneath the seat, Everly snags the door handle and swings out of the car, slamming it closed behind her and striding back in the direction of his tent. She hears Asim scramble out behind her.

“No, I can’t do that. That’s too much, Everly," he says, jogging to catch up with her.

“You can, it’s not too much, I promise.” Everly side eyes him, noticing the pained look on his face and the tension that is back in his shoulders.

She stops and faces him, reaching up to place her hands on his shoulders and doing her best to look down her nose at him, even though he’s significantly taller than her.

“Asim, please let me help. You’ve done so much for me.” He’s already shaking his head, so she pulls out the big guns. She’s not below throwing herself under the bus for this.

“I told you I’ve been working on being authentic.”

He freezes and tilts his head slightly, eyeing her with suspicion.

“I shared that with you. I told you I’ve been taking more risks, putting myself out there and advocating for what I want and need. I want this, Asim. I want to help, and I need to be there for you. I can’t undo what happened, but I can give you a comfortable place to rest with Moose while you rebuild.”

She pauses, assessing the situation. Asim hasn’t protested again yet, but she can see the skepticism in the lines of his face, his reluctance to accept this gift.

“Don’t you dare turn me down when I’m putting myself out there like this, Asim.” Her voice is low and quiet, and she doesn’t have to fake the tremble of nerves. “If not for yourself or for me, do it for Moose. Please.”

Her last word comes out as a whisper. The moment he caves, her heart lifts. It feels like she can breathe again.

His shoulders slump under her hands, and before she can pull her arms back, his slide around her waist and he pulls her into him, holding her tight to his chest. Asim lifts her off her feet, burying his face in her neck and breathing her in. She lays her cheek on his shoulder and relishes the feeling of safety resonating between them.

Asim doesn’t set her back down. Instead, he takes the last couple steps to the camp chair set up under the canopy tent and lowers himself into it, taking her with him and settling her sideways on his lap. His arms don’t loosen, and she has to wiggle around until he allows her enough slack to breathe properly. They soak up this moment together, breathing each other’s presence and convincing themselves they are not alone.

It takes a few minutes, but they sort out the details—when he can get to the hotel, what supplies he has and what he might need, the logistics of caring for Moose while trying to handle the insurance and other pieces of this convoluted puzzle. Everly starts a list in her head of items she can bring from her place to the hotel for him, as well as other little things she can do to make his life easier the next few weeks.

Then they simply sit in silence together, and Everly has never been more grateful for the comfort of it. It’s not weird, or deafening, or threatening, or confusing. It’s just them; his chest rising and falling against her shoulder, his lips grazing her temple or her hair every few moments while his hands smooth and squeeze along her waist, hip, and thigh, reassuring himself she’s still there with him.

Everly stands before she gets too comfy or nods off, and gives Moose some gentle pets.

Just as she’s about to leave, a Prius pulls into the lot and parks right next to the canopy. Asim puts his arm around her, and she takes the hint to stay, then he murmurs in her ear.

“It’s my sister, Farah, the one you met over the phone.”

Everly nods and Farah steps out of the car, notseeming surprised at the wreckage around her. She must have seen it already. Asim gives Everly a quick squeeze before he lets go and walks over to his sister.

“How much did they send this time?” he asks and Farah snorts.

“I convinced them to send only two meals this time, but of course Mama made the meals fit for a family of five so I’m not sure where you’re going to keep all of it," Farah replies, then softer, “They wanted to be here, too.”

“I know, thank you for convincing them to stay home. I know they want to help but…” Asim trails off and Farah nods.

“But there’s not much they can do, and it would just make everyone feel worse," she says and Asim’s mouth pinches into a grim line. They share a look before Farah drops a large, wrapped dish into Asim’s arms and turns her way.

“Everly! We finally get to meet in person.” Farah walks toward her with her arms outstretched and Everly hopes against all hope that her eyes and face aren’t too puffy from crying. Farah grasps her shoulders and leans in, kissing both of her cheeks before pulling her into a tight hug. Everly returns it with a smile.

“I think I can help with the food issue," Everly says.

“Oh yeah?” Farah glances back at Asim before refocusing on Everly.

“I offered Asim a room at the Sioria. It’s, well, I’m not sure if you know,” Everly stammers, “that is, I own it, so um, well. Asim agreed to stay there, and he’ll have a full kitchen with plenty of room.”

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