Page 72 of Yours for the Season
House tour complete, Nadiya joined the party in the kitchen and reached for a plate. Andy lined up behind her. “You’re still here?” she asked him. “Haven’t you caused enough drama already?”
Andy grinned at her. “Just say the word, gorgeous, and we could be sipping cocktails anywhere in the world.”
Nadiya was not impressed. “I’m sure the women you usually pursue are eager for any crumb of your attention. Do us all a favor, and go back to them. Your face is putting me off my food.”
“I can’t say the same,” Andy said. “I like your face. Go out with me?”
Nadiya rolled her eyes and helped herself to shakshuka and the sourdough bread Tom had sliced to mop up the tomato curry before finding a seat at the dining table.
“She didn’t say no,” Andy said to Sameera, grinning. She didn’t smile back. She was mad at Andy, and worried about Tom, and also for herself. She had come to terms with the fact that she would be unemployed in the new year. But she had hit rock bottom before and would climb out again.
“My sister is a practicing Muslim woman,” Sameera said stiffly to Andy now. “She doesn’t date, she doesn’t drink cocktails, and she didn’t answer you because your question is ridiculous.”
Andy turned to Tom. “I will pay you a million dollars if you can convince your girlfriend’s sister to go out with me.”
Tom’s glare was flinty. “I know you’re used to throwing money around to get what you want, Andy, so this might come as a shock, but not everything is for sale.”
Andy seemed taken aback by this comment, and he glanced quickly from Sameera to his friend’s grim face before heading to the table. He sat across from Nadiya, who ignored him. Soon, the kitchen was empty save for Tom and Sameera.
She leaned closer. “If you need a distraction, I can start talking loudly about how bubble tea is basically justfalooda,” she said, referring to the milky, rose-flavored drink made with basil seeds and vermicelliand topped with nuts, popular among the desi diaspora. “I guarantee that will get my mom riled up for a fight.”
Tom flashed her a weary smile. “No need. You already caused a war online with your biryani comment a few days ago. I’m only sorry for the way I reacted this morning. I wasn’t mad at you.”
Why was her sister always right? “It’s okay if you were a little mad at me,” Sameera said. “So long as you keep most of that anger for Andy. What he tried to do was terrible. But you were also right. I was scared to tell you—not because I considered his offer for very long, but because I knew it meant that I was saying goodbye to the dream of saving my job. Other than dealing with Blake, I liked working at the Undertakers.”
Tom’s hand was warm on her arm. “I know, Sam. I’m not just angry at Andy, though believe me, I am. The thought that keeps spinning in a loop through my head iswhyAndy thought my dad would sell Cooke Place. Andy has confidence and bravado for days, but he’s not delusional. Not unless ...” He trailed off, the words causing him physical pain.
“Not unless Rob said something to encourage him,” Sameera finished, realization dawning. This was what Nadiya had alluded to earlier. “You’re worried your dad is trying to manipulate you into moving back home again. But maybe there’s another explanation?” she said hopefully.
Tom shook his head and exhaled. “I can’t think about this now. Let’s enjoy Christmas brunch, at least. It’s better to fight on a full stomach.”
“Yes, Chef,” Sameera said, and impulsively reached up on her toes to place a gentle kiss on Tom’s lips. It felt right, to kiss him. Just like it felt right to allow herself to think about his role in her life when they returned to Atlanta.
He seemed surprised by the gesture, even as his arm went automatically to her waist, pulling her close. They smiled at each other, and the look saidI see you, andI’m here for you, andI’m glad you’re here.
Everyone was tucking into their meal when they joined the party after loading their plates. Tom’s spread had done what good food didbest—put everyone at ease and lightened the mood. She took a bite of her eggs, loaded with feta, veggies, and black olives. They were savory and delicious.
Soon, a spirited discussion about the differences between various holidays broke out, with Naveed arguing that though Christmas was a globally recognized celebration, Ramadan was more meaningful.
“Is it a holiday if you have to keep vampire hours for thirty days?” Esa asked. “Eid is a holiday, but Ramadan is a marathon. Fight me.” He bared his teeth at his parents, who laughed.
“I’m just saying, the payoff is greater. We work for our joy,” Naveed said.
“You’ve clearly never had to brave Target the week before Christmas,” Barb said. “I earned my gingerbread and eggnog just for that!”
Everyone laughed, and Andy added his two cents: “I understand what Naveed Uncle means,” he said. “When you don’t eat or drink during daylight hours for a month, alongside the rest of your community, there’s a communal feeling that’s hard to beat. And then at the end of it, you feast—that’s what ‘Eid’ translates to. Last-minute riots at the local mall notwithstanding, Eid al-Fitr is the superior holiday, but only because it follows Ramadan.” Sameera had to hand it to Andy, his argument was sound.
“Mistletoe, tinsel, holiday lights, carols, holiday baking ...” Rob counted off on his fingers.
“Mehndi, samosas, dates, Biscoff-flavored everything,haleem, community,” Naveed countered. “We have everything Christmas has, plus more.”
“Except the holiday movies,” Esa piped up. He had loaded two plates and was polishing off the second one. “Where’s our version ofHome Alone?”
Beside him, Calvin nodded in agreement. “Holiday movies are the best part. I watchDie Hardevery year.” The boys high-fived.
When everyone except Esa and Cal had pushed back from the table and shared their compliments with the chef, Andy tapped on his juice glass and stood up.
“I know we’re keeping it halal this year, but I wanted to raise a glass to our hosts, Rob and Barb,” he said, waiting for everyone to join him before turning to face the older couple. “I’ve started to consider Cooke Place, and Wolf Run, too, as more than a second home. In fact, if things go according to plan, I hope we can announce a very special collaboration between Shaikh Enterprises and the Cooke family.” He beamed around the table.
