Page 54 of If I Loved You Less
“Ew, Asif. Don’t say bosom buddy.”
“I regretted it once I said it.” He hangs his head for a moment, then is back to his foolishness. “The sentiment still remains. Are you having fun with yourfriend? You have been awfully close all night.”
“Don’t be preposterous,” I say, frowning. “If he is seeking out my company, it is probably to ask news of Shanzay.”
Though even I must admit that Emad has not been very diligent in his duty to ask after Shanzay.
As if sensing my self-doubt, Asif raises his brows. “I do not think so…”
“Where’s Papa?” I ask, looking around. “I’m tired.”
“He already left,” Asif replies.
“He justabandonedme!” I exclaim.
“Don’t worry,” Emad says, joining us just then. “I can drive you home.”
I bite back a groan as Asif bites back a smile.
“No, that’s alright,” I say quickly. “Asif and Naadia can take me, they are going back to the Sheikhs’s, and we live on the same street, after all.”
“No, no, you go with Emad,” Asif replies, giving Emad a wide smile. “I think we’ll stay a little longer, and weren’t you saying you were tired?”
“I am not too tired,” I respond. He is enjoying this entirely too much. I glare at him.
“I’ll take you,” Emad says, looking positively enthused. “Really, it’s not a problem at all.”
“Well, where is Fawad?” I ask, looking around. “He can take me. I really wouldn't want to inconvenience you, Emad.” I bat my eyelashes at him, succeeding in shutting him up.
“Fawad offered to drive Mahmud Uncle back, since he was so panicked due to the snow,” Asif replies. Traitors, all of them! “Really, I don’t think it’ll be an inconvenience, would it, Emad?”
“None at all,” Emad says, stepping closer to me. “I’d love to drive you home.”
So I am left with no choice.
“Okay,” I concede. Emad dashes off to grab our coats before I can change my mind, and I glare at Asif and Naadia, who’s joined us to snicker with her husband like a child.
“You will pay for this, dear Asif. You will pay.” I tsk at him. “I take cash or check or a week-long vacation to the Maldives.”
Unfortunately, Emad comes back, and I must go with him. With a final pout directed at Asif and Naadia, who simply wave cheerfully, I go with Emad to his car. The air is frigid, and the snow is really coming down, thick white clumps swirling around the air. I quickly get into the car, and Emad puts the heat on blast.
We ride mostly in silence, Emad plays some weird music I do not listen to the lyrics of, and I focus on looking out my window, hoping to get home soon. At least Auntie’s house isn’t too far away.
“Should we stop for dessert?” Emad asks, pulling into a McDonald’s parking lot. Ooh, Icouldgo for a cookie. But this is certainly not the time.
“No, that’s alright,” I say. “I’d rather not. I’m very tired.”
But he pulls into the drive-through anyway, ordering me cookies and himself apple pie. I know I should probably ignore him and not eat, but who am I to resist warm cookies? I do not have that much willpower. Of course, I eat them.
As I do, I focus on the snow falling outside, the flurry of white against the dark sky.
Instead of driving away from the eating establishment, Emad puts the car in park, then shifts to face me in his seat. I prickle, alarmed.
“I’m glad to have a moment alone with you,” he says, voice nervous. “I wanted to talk to you about something – about strong feelings I have for someone.”
I turn to look at him, heart beating fast.
I knew Asif was wrong! Ha!
