Page 55 of You'll Love it Here

“I remember watching this show eight years ago and I saw a guy win a trip to West Edmonton Mall.” Sami’s eyes bug out. “Imagine that’s what you get after making it so far and winning the Showcase.”

I shake my head. “Someone from Tourism Alberta must’ve blown one of the producers to get that feature.”

Sami’s laugh warms the room. He smiles at me while the family of the winner of the current episode comes out to enjoy the prizes a little too much. One jerk even wiggles his hips like he’s about to hump a Jet-Ski.

Then there’s a sudden knock on the door. Through the wood, Abu calls, “Sami! Mona! Come, this dog is scared of me, I think. He is not trained.”

Sami’s face drops into his hands. “I knew they’d show up eventually.”

I ease myself up, but Sami shakes his head. “I’ll go; you relax.”A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Nobody should have to deal with Abu when they’re already down.”

He makes his way across my apartment, steps creaking on the ancient wood floor. I hear the sound of the lock unlatching. “Baba, how did you get into the building?”

“Long story short, come take the dog.” Abu’s voice is bubbly. “I think he’s a weird guy. He just stared at me when I threw him a ball. But don’t worry, he did his business like a professional.”

“Okay, we’re happy to take him, but you can’t stay,” Sami retorts. “I’m contagious.”

The sound of Ernest’s toenails clack across the floor, followed by Ernest’s little body shuffling by until he is pawing at me to pick him up. I take him into my arms as he presses his wet nose into my hands.

“This letter came for you, Sami!” Abu continues.

“Yeah, you could’ve held my mail until I got home.”

“Well, I don’t know what’s what. And remember, this fruit is mostly for Mona!”

“Thank you, Abu!” I call and lean around the arm of the couch enough see him at the door, handing a giant container to Sami with an envelope on top.

“Anything for you, darling,” Abu calls, a giant smile filling his face. “This will bring you to good health.”

“Dad, seriously, I don’t want you to catch it,” Sami urges. “Please go take it easy. It might rain soon.”

“Mona, this guy thinks I’m a newborn chicken,” Abu calls. “Cheep. Cheep! Are you happy now?”

I don’t think Sami could possibly look more exasperated, and I’m mostly seeing his face from behind. “You’re not making sense, Baba!”

“Eh! Get on with you,” he singsongs. I can’t help but smile as Sami shakes his head and clicks the door shut.

Just then, another knock sounds. “Baba, what is it now?”

“You want me and Mom to come back with chai soon?”

“No thanks! We’re good.”

“You su—”

“Positive,” Sami’s voice rasps. “Thanks, but we’re good. Please go chill.”

“Okay! Now I go make sure the restaurant doesn’t erupt with small fire. Busy day for me with my son having the man cold. Bye, Mona joon!”

“Thanks, Abu!” I call through my hoarse throat.

As his footsteps fade down the hall, Sami looks at me. “Would you believe that was less intrusive than I expected? And hey, we now have sliced melon and berries.”

I grin. “It’s sweet he’s so caring.”

“A little too caring at times.” Sami’s gaze flits down as he sets the container on the coffee table between our various bottles and mugs.

“I mean, I’m thinking I’ll move out soon.” Sami rolls his shoulders and stretches his arms behind his head. “I mentioned to Irene to hit me up the next vacancy she has.”