“What are friends for,” Saif said, flashing her a strained smile, and Maryam’s heart plummeted. “Since the roads areclear, I’ll probably leave tomorrow for California, right after the show. It’s time to get back to my real life.”
Maryam stared straight ahead, trying not to flinch at the finality of his words. Part of her wanted to ask him to change his plans, to stay in Snow Falls or maybe fly home with her to Denver. Maybe they could talk, or spend more time together. Except she knew she wouldn’t ask him to do any of those things. Her shoulders slumped. “If I don’t see you after the Hoopla, have a safe flight,” she said, and the words sounded hollow to her ears. This was what she wanted—so then why did her heart feel like it was breaking, all over again?
—
Back at the Snow Falls Inn, her parents and Dadu were relieved to have Saima back, and kept the women company while they ate a late dinner. The wedding party stayed in the foyer long enough to catch the news. Usually on the twenty-ninth of Ramadan, everyone would anxiously wait to hear if the new moon had been sighted. If it was, Eid-ul-Fitr—the celebration after the holy month—would be the next day. If not, they would all fast one more day and celebrate the following day. Her family would receive news about the moon sighting from their community phone tree. In Snow Falls, they heard it on the news—due to the tri-holidays this year, people were more interested in the mechanics of all three faiths. It turned out that the new moon hadn’t been sighted in North America, which meant Eid would be observed on December 26.
After everyone returned to their rooms, Maryam stayed back in the foyer, sipping tea and staring into the fireplace, grateful for the quiet. A part of her was still coming to termswith Saima’s postponed wedding—the wedding that she had spent the last six weeks furiously planning—and she couldn’t help feeling dejected. Anna and Josh entered the inn, and Maryam smiled when she saw they were holding hands as they walked up to her.
“Hey, friend, are you okay?” Anna asked, the glow on her face dimming somewhat when she caught sight of Maryam’s downcast face.
“Sure, I’m fine,” Maryam said, trying to muster some animation in her voice.
“What if I go make some tea,” Josh offered, and Anna nodded before taking a seat beside Maryam.
“I’m sorry,” Maryam said. “I should be asking how your night with Josh went, although I think I know the answer.” She smiled, and Anna leaned her head against Maryam’s shoulder for a second.
“Things are good. We can talk about all that later. Tell me what’s going on.”
Maryam was halfway through explaining the drama of the evening when Josh emerged from the kitchen with two steaming mugs, one of which he handed to Anna, before hesitating. Maryam indicated he should stay, and he sat beside Anna, immediately reaching for her hand.
Maryam finished her story, and the couple were quiet, thinking over the events of the night—so different from what had happened to them.
“Well, that’s great that Saima was found safe and sound. But what’s getting you so down?” Anna asked.
With an embarrassed glance at Josh, Maryam explained:“It’s Saif. And Saima. I mean not both at once, but sort of... concurrently?”
Anna nodded in understanding. Maryam continued, her unhappiness spilling out in a rush. “Saif has put himself out there, again and again. He wants to get to know me. He’s been nothing but sweet and generous. And every time, I panic and run away. What iswrongwith me?” Maryam put her head in her hands.
Anna placed gentle hands on Maryam’s shoulders. “There is nothing wrong with you,” she said so firmly Maryam almost believed her. “You were hurt, badly, by someone you trusted. I guess the question you have to ask yourself is, are you willing to take a chance on Saif? And it’s fine if you’re not, by the way.”
“Is Saif the tall lawyer guy who didn’t likeCaptain Eagleman?” Josh asked. Maryam lowered her hands to stare at him, and he smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I’m not great with names. And I’m not good with this relationship stuff. I mean, I agreed to be in a fake relationship because I’m so bad at it. So... whatever Anna said.”
The women laughed, and Maryam felt better. “I do want to take a chance on him. But he’s basically declared himself three times now, and each time I just... froze.”
“Maybe that’s the problem,” Anna said thoughtfully. “Maybeyouneed to make the declaration, the grand gesture. Soyouknow you’re ready for love again.”
Josh beamed at Anna. “You’re beautiful, smart,andwise. How did I get so lucky?” he asked.
Maryam turned Anna’s words over. “The Holiday Hoopla is tomorrow, and everyone will be leaving soon after. I’m not sure I have time to plan a grand gesture.”
“I’ll help,” Anna said instantly. “Just remember, it has to come from the heart and be personal. It should mean something to both of you.”
“Wow, I think I might be a little jealous,” Josh groused, his eyes crinkling adorably. Maryam hugged Anna, but her second worry—Saima’s canceled wedding—rose like a specter before her, and she frowned. As if reading her thoughts, Anna squeezed Maryam’s hand.
“You’re worried about Saima?” she asked, sympathetic.
“I’m happy that she’s accepted that the wedding is postponed, but I wish I could fix this for her. I know how much this means to Saima, and to my parents, even Dadu. I don’t want to fail.”
“You have not failed,” Josh said firmly. “And I’m sure not a single member of your family feels that way.”
“No, of course not. I know they don’t,” Maryam said. “But I feel like I’m failing myself. Like this is something I want to be able to do for my family, for my sister. This isn’t just a day—it’s a memory she’s going to have for the rest of her life. But no matter how hard I try, I just can’t think of a solution.”
“I might be able to help.” Saif approached the trio cautiously, only acknowledging Anna and Josh. “ ’Tis the season—Ramadan, I mean—for reconciliation. I figured I should probably take my own advice about talking to family. I called my brother, Raihan.” He finally glanced at Maryam, but the expression in his eyes remained aloof.
Still, Maryam couldn’t help the smile that stole across her face. “I’m so glad, Saif. I bet he was happy to hear from you.”
Saif nodded stiffly. “He was mostly surprised, but seemedon firmer ground when I asked him for a favor. My brother just started working for a company that charters planes.”
