Page 52 of A Festive Surprise

‘Hush.’ Farid glanced at the door. ‘She’s not just my neighbour, we’re friends. Very good friends.’

‘She’s your girlfriend.’ Sadira’s mouth fell open.

‘Ay, na’am,’ said Farid and his sisters started giggling and chattering.

Holly poked her head around the door and held her finger to her lips, mouthing, ‘I didn’t realise you were on the phone.’

‘Farid,’ said his father. ‘It’s unwise to have a girlfriend in Britain. Is she a British girl?’

‘Yes, Baba.’ He beckoned Holly over. She shook her head and held up her hands. Her long, windswept hair trailed over the shoulders of her white sweater.

‘It isn’t wise,’ said his father.

‘And what will happen if you come back?’ said his mama.

‘I can’t come back any time soon, Mama. I’m sorry.’ He tipped his head, spotting the disappointment flicker in her eyes. ‘But let me introduce you to Holly. She really is a wonderful woman. You’ll like her.’

‘Aw man,’ said Sadira. ‘He’s got it bad.’

‘Or lost his mind.’ Nadda keeled over laughing.

‘Bet that’s not all he’s lost.’

‘Girls!’ barked Khalif – ha! Father formidable was back.

‘Holly, it’s my family.’ He switched back to English, muting the sound. His father and sisters spoke some English. ‘Come and say hi. They want to meet you.’

‘You told them about me?’

‘Yes.’ He gave a little shrug.

‘Seriously?’

He held out his hand. ‘Come on, I’ll translate.’

With a deep sigh, she sat beside him on the sofa. He unmuted the chat and beamed. ‘Here she is, the wonderful Holly.’

‘Marhaba!’ They waved and smiled.

‘Marhaba.’ Holly briefly lifted her hand.

Farid gawped at her. ‘You speak Arabic?’ If she did, great… Except for the fact he’d been telling her he loved her for the past few days. Surely, she didn’t know that?

‘That’s my limit.’

‘She’s beautiful,’ his mama said. Mama always said kind words, even if she didn’t think the idea was a good one. ‘And her eyes are clever. I can see she is intelligent.’

‘Is she from a good family?’ asked his father.

Farid smiled. ‘Mama thinks you’re beautiful and intelligent.’ His gaze lingered on her for a moment. ‘And she’s right. Baba wonders if you’re from a good family.’

She shuffled in the seat. ‘They’re ok.’

‘Ay, na’am, Baba,’ said Farid to his father. ‘They’re good.’

‘I hope you are happy together,’ said his mama. ‘I’d like one day to meet her for real but I don’t suppose that will happen soon.’

Holly sat upright with her palms on her thighs as the conversation unfolded. Farid translated when appropriate. Tension radiated from Holly’s rigid body. But this time with family was too precious. Maybe it would have been kinder to let her skip this, but bringing these two parts of his life together was important.

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