“I think it’s one of the best photos I’ve taken. Of course, when the subjects are so easy on the eyes…” He grinned at Kamila.
Rohan leaned over and looked at the picture. “It looks overexposed. Kamila is washed out.”
Kamila waved Rohan off. “Shush, you. It’s stunning.” Grinning, she propped up the print next to a framed photo of Shelina, Zayan, Rohan, and her from Shelina’s wedding.
“These samosas are delicious,” Dane said. “You’re a talented cook.”
Rohan laughed at that. Loud. Because of course he did. Kamila pinched his side before he could reveal her root-vegetable inferno shame. But the pinch turned Rohan’s laugh into a yelp and made Kamila wonder how many ab days he did each week. Also, he wasdefinitelyticklish.
“It’s takeout,” Kamila said. “Do people even make samosas from scratch anymore?”
“Rashida Aunty does. I saw some at her house,” Rohan said, rubbing his side where she’d pinched him.
Kamila stood. “That reminds me—I promised to bring the extra pakoras over to her. I’ll be back.” She smiled at Dane and Maricel and went to the kitchen to grab the tray. Rohan came up behind her and took it from her hands.
“I’ll go,” he said. “You stay.”
“No, you’re a guest. Give it back.”
“I’m not a guest—they are,” he said, indicating toward the others in the room. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He took the tray and headed to the front door. Kamila picked up Darcy so she wouldn’t follow Rohan out.
“When are we starting the movie?” Tim asked, coming into the kitchen as Kamila put Darcy down. Darcy, of course, immediately made a beeline to wait by the front door.
“When Rohan gets back, I guess. He’s dropping something off at a neighbor’s. Hey, Tim, do you think I’m turning Maricel into me?” She peeked out the kitchen doorway to look at Maricel, who was now sitting alone on the sofa. Dane was across the room talking to Brit.
Tim tilted his head and looked carefully at Maricel. “Yes, I suppose she does look like a small Kamila today. Get her to cut her bangs like yours next—they’d look good on her. By the way, my glass is empty.”
“I’m working to set her up with Dane.”
Tim chuckled. “I’m glad I met youaftermeeting Jerome, because otherwise I’d end up in your scrapbook of couples.”
“And what’s wrong with that? I’m very good at this. Look how happy Asha and Nicole are.”
Asha joined them then, an empty glass in her hand. “Is there any more of this…What is this anyway, Kamila?”
Kamila laughed, heading out to the dining room where the signature drink ingredients were on the sideboard. Her friends followed her. “Gotcha. Two more Starry Fuzzy Fizzes. Do you want prosecco or soda water in yours?”
“You’re a gift to humanity, Kamila,” Tim said, tapping the bottle of prosecco. “Why is Darcy watching the door forlornly?”
Kamila poured peach nectar from a crystal pitcher into Tim and Asha’s glasses. “She’s waiting for Rohan to get back.”
Asha laughed. “Just like a bichon. A fool in love.”
“It’s because Rohan spoils her with fried food,” Kamila said.
Asha shook her head at Darcy. “The way to a woman’s heart. It worked with Nicole. You told me Rohan didn’t like dogs.”
“Nah, he likes dogs. He’s just not really a dogperson, like, say, you or me. He gets it from his parents—they call Darcy the Gujarati term for overgrown rodent.” She added star anise simple syrup to the glasses.
“Jerome’s mother calls Luke and Leia Wookiees,” Tim said. Luke and Leia were Tim and Jerome’s matching Afghan hounds.
Kamila finished the drinks and garnished them with mint leaves and whole star anise. “I’m going to put the movie snacks out soon, so if you want more biryani, take it now.” She handed her friends their glasses.
“How long will Rohan be gone?” Tim asked.
“He’ll be back soon. He’s only at Rashida’s down the street to drop off pakoras.”
He smirked. “See? Fried foods. Delivering pakoras must be the Indian version of borrowing a cup of sugar.”
