Kamila handed Anil a plate. “This all looks delicious,” he said, eyes sweeping over the food.
“I can’t take the credit for all of it. The biryani is from this amazing Indian place—they have over fifteen types of biryani, and in the restaurant they serve it with naan crust on the bowl. But I did make the momos and the paneer kebobs.”
“Well, I can’t complain about takeout when it’s this good.” He spooned rice onto his plate. “The Indian restaurants in this city are blowing my mind. I haven’t had food this good since I was in India.”
“Are you planning to be in Toronto long-term?” Kamila asked.
He looked around the room a second, then smiled at Kamila. “That’s the plan.”
“I’m excited to learn more about the project. Launching a nonprofit is a big undertaking…administratively,” she said. “Not that I’m not up for the challenge!”
He smiled roguishly as he rubbed his hand over his chin. “I did a great deal of research on your little firm—your father has a strong financial background and is very respected in the community. I’m confident my project is in good hands with him, once he’s over his concerns.”
Kamila frowned. Little firm? That was a bit condescending. “You’ll be in good hands with me, too. I’ll just put this out there now, but I’m hoping I’ll have the opportunity to work with your organization long-term.” He looked skeptical, so she added, “I’m a CPA, too.”
“Oh, are you? I wasn’t aware.” He chuckled. “I’m surprised someone with as high a reputation for fabulousness as the great Kamila Hussain is something as mundane as an accountant.”
“Fabulousness! Well…” She giggled. He was forgiven for the condescension. “Flattery will get you everywhere. But don’t you worry—I am well versed in nonprofit financials and fully capable of drawing up the articles of incorporation. And I’m open to helping with fundraising, too. I’ve been working with a local animal shelter for years, and this year I’m chairing their biggest benefit event.”
“Clearly you have many talents.” He tilted his head down ever so slightly and looked at her with a panty-dropping smile. She actually hated the termpanty-dropping, but honestly, there was no other way to describe the look on Anil’s face.
Then he laughed, the flirty look instantly replaced with pure mischief.
He was a total flirt. Unexpected. And actually? Completely delightful. “I have a feeling you and I are going to get along very well,” Kamila said. “Let me introduce you to some friends.”
He looked around. “I think I already know some. Rohan, of course.”
“How well do you two know each other?” She’d never heard Rohan mention Anil until recently.
“We did our undergraduate degrees together. My wife—well, soon-to-be ex-wife—was in his program. She was closer to him than I was.”
Ah. That explains why Rohan asked about her.
“And,” Anil said, “looking around, I see someone else I know. Jana Suleiman. I’ve known her professionally for years.”
Jana was here? That was probably who was at the door when Rohan answered it. Who invited her?
“Yes, she mentioned she saw you in Washington recently,” Kamila said.
“Yes, and in Tajikistan, too.”
Kamila raised a brow. That, she didn’t know. Why wouldn’t Jana have mentioned it? “Really?”
“I wasn’t there long, just visiting an old friend.” He glanced toward Jana. “My friend was going through a rough time—his marriage was ending. I swung by on my way back from England. Since I had recent experience with that particular hardship.”
“Tajikistan isn’t on the way from England.”
He laughed. “Details, details. Anyway, my friend was Jana’s boss, so I saw her a few times.”
“Interesting.” Kamila wondered if Anil knew the reason why Jana had left her post early.
“Tell me.” He leaned closer to Kamila. “How well do you know Jana? Are you close?”
Kamila forced an elegant chuckle instead of a snort. “No. I mean, I’ve known her all my life. She’s an old family friend. But…” She glanced over to Jana, who was talking to Tim and Jerome and looking as detached and distant as always. “We’ve never been close.”
“She has never struck me as the type of person to have a lot of close friends,” Anil said. “She’s a hard nut to crack.”
Kamila laughed, relieved Anil was on her wavelength. “Yes, that’s it exactly. She’s so reserved!”
