“She was popular enough in Central Asia,” Anil said. “Although, I’d say she left her glow behind when she came here. She looks…tired.”
“No, that I willnotaccept. Jana may not be the warmest person, but her skin is luminous.” Even scowling, Jana was incandescent.
“All the same, I should say hello…I mean, it’s only polite, right?” He grinned back at Kamila, flashing those gleaming white teeth. “But then, I want to hear more about your work at the animal shelter. And I want to hear what’s in this chutney.” After another charming grin, Anil went to Jana. Kamila smiled to herself, so pleased at how well this was going.
“What are you smirking about?” Rohan said, joining her.
“I wasn’t smirking. I was smiling. I’m at a party. I’m supposed to have fun.”
He snorted, then popped a momo in his mouth. “These things are really good.”
“They’re not just good. They’re superb.” She took the last momo from Rohan’s plate and ate it. “You and me, old man. We’re going to retire on these momos. No need to have a nest egg—we’ll just make dumplings on our little cart all day.”
He laughed. “Looking forward to it.”
She looked over to watch Anil talking to Jana. He was animated, charming, and personable, while Jana looked annoyed. Actually, quite miserable. Why did she come to a party if she didn’t want to talk to people?
Rohan gestured toward them, frowning. “Don’t tell me you’re doing your matchmaking thing with those two, are you? Because you shouldn’t.”
Good lord, no! Matching anyone with Jana Suleiman? “No, of course not. Anil and Jana? That’s a terrible match.”
Also, why was Rohan so opposed to the prospect of seeing Jana with someone?
“Anyway,” Kamila said. “I got the impression Anil isn’t very fond of Jana. Did you know they saw each other in Central Asia, not just in Washington? I wonder if he knows the reason she left her contract early.”
Rohan’s jaw clenched. “I’mnotgossiping about my friends. You shouldn’t, either. And I’m glad you’re not matchmaking anymore—you should leave your friends be.”
Kamila frowned. “Of course I’m still matchmaking! Just not with those two. Things are going so well between Dane and Maricel. You saw that picture he took. I mean, who even prints pictures anymore? Hey, is Jana leaving?” Jana was at the front door, putting her shoes on. She wasn’t going to say goodbye to the host of the party? Or hello, for that matter? Actually, Kamila hadn’t said anything to Jana, either, so she couldn’t exactly be offended.
“The picture of you,” Rohan said.
“What?”
“Dane printed a picture of you.”
“Of Maricel,” Kamila corrected. She looked over to Dane and Maricel talking on the couch. “Look how cozy they are. Say it, old man. I have a gift.”
He rolled his eyes.
“I know what you’re going to say, that my gift is for getting into trouble, but it’s a gift all the same.”
Someone tapped her on the arm. It was Anil.
“I’m so sorry, but I won’t be able to stay for the movie,” he said. “I have an early meeting with a donor I’ve been trying to nail down for weeks. I’ll need my beauty sleep to impress them.” He winked. The man’s expressive face was just so appealing.
“Totally understand. Thank you so much for coming.” She put out her hand for him to shake.
He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifted it and kissed the back gallantly. She giggled. He was the perfect mix of professional and playful.
“I’ll be in touch soon to talk about the project. Good to see you, Rohan. Enjoy the movie.”
Yay! There was no question in her mind that she nailed that informal job interview.
Asha joined them near the table. “Hottie Mr. Clean is leaving?”
Rohan snorted…loudly.
Kamila glared at him. “I happen to find bald men sexy.”
