“It’s too much to put on Kamila’s plate,” Rohan said. “She has other clients, too.”
“Well,” Marlene said. She looked at Kamila, then quickly turned to Anil. “What about that friend of yours, the fundraising expert you knew from Pakistan? Maybe she’ll work with Mr. Nasser on this event.”
“Tajikistan, actually,” Anil said.
Damn it. No, not Jana.
“I’ll do it,” Kamila said.
Rohan shook his head. “You don’t have to, Kam.”
“I want to. It will be fun.” She smiled at Anil. “I can plan a party with my eyes closed. Plus, I have Rohan to help.” She elbowed him gently. “We’re a great pair. We’re planning to retire together to run a street-side momo cart, you know.”
After the meeting, Anil showed Rohan and Kamila the event space where the cocktail party would be. It was completely devoid of personality, but Kamila could work with it.
“I’m so pleased you’re joining us,” Anil said to Kamila at a moment when Rohan had stepped away to take a work call. “Why don’t I take you to lunch or dinner sometime soon? A nonworking meal. I think I owe you an apology for putting you on the spot there.”
“Oh!” Kamila said. “Apology completely unnecessary, but thank you. Lunch would be great.”
“Excellent. I’ll call you to set something up. And I’ll email you those figures you needed for the incorporation papers. Feel free to contact me with any questions about any of this. Our next fundraising meeting is in two weeks. See you then!”
Chapter 12
I’m sorry, Kam. I feel like you were ambushed there,” Rohan said as they made their way into the cool evening. “I can talk to Anil if planning this party is too much for you.”
Kamila sighed as she wrapped her scarf around her neck. “It’s fine. I’ll make it work. Ugh—I might stop movie nights until these parties are done. Everyone will be annoyed. Although…” She grinned. “I’m happy I get to work with you. Should we set up a date to discuss our party?”
A smile spread across his face. “We’re together now. Why don’t we discuss over an early dinner? Or do you need to go home to your dad?”
Kamila preferred to be at home for dinner when Dad was home so she could keep an eye on his mood and make sure he ate well. But one night couldn’t hurt. “Let me call him.”
Dad of course insisted she have dinner with Rohan, saying he would happily eat salad and biryani and would take Darcy for a walk. He sounded upbeat on the phone, so Kamila figured he’d be okay.
“Looks like we’re on a date. Dad’s fine.” She looped her arm through Rohan’s. “Where are you taking me?”
“Where would you like to go?”
She thought about it. The night was cool and she could use some comfort food. She grinned widely as an idea came to her. “I know a perfect place. To make up for putting me in front of those lions, you’re going to take me to the girliest, most extravagant-looking tea-and-noodle shop you’ve ever seen. It’s aggressively pink, with lots of plants and floral wallpaper, and the hostess dresses like a French maid, so you might feel uncomfortable in your pants.” She hugged his arm tighter. “You’ll make fun of me for loving this place until you try their tea and their mind-blowing beef noodle soup. At which point you’ll thank me profusely and promise me your undying love forever.” She guided him to the sidewalk and started walking toward the subway station.
“Oh, is that what’s going to happen?” He laughed.
“Yes. Exactly like that. We’ll both end the day better than it started.”
He grinned. “Sold. Let’s go.”
And like she knew would happen, Rohan absolutely loved Boba Noodle.
“Honestly, I can’t get over how good this is,” he said, taking another sip through the wide boba straw. “This has to be high-end Assam tea.”
“Best boba tea you’ve had, right?”
“First boba tea I’ve had. I always assumed it would be too sweet for me. I didn’t know you could get it with half the sugar.”
“See? You need to accept that I know what’s best for you in all areas of your life.” She untied the now frankly annoying oversized bow on her blouse so she wouldn’t get soup on it. “I love the wallpaper in here. Hey, I just realized these peonies look like my tattoo.”
“Ah, so your tattoo is flowers. You going to tell me where it is yet?”
Kamila shook her head impishly. “What, and deprive you of the mystery that’s been giving you life?” She had no idea why she didn’t want to tell him where it was—the side of her rib cage was no big deal. He’d for sure see it next summer if Nicole had another pool party. “You have to try my tea.” She held up the mango-matcha smoothie with brown sugar boba.
