“Good night, Kam.”
She smiled, stretching her legs out and resting her head back on her pillow. “Good night, Rohan. I’ll talk to you soon about the tzhujing efforts.”
He chuckled. “Looking forward to it.”
“Excellent,” she said, but she didn’t disconnect the call. He didn’t, either. They watched each other for a few seconds.
“And Kam,” he finally said, “you were the first and the last. Sleep well.” He finally disconnected.
Kamila smiled to herself as she put her phone on her nightstand and turned off the light.
She read her book for maybe five minutes when she sat up with a start. How exactly did Rohan know Rashida was having a dinner party on Friday? Dad would have mentioned it if he’d known while they were meal planning. There was only one explanation—Rohan was still secretly talking to Jana.
Fuddle butt.
***
Kamila stopped in at the shelter after work on Wednesday to drop off some grant applications for Maricel to sign. She waited in the puppy room for her friend to finish her shift.
The puppies were growing well and were very popular with the shelter staff and volunteers. Potato wasn’t nearly as timid as he used to be, and while he still wasn’t as lively as the other puppies, his affectionate, sweet personality made up for it in spades. He was small but silly, with a plump little round belly. The name Potato was utterly perfect for him. Kamila was kissing his ears when the door to the enclosure opened.
“Maricel!” Kamila said when her friend entered. “Did you see Potato’s new belly?”
“He’s always stealing food from the others.”
“That’s my boy.” Kamila kissed Potato’s nose. “I can’t believe how much he’s grown in just a few weeks.”
“They’re doing well,” Maricel said. She picked up one of the black puppies. “This one is a biter, though. We think she needs to spend more time with people.” Maricel sat on the floor of the enclosure and gently scolded the puppy for biting her fingers.
They talked through the details of the business grants Kamila had found while Maricel gently corrected the biting puppy’s behavior. She was so good with dogs.
“Are you coming to Bollywood night at Rohan’s this week?” Kamila asked after they were finished going through the grants.
“Yes! I’m excited. But I hope it’s not cold on the roof of his building.”
“Nah, there are space heaters up there. You should wear that pink-and-gray sweater we bought together. Dane couldn’t keep his eyes off you when you had that pink dress on.”
Maricel blushed. “You think so?”
“Of course! You do see how much he’s into you, don’t you? He’s always talking to you at my parties.”
“That’s just because he doesn’t know anyone else.”
“He’s into you. Believe me. I know. He even printed that picture of you. I’ve barely done anything to encourage him.” Despite what Rohan seemed to think, Kamila didn’t consider putting two people in the same place at the same time asmeddling. “You’re into him, too, aren’t you? Or…am I overstepping?”
“No, I…He’s nice.” Maricel blushed deeper. “And I don’t think you’re overstepping. I’m happy you introduced us.”
Kamila grinned. Maricel was as smitten as Dane was. To prove she was letting her friends live their own lives, she decided to give Maricel the message from Boba-guy Kevin. “Oh, by the way, I was at Boba Noodle, and that cute waiter said he has an Earl Grey for you to try. He found one that meets his high standards.”
Maricel’s face brightened. “I’ll go after work!”
Kamila grinned. See? Not meddling at all.
Chapter 14
True to his word, Rohan took care of everything, and Kamila had little to prepare for movie night that week. Her normal eighteen-point list was reduced to four items: email the Bollywood party guests, telling them about the amazing new one-time-only venue;ensure Rashida Aunty’s dinner fit with Dad’s new dietary restrictions;get a gift for Rohan;and finally, select a mature and accountant-y rooftop-patio outfit to match the movie. Rohan didn’t even let her come early for the much-discussed tzhujing, claiming tzhujing was unnecessary for a casual movie night with friends, and the space was perfectly presentable.
Picking the outfit was the most challenging part of her pre-party duties. After spending time with Anil, she didn’t think she needed to worry too much about how she dressed around him. But at the same time, she needed him to trust she was mature and responsible enough to manage his organization’s financials. She ended up picking a pair of slightly glossy slim black ankle pants, with a loose sleeveless white blouse, and black patent heels. And a shiny black trench coat. Plus, nude polish on her nails and neutral lip color. She pulled her straightened hair back in a slick ponytail trailing halfway down her back.
