She didn’t understand why this woman called Rohan Mr. Nasser. And as if he weren’t capable of telling a caterer where to put veggie platters. “I did let him know I had a work crisis.”
“I was under the impression you were at a pet festival? What was the crisis…a flea outbreak?” She laughed at her own joke, then eyed the lower half of Kamila’s dress. “Your skirt has dogs on it.”
“So?” Kamila asked.
Marlene shook her head. “We’re voting on whether or not to put your little firm on retainer for our financial needs at next week’s board meeting. Personally, I believe it would be better for Aim High to work with a more reputable accounting agency. And now that I see that you’re not truly dedicated to the cause of helping immigrants and refugees start their own businesses, I am sure it won’t be hard to convince the rest of the board to look elsewhere for our financial administration needs.”
Kamila thought about defending herself. After all, helping an immigrant start a new business was literally the reason Kamila was late tonight. But unlike Marlene, Kamila wasn’t looking to earn a medal for doing it. This was just a party, and contrary to what Marlene believed, telling a caterer where to put food did not put them on par with Mother Teresa.
Kamila decided to be straight with Marlene instead of getting defensive.
“I know you don’t like me, Marlene. And do you know what? I don’t really care. I know I’m good at what I do. I don’t need a judgmental wannabe socialite philanthropist with cat hair all over her pantsuit to validate my self-worth. Vote to retain Emerald, or don’t vote for my firm. It won’t make a difference to me, so there is no use holding it over my head. C’mon, Jana. Let’s find someone more interesting to talk to.”
Jana laughed as soon as they were out of earshot of Marlene. “You have to teach me to do that, Kamila.”
Chin held high, she looped her arm through Jana’s. “Stick with me, Suleiman. We’ll tell off all our haters together.”
Later, at a rare moment when Jana wasn’t at her side, Anil found Kamila. There were too many people around for Kamila to throw her soda in his face, so she had to be nice, for the sake of Aim High.
“Kamila. You look beautiful as always.”
She snorted. She’d worked so hard to impress him with sophisticated clothes, and he was just as complimentary with her in a dog-print dress with a frilly crinoline. “Anil. Looks like the evening’s a success.”
“Yes, thanks to you. I, um, I see you’re here with Jana.”
“I am. She looks great tonight, doesn’t she?”
“She’s always stunning,” he said. “But…she’d probably not like me saying that.”
Kamila tilted her head. “Really? I remember a time when you said she left her glow behind in Central Asia. Now she’sstunning?”
He cringed, rubbing his hand on his bald head. Kamila realized it wasn’t actually very sexy after all. “Yes, well…”
Kamila shook her head. “You know, you’re a terrible person. I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. Why did you say those things about her? At Rohan’s party?”
He nodded. “I know, I know. I was a complete ass. It doesn’t do much to redeem me, but I didn’t know she was pregnant back then.” He sighed. “But I was still terrible. I fell for her so hard. I came to Toronto to try to win her back. But I couldn’t let anyone know about our past involvement. And…I was trying to make her jealous. It was a bad strategy.”
“It was a revolting strategy. You used me.”
He nodded sadly. At least he looked contrite. “I know. I’m so sorry. Forgive me, Kamila? I’d like it if we could stay friends.”
“You needherforgiveness, not mine.”
“I’m trying.” He looked over and watched Jana across the room. Here was her proof Anil hadneverbeen into Kamila—she’d never seen him look at Kamila like she hung the moon. How had no one noticed this? He suddenly chuckled. “She’s so beautiful. She has me completely under a spell. I…Would you believe me if I said I’m so stupidly in love I can’t seem to act in a rational manner?”
Kamila shook her head. “I admire your earnestness, but you don’t treat people you love very well. This is concerning, considering you’re about to be a father.”
He looked at Kamila. “You’re a wise woman, Kamila. But don’t worry—I have accepted I screwed up too badly to even hope to get her back. Iamdetermined to be a good father, though. I’m working on my flaws. I’m even starting therapy soon. Jana and I are in agreement that she gets to call the shots for a while…maybe forever. Which is fine with me as long as I get to be a father. Iwillbe there for my daughter.”
“Well, from the bottom of my heart, I honestly wish you all the best. For Jana and the baby’s sake.”
“I guess that’s the most I can ask. I hope you’ll be in the baby’s life?”
Kamila snorted. “Of course I’m going to be in that baby’s life! Jana doesn’t have siblings, so someone has to be the baby’s fabulous aunty.”
Jana joined them then and gave Anil an irritated look. “I hate the fact that I’m impressed with what you’ve done here,” she said, indicating the big banners that outlined the mandate and goals for the incubator. “You executed our plan better than I could have.”
“I had a great team,” Anil said.
