He raised an eyebrow. ‘To take me home?’
‘Don’t be ridiculous. I need to talk to you.’
He nodded.
‘Alright. Can we talk somewhere private? Do you have a room here or …?’
‘He actually has a sweet suite,’ Gavin chimed in.
Natara shot him a glare. ‘Thank you very much,’ she said sarcastically.
Then, to Neel, ‘Can we go now?’
Neel nodded and gave Gavin a quick wave before heading to the lift with her.
Once the doors closed, he asked. ‘Nats, what are you really doing here?’
‘I came to talk to you and to apologise, actually. I was a bit harsh on the phone yesterday.’
When they got to his floor, Neel led Natara into his suite. She wheeled in a small suitcase, set it down, and turned to face him.
‘Neel, I’m sorry for what I said yesterday. It was harsh, but I’m worried about you. You can’t go through this again with Kaavi.’
‘I’m not going through anything, Natara. I’m coming home. I just needed to see this through. Trust me, okay?’
‘I take it you’re staying?’ Neel asked, heading to the couch. ‘Get comfortable.’
Natara shook her head. ‘I’m staying, but not here. I’ve got my own room. And no, it’s not a sweet suite. It’s just a room.’
‘When are you going back?’
‘I’m going back with you, Neel. I’m going to be at your side, no matter what happens.’
He sighed and shook his head. ‘Nats, nothing’s going to happen. I’m not falling apart. It is what it is. I’ll leave when I said I would. You don’t have to drag me onto the plane.’
‘Wait,’ she said holding up a hand. ‘I’m not here to force you onto a plane, if that’s what you think. I’m not some heartless sister. I know I can be harsh and far too serious, but I mean this: I’m here for you, not the divorce, not the drama. Just you. Whatever you decide to do, I’m here to see it through.’
‘Fine. I appreciate it. Also, the guy you were shouting at at reception? That’s the owner. Gavin Meyer.’
‘What?’
‘Yep. That’s the owner. I never pegged you as the “I want to speak to the manager” type.’
Natara groaned. ‘I’m sorry, Neel. I didn’t mean to make a scene, but that guy just got under my skin. He was so smug.’
She kicked off her shoes and settled onto the couch.
‘I thought you had your own room?’
‘I do. But let’s hang out for a bit.’
Neel sank into the armchair. ‘Fine. Tell me everything that’s happening back home.’
‘I can’t believe we’ve been sitting here for ages and no one’s served us yet,’ Natara said, glancing around Riya’s Lounge that evening.
She leaned in slightly. ‘Where’s the owner anyway?’
Neel started laughing and nodded towards the bar. ‘Over there.’
