‘But you know, Kaavi, you could do that as a job.’
‘What do you mean, Granddad?’
‘I mean the workshops could be your thing. I heard you were a natural with the girls. From what I gathered it wasn’t just about makeup. It was about confidence, about giving them something bigger than makeup. It was empowerment.’
She listened, unsure.
‘We could shape it into something. Maybe offer it to companies for their staff, for women who want to learn the basics but also walk out feeling stronger. You weave in your empowerment stuff like you already do.
‘I don’t know, Granddad. I really don’t.’
‘Kaavi, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re brilliant. You’re not just a pretty face and, honestly, I think it’s time you stopped hiding behind that idea. I’ve heard what people are saying. Those workshops were something special. You have something real to offer.’
Kaavi sat back. ‘You really think I can do it?’
‘I know you can. Come up with a plan. I’ll invest in it.’
‘You serious? You’ll invest in it?’
‘Of course I’ll invest in it,’ her grandfather said. ‘And not just because you’re my granddaughter. I can see the potential. So come up with a plan and I’ll back it. Simple as that.’
He looked at her for a moment, then added, ‘Maybe this is your thing now. Modelling’s a thing of the past, right?’
Kaavi nodded. ‘Yeah, it is. If a charity needs me for somethingor there’s a local shoot, I’ll help. But full-time modelling? That chapter’s closed.’
‘Good. Then do this, babygirl.’ He leaned in slightly. ‘This is your shot. Pick up the momentum and run with it. Come on, girl, you’ve got to think.’
She smiled, shaking her head. ‘You sound like a coach.’
He grinned proudly.
Her grandfather’s house was on the outskirts of town, so this time Kaavi took an Uber straight to The Grand Meyer. She waved at Gavin in the reception area and headed straight for the lift, up to Neel’s suite.
She knocked.
A few seconds later, the door opened and she burst out laughing.
Neel stood there in a crisp dress shirt, a suit jacket… and boxer shorts.
He put a finger to his lips, wide-eyed, then ushered her in.
She tiptoed in and sank into the couch, still giggling, while he rushed back to his laptop at the desk, muttering apologies to whoever was on the other side of the video call.
He finally ended it, stood up from his desk and came over to her.
‘What are you wearing?’ Kaavi said, laughing again.
Neel shook his head. ‘You wouldn’t get it. You’ve never worked in a corporate office. This …’ he gestured at himself, ‘top half of me is all business. Bottom half? Freedom.’
He winked.
She laughed harder. ‘I can’t believe you wore that on a call.’
‘I was trying to get that guy to log off, but he just kept talking. So thank you, you saved me.’
He walked over and stood in front of her, arms folded, a small smile tugging at his mouth.
‘So … what brings you here? And why do you look like that?’
