‘Like what?’
‘Like you’re glowing. You look ridiculously happy. What’s going on?’
‘I have something to tell you.’
Neel tilted his head, curious, almost like he was bracing for something big. She realised then he probably thought she was going to say something else. Something about them. But she wasn’t there yet.
Still, he was the first person she wanted to tell.
‘I have a job. Well, I got a job.’
Neel blinked. ‘Oh.’
His smile was too quick. Too practised. She saw right through it.
‘No, no, it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s not a job-job. Not yet. It hasn’t really panned out. But I think I have one. It’s something. Something I could do. Later. Not now. I don’t know what I’m saying.’
Neel grinned, stepping forward. ‘Okay. Then slow down and say it again. Start from the beginning.’
Kaavi was practically bouncing in her seat as she told Neel about her grandfather’s proposal.
Neel leaned back, arms folded. ‘I told you you were a natural. This could actually work.’
‘Yes. Just not right now. I mean, with everything going on.’ She stopped herself before saying more.
‘Yeah. With everything.’
‘Hey, I wonder if that company or trust that funded the workshops would consider donating again, but I don’t even know who they were. No banner, no promo stuff, nothing. They were so low-key. Almost secretive.’
Neel looked away.
Kaavi narrowed her eyes. ‘What aren’t you telling me?’
‘Nothing. Why?’
‘You’re lying. I can see it.’
‘I’m not.’
‘You are.’
He sighed. ‘Okay. Fine. The trust … it was me. My company. It went through all the right channels, my grandfather, my father, even Natara. It was fully approved.’
Kaavi blinked. ‘You paid for it?’
‘Sure.’
‘And you didn’t tell me?’
‘I didn’t want it to be about that, but I don’t regret it, Kaavi. I saw those girls’ faces. Here’s the thing, if you really want to do this, I’ll sponsor it again. I mean it. You made a difference and I’ll back you all the way.’
Kaavi nodded slowly. ‘I don’t get it. Why did you do it?’
Neel hesitated. ‘When I came to Rally, you didn’t want to give me the time of day. I just wanted to see you. I was staying at the hotel and one of the waitresses mentioned the workshops. I figured maybe I’d catch a glimpse of you, just for a week. I didn’t expect … all of this.’
Kaavi leaned back. ‘Yeah. It’s been a long month.’
He nodded. ‘Yep. A month.’
