“Is it because they know we’ll do exactly what they say? Maybe they shouldn’t have acquired those other companies, including the ones in New York. Now there are these mini-chiefs running around that we have to manage.”
No, not we. This wasn’t his responsibility, right? Planscouldchange.
“Sol, you know our parents are better than that. It’s because of thename. We can’t let our legacy be held by anyone else but our family.”
He sighed. “What do you want me to do?”
Simon picked up a plate and set it before Solomon and then another in front of himself. “I want you to follow through with what you said you would do. Once that test is done, I want you to keep your promises to us, to me. Girlfriend or not.” He raised an eyebrow and reached for the chicken. “Come to New York, so I can be free.”
20
IT’S SATURDAY,Dr. Solomon.” Kenya held the phone between her shoulder and ear. Warmth spread through her core as he chuckled.
“Is there something wrong with calling you on a Saturday?”
She shifted from her closet to her accent chair, thankful for her progress but still not trusting herself to multitask her movements. Thankfully, this man had a subtle way of helping her regain her balance.
“It is a rest day. So that means no work, even the work involved in maintaining a fake relationship. And don’t you have something to study for?”
“I did this morning. But are you up for a spontaneous invitation?”
“I’m all ears.”
“Can you meet me downtown? Or better yet, how about I pick you up?”
“Oh, wow, moving fast. If only your mother could see us now.”
“I’m scared.”
“Don’t be, Doctor. And yes, you can pick this bored-out-of-her-mind woman up. I was over here color coding my closet, for goodness’ sake. Who does that?”
He remained silent.
“Oh, you do!” She giggled, trying to stifle it with her hand. “Of course you do.”
He growled playfully. “Be ready in fifteen.”
Thirty minutes later, Kenya let Solomon help her out of his car. The charge as he held her hand quickly dissipated when she saw the building they were about to enter.
“Why are we here again?”
Getting dragged to the library with Solomon was not at the top of her fun list, or even her fake-dating fun list.
“Why do you look like the thought of the library creeps you out?”
She tried to play nonchalant. “It’s not my favorite place in the world.”
“Too boring for you?”
“You could say that.”
“Don’t be so nervous. I haven’t led you into a den of criminals, Rapunzel.”
Kenya jerked her neck so hard, she almost needed a chiropractor. “Was that aTangledreference I just heard?”
Solomon didn’t look at her. “Maybe.”
“Dr. Anruchi, you are full of surprises. I would have never guessed you would watch Disney princess movies, much less know the references.”
