‘The owner is a friend,’ Jai replied. ‘He made an exception.’
I tried to picture him in everyday clothes – maybe shorts and a T-shirt, laughing with friends – and failed. It was like imagining a panther curled up like a pet cat. It didn’t fit.
‘Lucky. My friend and I have been trying to go there for months, but they’re always booked out,’ I said, taking my first bite.
Opulent, soulful flavours burst in my mouth and melted. This wasthemost delicious food I’d ever had. Sorry, Maa. ‘For good reason. Please tell your friend that God has blessed his chef’s hands. This isamazing.’
‘He is the chef. And I’ll pass the compliment along.’ His mouth curved in a small smile. ‘Next time you want to go there, let me know, and I’ll get you a table. Consider it my token of appreciation for your brilliant idea. And for finding us a workshop for the peacock beadwork. They’re a great fit.’
‘Now I know why it’s so hard to get a reservation,’ I said, spearing a piece of broccoli with my fork.
A puzzled look formed on his face.
‘All the tables are blocked by your employees cashing in their tokens of appreciation.’
He paused, then, unexpectedly, a full, unrestrained laugh broke out of him. It lit up his whole face – theedges of his eyes crinkled, and his mouth, usually set in a straight line, split into a wide grin. AndGod,that laugh. Rich, deep and warm. It softened the intimidating COO into a regular guy. And that made him even more attractive.
When it died down, his eyes found mine and lingered. The moment slowed down. Lightness still hung in the air, but there was something charged, too. I lowered my eyes, severing the contact. Time snapped back to its usual rhythm, and air whooshed into my lungs.
‘It’s also a peace offering,’ he said softly. ‘What you said in the storeroom—’
‘I’m sorry.’ The words tumbled out. ‘I shouldn’t have said that. I was venting to my friend, and it was unprofessional, and—’
‘Were you wrong?’
I stopped. ‘What?’
‘Was anything you said untrue?’ He leaned back in his chair. ‘Have I been making your life difficult?’
This felt like a trap.
‘I ...’ I took a breath. ‘You’ve been hard to work for. I know I’m still learning, but every time I try, you either dismiss me or move the goalposts. It feels as though you’re antagonising me just because we got off on the wrong foot.’
Silence stretched.
‘You’re right,’ he said finally.
‘I’m ...what?’
‘I’ve been more stressed than usual, and instead of managing it, I’ve been ...’ He exhaled. ‘Acting like a dick. As you so eloquently put it. Maybe even … being difficult because of our … previous encounters.’
Despite everything, I almost smiled.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘You deserve better. And starting Monday, things will be different.’
‘I’d like that,’ I said, biting my lip.
‘You’ll also be running things on your own.’ He met my eyes. ‘Think you can handle it?’
‘I …’ I straightened. ‘Yes. I can.’
‘Good.’ He nodded once. ‘And for the record – I never hated you.’
My eyebrows shot up. ‘Not even when I called you a dick?’
‘No.’ The corner of his mouth twitched. ‘It’s good to know you have a spine. I need an assistant who pushes back when I’m wrong, not someone who says yes to everything.’
‘Well then.’ I smiled. ‘I think I’m perfect for the job.’
