She’d once believed that Karthik was cold. Robotic. Even rude. But she was starting to think that he never intended to be that way. Seth, on the other hand, had always been warm. Bright. Silly. Fun. He’d understood her and her writing, which she’d never shared with anyone else before. She’d felt supported by him. Safe.
But recently, talking to Seth felt a lot like walking on eggshells. Or a game of the-floor-is-lava. Hopping from topic to topic, trying to stick to the safe areas, hoping not to get burned.
Meghna ran her fingers over her phone, thinking again about calling Seth. Karthik was right. She hadn’t done anything wrong. She didn’t need to apologize, but maybe she could try to smooth things over. Unruffle some feathers. Make things return to the way they had been.
She almost dialed the number, then stopped, setting the phone down and walking away. Maybe she’d try to talk to him another time, but she wouldn’t be doing it today.
—
“My apologies,” Karthik said as he stepped back into his meeting with Jim. “I thought it was an emergency.”
“You seem to be having a lot of those,” Jim said, his tone even, though not entirely unkind.
Karthik held back a wince. “I really am sorry about that. I was unwell that day, but that’s no excuse. I should have explained myself. Or at least tried to before walking out. I’ve never done anything like that before and Ineverwill again.”
Jim nodded, his face open and thoughtful.
“I’m prepared for this position, Jim. I’m a hard worker. I’m dedicated to this company. And my team. And I have so many ideas I’d like to share with you. I know I’m asking for a lot, but you won’t regret giving me another chance.”
Jim blew out a breath. “People get sick. It happens. I just wish you would have told us what was going on. But I take Marianne’s recommendation seriously, and you’ve never given us a reason to doubt you before.” He paused. “I’ll talk to the panel, but I can’t make any promises. If they agree to redo the interview, just know that I won’t be able to do it again.”
“I understand,” Karthik replied solemnly.
The atmosphere in the room relaxed a degree, and Karthik segued into a discussion about last year’s most successful projects. The conversation somehow went well, and when it was over, Karthik felt confident things were back on track. Jim had seemed impressed and had casually mentioned that Karthik should block out some dates to meet with the rest of the panel.
Karthik headed back to his office, passing by Paul’s cubicle on the way. Paul stuck his head out and raised his eyebrows as if to ask how the meeting had gone. Karthik flashed him a thumbs-up, and Paul mimed fist-pumping the air in celebration. The silly action brought a reluctant grin to Karthik’s face.
As he settled back at his desk, Karthik’s phone chimed with an incoming text message.
Paul: Drinks later? To celebrate??
Karthik stared at the screen in confusion. Paul wanted to get drinks? Outside the office? Withhim? Karthik’s first instinct was to politely decline. To say no. But as he debated how to phrase it, another message popped up.
Paul: And I could use your help with something. If you have time to talk
Karthik’s brows knit. Well, that changed things. He wasn’t sure what the intern wanted, but after everything Paul had done for him, the least Karthik could do was hear him out.
Karthik: Sure. We can go after work.
Karthik: Wait…are you even 21?
Paul: …..
Paul: Coffee. I meant we can go get coffee. And I know just the place!
Paul sent some kind of emoji that made confetti burst across Karthik’s phone screen, and Karthik shook his head, not sure what he’d just agreed to.
Later, after the workday was over, Karthik arrived at the address Paul had texted. It was exactly the sort of place he’d imagined. A new, trendy spot manufactured to look as if it were run-down, with exposed brick and Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling.
“Over here,” Paul called from a spot in the corner. Karthik headed toward him, perking up when he saw two lattes already on the table, each with a sprig of lavender floating on top.
“So, this is where the coffee comes from,” Karthik said as he took a seat.
“Yeah. It’s right down the street. Makes it easy.” Paul lifted his mug, clinking it against Karthik’s. “And cheers, man. I’m glad everything went well today.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“And everything else is good now, right? With the job? And, uh,your dad?” Paul swallowed, his expression turning somewhat nervous. “I mean, you don’t have to answer that. Or say anything. It’s just…About what happened before, I shouldn’t have brought up the whole situation with your dad. I wasn’t even really sure he was your dad and I had no idea your interview was supposed to be that day, but still, it wasn’t any of my business and I’m so sorry. Though I guess it sounds like it’s all working out, but I still shouldn’t have—”
