“You’re not canceling Bollywood night. Not an option. We’ll watch a tearjerker. It will take your mind off everything.”

“I’m not having Tim and Jerome and Maricel and everyone over to see me cry because I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot. You’re in love.”

“Same thing.”

“Fine, tell everyone you’re not feeling it. But Nicole and I are still coming over. We’ll bring the food. I’m not leaving you alone. We’re renaming it ‘Bollywood Heartbreak Recovery by Eating Ice Cream’ for one night only.”

“What about Rohan? Is he invited?” Kamila didn’t want to see him. Probably.

“Kamila, I know you usually do casual over serious relationships, but when a girl invites her friends over to help her get over a failed romance, it’s normally not customary to invite the object of her affections, too. No matter how bad she has it.”

“I know, I know. I’m just…He’ll be upset.” Despite everything, she just wasn’t used to upsetting Rohan.

“Who cares how he feels! He was fine threatening your friendship by lying. If you don’t want him to know that your feelings have…evolved, that’s fine. But now isn’t the time to be more concerned about his feelings than yours.”

Asha was right. Kamila sent out a group email, telling her friends that because she had such a busy weekend, she was canceling movie night this week.

And exactly as expected, Rohan texted her minutes after she sent the email.

Rohan: Can I still come over? I was hoping we could talk.

She wanted to say yes. She wanted to gloss over their problems, to not hold a grudge, and make sure he was okay. Because that’s what she’d always done—made sure others were comfortable.

She knew she did that. She knew she was doing it with Dad right now. Asha was right—she was a people pleaser down to her core. All she wanted was for everyone to be happy to have her in their lives.

Kamila: I’m not actually canceling Bollywood night. I’m significantly reducing the guest list. Only my closest friends tonight.

He didn’t write back right away. Finally, the text came.

Rohan: And I’m not included.

Kamila took a deep breath before writing back.

Kamila: No.

Rohan: Kam, I’m sorry. You have to understand I’m only doing what your father wanted.

Kamila: I get why you did it. But I’m allowed to be upset that neither of you consulted me.

Rohan: Can I call you at least?

Kamila: No. I depended on you to help me with Dad, and I am grateful. But he’s doing well. I don’t need you anymore, Rohan.

Kamila squeezed her eyes shut as she sent those words. They were true. She wanted him…or at least she wanted who she thought he was. But she didn’t need him.