“Perfect.” She’d have liked to have gone to J.Crew first to get new “professional” clothes before meeting the man, but she was pretty sure she still had that pencil skirt from a few years ago when she was a sexy dead flight attendant for Halloween. Wait…the Dogapalooza meeting. “Oh, I just remembered—I have a meeting at the shelter at noon. Tim’s taking us to see a new venue for the puppy prom. Apparently, it’s a former church.”

Rohan, who was scooping shakshuka and egg with his bread, shook his head disparagingly. “If you’re going to take this client and volunteer for the incubator, it will be a major time commitment.”

“Yeah, so everyone said. You clearly think a formal ball for dogs isn’t a good use of my time. I hear you. You think I’m ridiculous.”

“I don’t think you’re ridiculous, Kam. I just want to make sure you know what you’re signing up for. It’s serious.”

Kamila pushed her hair behind her ears. She would have ceremoniously taken her earrings off if she were wearing any. “When have I ever half done anything? Have you seen my parties? My work at the shelter is important. My work at Emerald is important. I’m fully committed to both. I can handle this client, and I wouldn’t have offered to volunteer if I didn’t think I could do it. I know what serious means.”

“I never said you couldn’t be serious. All I meant was—”

“Enough, kids,” Dad said, his voice shaky. “Kamila is so generous. Both of you. Such big hearts. All this because of me…I’m nothing but trouble for all of you.”

Great. Now Dad was upset. She shook her head. “Dad, it’s okay. Rohan’s just teasing me. We don’t mean it. That’s just how our friendship is. Give me Anil’s number, and I’ll call him myself to set up a time to meet.” She’d hopefully covered up her annoyance—okay, probably more like anger—at Rohan there. She didn’t want Dad worrying even more. But yeah, her blood was boiling. Kamila pushed her chair out. “And actually, I remembered I need to check some things with Asha at the shelter before the meeting. I should get dressed.” She needed her best friend. Asha would be on her side.

As Kamila climbed the stairs, she wondered what she had gotten herself into. She talked a good game, but could she actually be the respectable, corporate-type accountant that Dad’s clients expected? She had to try. Because nothing was more important than Dad—and if this was the way to get him to reduce his hours, she’d happily buy a blazer and sensible shoes.

She could do this. She had no choice.

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

She called Asha as soon as she was in her room.