He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifted it and kissed the back gallantly. She giggled. He was the perfect mix of professional and playful.

“I’ll be in touch soon to talk about the project. Good to see you, Rohan. Enjoy the movie.”

Yay! There was no question in her mind that she nailed that informal job interview.

Asha joined them near the table. “Hottie Mr. Clean is leaving?”

Rohan snorted…loudly.

Kamila glared at him. “I happen to find bald men sexy.”

“Can we start the movie?” Asha asked. “Jerome and Nicole’s conversation is heading toward pain management during childbirth and Brit’s turning a bit green.”

Kamila winced. “Say no more, Asha.” She walked to the center of the room. “I’m starting the movie in five minutes. Grab your snacks and find your seats.”

Kamila ran upstairs to change out of her boring dress first—she put on her sunflower sundress to match Rohan’s sunflowers, then headed down to corral everyone to their seats and refill their munchies and cider. She pulled out her ukulele in case anyone wanted a sing-along and poured herself a warm cider. Kamila was left with few options on where to sit and ended up squeezing in next to Dane, who, to Kamila’s delight, had Maricel on the other side of him. Asha, Nicole, Brit, Tim, and Jerome crowded on the bigger couch, and Rohan took the armchair.

Dane leaned close once the movie started. “I saved you that seat. Even with the subtitles, I was confused last week. I need you to translate for me.”

Kamila frowned. “I don’t speak Hindi. Asha does, but I’ll be reading the subtitles, too.”

“Shhh!” Tim hissed, annoyed. “No talking. I want to listen. I’m up to level ten on Duolingo Hindi.”

Kamila laughed, settling in to watch the movie. Tonight had gone spectacularly well. Better than she could have ever imagined. Now it was time to breathe and relax. She pulled out the decorative cushion digging into her back, curled her feet under her, and enjoyed the movie.

*  *  *

The room was dark, and all Kamila could hear was a low rumble—a deep voice speaking gently. A comforting, familiar voice but closer than she was used to hearing it.

“She was up cooking late last night,” the voice said. It was Rohan. Kamila was too tired to open her eyes, but she could tell her head was on his chest. How had that happened? He was warm and comfortable and she was so tired, so she decided to stay there.

“And she had client meetings this morning.” That was Dad, speaking softly. He must have just gotten back from the train station. “Sometimes I think she only stops moving when she sleeps. She’s a remarkable girl, that one.”

Kamila decided to let them think she was asleep a little longer—she wanted to hear what Rohan would say.