She’d been working for the last week on the Aim High paperwork and had already started drafting the business license and incorporation papers. She didn’t know why anyone doubted she could do this job, because it was pretty straightforward and uncomplicated. And Anil had been available whenever she had a question or needed clarification on something. They’d also started texting regularly—fun little messages and jokes. He’d called her yesterday while she was at the shelter visiting Potato, so she’d sent him a picture of her favorite puppy, and they chatted about dogs and pets and life in general. Overall, they were getting along well and Kamila was happy to have a new friend/client.

“So, what did I miss?” Kamila asked.

Tim, then Jerome, were sitting on the other side of Kamila, and Asha squeezed in next to Nicole on a massive outdoor armchair. On the opposite couch, Dane, Rohan, Maricel, and Jana were sitting in that order. Kamila was disappointed to see that Dane and Maricel did not sit together when they moved to the couch, but at least Jana and Rohan weren’t sitting together either.

“Well, Maricel nearly took out the whole projector system,” Tim said. “Then Jerome and I tried to get the others to play a drinking game, but we caught a lot of resistance. Asha dropped a bombshell that she played spin the bottle with a Bollywood actor when she was fifteen and living in Mumbai, and I realized my friends are all way more interesting than I am. I mean, even this new guy you’ve brought into the fold, Kamila.” He smiled at Anil. “His accomplishments make me seem like a hermit who spends his weekends brushing his dogs, which, to be fair, I am.”

Anil laughed. “I’m not really that accomplished. I’m just a working stiff lucky enough to get assignments in some pretty amazing places.”

“This project of yours is impressive, though,” Jerome said. “It’s a great concept.”

“It is. I think it has real potential to make a difference. I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while, but the timing was never right. I’m glad I have such a great team to work for the incubator.” He squeezed Kamila’s knee fondly.

“I’m so happy to be involved!” Kamila said. “But do you think the word incubator is weird for this? Sounds like you’re hatching babies or something.” She paused. “Oh, I just realized that’s what Aim High will be doing—hatching small businesses. Duh!” She turned and looked at Anil. “I can’t wait to be a proud parent with you. And Rohan! Lucky little babies.”

Jana made a disparaging sound. “If nothing else, the businesses will be covered when it comes to hairstyling and head-shaving expertise, plus all the celebrity gossip they want.”