She smiled. “I am. I’m sure. In fact, that’s what June and I are doing today. We’re working on this pitch for an angel investors’ event in Napa on June fourteenth. And I had an interview in Time magazine with Hudson, the guy who owns Break Up.”

“Time?” her dad said, his eyes wide. “Ani, how fabulous! Of course you’re going to win the pitch!” It was obvious that he meant it. Annika smiled.

“So, the pitch event … I’d like to fly out there to support you. If—if you want me to, that is.”

Annika studied her dad’s hopeful eyes, knowing this was another extension of his olive branch. How could she refuse? “I’d love that.”

“Good.” Her dad patted her hand and then frowned. “Wait. Did you say the Time interview was with Hudson Craft? I thought you didn’t like him.”

Ani sighed. “He’s probably the most irritating, aggravating man I know. But it was kind of his article. June was able to leverage her contacts to get me in on it, too.”

“Well, it’s good to keep your enemies close in business, Ani, especially the well-connected ones. You get to know them, and maybe you don’t like them any better, but you understand them and they understand you. It makes things infinitely easier.”

Annika made a noncommittal noise she hoped her dad would take as agreement, so that she wouldn’t have to talk about Hudson anymore. The truth was, even a couple of days post-interview, Annika was still thinking about the things Hudson had said—how she did more good in the world than he did, how Make Up was the more moral company. There hadn’t been an iota of sarcasm in his voice. He’d been honest. Maybe even a little earnest. It confused and unsettled her.

They turned at the sound of the door opening. “Our neighbors wanted to meet you!” June said, walking in with Ziggy close on her heels. And right behind him was Hudson. Annika stiffened, and June gave her a look.

“Right,” Annika said, forcing a smile. “Dad, this is Ziggy and that’s … Hudson Craft.”

Her dad stood and shook both their hands, his grip firm and sure and confident. Hudson’s was, too, she noticed. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Dr. Dev, it’s a pleasure,” Hudson said, smiling easily.

Her dad studied his face, and Annika could tell his wheels were turning. Uh oh. Nothing good ever came from her dad’s wheels. Before she could open her mouth, though, he was speaking. “So, Hudson—Annika tells me you’re both going to be in Time.”

“That’s correct,” Hudson said, his gaze coming to rest on hers. “It was a great interview. Annika was fantastic.”

Annika felt her cheeks warm at his tone and the way he was looking at her.