“Yeah, not with him anyway. We had a contract, not a marriage. A friendship, even, but that’s as far as it went. I reminded Robert of the terms of our agreement and . . . well, he quit.” Raj shrugged, even though the betrayal still stung.

“So you knew he went to WTA?” Mina asked.

“No, not at first. I thought he was just sulking and that he planned on joining his father’s business. Then a week after I started helping you find out who leaked information from your boyfriend’s company, I got a security notice. I had left my computer unlocked, and Robert accessed files from my home office.”

“Shit, Raj.”

“That’s when I found out that Robert had gone to WTA, basically bartered my information for a job, and used me. I asked for a divorce, then I put my own money into helping you find out what was going on with your boyfriend’s company.”

The waitress approached the table with a cheerful greeting and began filling their water glasses. “Do you ladies need another few minutes before ordering? I can always put in a couple drinks for you.”

“Wine please,” Raj said. “White, dry, and crisp.” She rattled off three brands she preferred.

“I may not be staying here long enough to finish a drink, so skip me,” Mina said. Her expression was even more glacial than before. The waitress must have picked up on it, because she hurried away without another word.

“You should have fucking told me,” Mina hissed as she leaned across the table. “We’re best friends, Raj! Do you know how bad this situation is?”

This was not going well. Raj should’ve been better prepared. She knew that Mina’s sense of honesty and honor was as saintly as Guru Nanak’s. If she hadn’t been so distracted by Robert’s early morning visit, she would’ve focused more time on crafting her apology.

“Mina, I know I made a mistake, but I also know that I was trying to help you. I should’ve said something, though. I’m not used to being in that position.”

“That doesn’t change the fact—”

“I know,” Raj interrupted. She felt raw and exposed.

“I know it doesn’t change the fact that I didn’t tell you. I haven’t told you a lot of things, and I realize how wrong that is. You’re important to me and it’s like a series of bad mistakes that I’m paying for now. I’m trying to do what’s right, Mina. Please. Tell me you at least see that.”

After a long minute, Mina let out a sigh and reached across the table, palm up. Raj felt a flicker of hope and held on to the outstretched hand.

“How are you doing?”

Raj let out a breath and felt Mina squeeze her fingers. “I’m. . . . relieved.”