“Perspective?” Naya said shrilly. “Now, that is something you two could both use.” She waggled her finger between Daniel and Annika. “Whatever you two have going on, it can’t last.” She calmed her voice and turned to Annika. “Sweetie, I can see that you think you love each other, but he’s not who your parents would want for you.” She paused and gave Annika a meaningful glance that Daniel did not miss. “How much can you expect your parents to take?”

Annika seemed frozen to her chair, and Daniel’s heart plummeted, even as his anger rose. Naya turned to Ravi and continued. “That’s why this can’t work. Daniel is right about one thing—I do want your parents to love and respect me, and if they can’t, if they see me as the one leading you down a wrong road, I can’t live like that. I love you, Ravi, but I’m not going to make you choose.” Naya stood.

“What’re you doing?” Ravi’s eyes widened, and he stood, as well.

“I’m sorry.” Naya shook her head and headed for the door. “I can’t do this.” With that, she donned her coat, turned and left.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

ANNIKA

“OH MY GOD, ANNIKA! Come outside!” called an excited Nilay, poking his head through the door of the bar.

“I’m working.”

“Two minutes.” He looked around the restaurant. “It’s practically empty.” He glanced at the bar. “Hey, Daniel!”

Daniel waved to Nilay over his sandwich. “Hey, kid.”

It was pretty empty and no one needed her, so Annika took off her apron and grabbed her jacket. “Fine.” Daniel grabbed her hand as she walked past him and pulled her in for a kiss. She allowed herself to melt into him for a moment. She was definitely getting used to this.

With a heavy sigh, she pulled back. “Let me go see what he wants.”

“Mmm. If you insist.” Daniel let her go. “No hat?” He teased.

“Ha ha.” She opened the door to the deep winter cold and wished she had grabbed her hat, and maybe a scarf. It was dusk, and the sun still peeked around a few clouds, shedding some light. The streetlamps would be on momentarily.

Nilay, wearing only a sweatshirt over his jeans and T-shirt, stood admiring Daniel’s motorcycle.

She rubbed her hands together. “Aren’t you cold?”

“Didi, check out this bike!” His eyes danced with excitement.

“Please tell me you didn’t call me out here to look at Daniel’s bike.” She stomped her feet against the cold.

His eyes widened. “This? This is Daniel’s bike? Seriously?”

“You did call me out here for this.” The fragrant aroma of home cooking emitted from the brown bag he handed her. She pulled out her phone and texted Daniel to come outside. “Let Daniel come out here and talk to you about—”