Page 114 of Everything She Wanted

“Oh, and Nisha?

“Yes?” I turn back.

“You’ll get the salary to match.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much.” I practically dance all the way back to my office, and there’s only one person I want to tell, but I won’t say a word to him. Not anymore.

41. Hard Truths

“I can’t believe you were going to get engaged without getting a fresh manicure.” Rachel looks at me, feigning disbelief as we settle onto the couch in our living room. I admire my new nails as I realize I haven’t felt this relaxed in a really long time.

“I know, right? Thanks for always coming to my rescue. How did you get us a booking on such short notice?” The spa we went to today was uber posh, and the nail tech we saw is usually booked out weeks in advance. It had been a perfect morning.

“Perks of being an online influencer.” She shoots me her beautiful smile, and I’m so grateful I have her through everything.

“I’ll sneak a pic of your hand with the ring tomorrow for her if that’s okay.”

“Of course. If it can help her get more business, you know I’m all for it.”

We’re sipping Hojicha tea in our satin kimonos that Rachel got for us on her last trip to visit family in Japan, and I feel like a movie star. I even took the day off work, and now our faces are glowing, our nails are polished, and every inch of us is waxed. Rachel insisted we also do a soak in the spa whirlpool and then sauna first to purify, renew, and relax.

“I can’t believe tomorrow is the big day.” I lean back into the cushions and take a sip of tea. It’s been a whirlwind of everything coming together so beautifully, and I’m still brimming with joy as I think about how it’s all working out. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about Eshaan’s ex and thinking of my promotion have me glowing inside and out.

Rachel sets down her tea as something flits across her face. “Nisha, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

I know that look, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it. “Rachel, I...” I set my cup down and examine my newly polished nails as if they’re the most fascinating thing I’ve seen in the world.

“Nisha, I need to say this. I couldn’t call myself your friend if I didn’t.”

I glance up at her and tighten my robe around myself. “Okay.” Whatever it is, I can handle it. I’m getting braver by the day.

She takes a deep breath. “When Nick came by to get his car, we talked for a long time.”

My stomach churns. I don’t want to hear any more.

“He was so rattled by everything that happened, I could see it all over his face, and I invited him inside to have tea. He didn’t want to impose, but I insisted.”

She sees me getting flustered.

“Relax, it’s nothing like that.” She looks away. “It’s just that, Nisha. Nick’s in love with you. I could see it written on his face and in his aura.”

I suck in a breath.

“I know all this craziness happened between you two, and well, he told me that he got his heart broken many years ago and never really got over it. He didn’t go into details, but I could tell it was bad. Now he’s terrified of that happening again. Then there’s the trauma of his deadbeat dad. He just figured it would be easier not to have to deal with any of it.”

I should be surprised at Rachel’s words, but I’m not, and the sadness I’ve felt since I left Nick’s condo becomes full-fledged sorrow.

“Rachel, I appreciate you telling me this, but it doesn’t make a difference. Nick and I’ve been talking already, and he told me he can’t commit to anything with me, so it doesn’t matter.”

Rachel gets up and starts pacing the room, and I get anxious just watching her. “Regardless of his situation, do you think it’s normal to have such strong feelings for someone else?”

The words hit me like a bowling ball to the head. I rub my temples, a dull ache already forming as I take in her words.

“I mean, you and Eshaan have only been together for barely a year—why the rush? Maybe all of this is a sign to slow down and just figure out what you want.”

I stand up and press my nails into my palms. “Rachel, you just don’t get it. Nick basically told me he doesn’t think he could ever commit to anything more than casual—not with me, and maybe not with anyone, and I’m not going to throw away everything with Eshaan for that. I need someone solid I can count on who’s in it with me, through everything.”

Rachel stops pacing and turns to face me. “And is Eshaan in it with you? Really?” she challenges.