Page 44 of Everything She Wanted

16. In Da Club

After the panel the next day, I’m floating on air. Wanda and her colleague Mei, who just launched a woman-owned and run AI app, were incredible. I still can’t believe I was up there with such incredible women—it was standing-room only. The conversation centred on creating spaces and opportunities for women to thrive in male-dominated industries, supported by other women and, of course, with men as allies. Since I’ve wanted to do something like this forever, and because Wanda sent me the questions beforehand, I was able to speak up and confidently share my thoughts. Nick even took a few clips of me speaking and sent them to our team chat. My phone was buzzing with encouraging messages and praise from Tom, Zoren the CEO, and even the VP of Communications. I also sent the clips to Rachel and Eshaan. Rachel literally blew up my phone with congratulations, while Shaan just replied with a thumbs-up. I didn’t let his reaction disappoint me.

Then I did my first pitch ever, and although I was nervous, Nick gave me a pep talk and by some miracle, we’re going through to the next round, and I’m so thrilled we made it through when the leadership team didn’t.

I even got an email this morning from the VPs who loved my crisis communications templates. I forwarded it to Nick with a smiley face, and he had this cheeky reply:

You’re welcome 😉

It’s been a whirlwind, and I’m soaking it all in as we make our way to the spacious hotel lobby after our last seminar of the day, before the cocktail reception tonight. My heels make a soft tapping sound on the marble floor as we walk.

“I know there’s that reception tonight, but why don’t we just go out and celebrate?” Nick asks. He looks almost nervous, but I can’t imagine why he would be, especially around me.

I instantly want to say yes. I would love to get out of here and go anywhere with him.

I shift on my feet and twist the Tiffany promise ring I wear on my right hand that Eshaan gave me on our six-month anniversary.

He catches my hesitation and his eyes turn distant. “It’s okay if you’d rather stay here, I just thought it would be nice to have a break.” He shrugs.

“I would love to, but I was planning on going out with my friend this evening. We grew up together in Toronto, and he moved here a few years ago, so I don’t get to see him that much.”

“For sure. Have fun.” He starts to turn away, but I place a hand gently on his shoulder.

“You could join us if you’d like.” My heart starts hammering, wishing that he’ll say yes.

“I don’t want to intrude,” he says, looking at me with those piercing eyes.

“You wouldn’t. He’s bringing his partner, so I know he won’t mind.”

“Okay, sounds fun.”

“There’s just one thing, though.”

“What’s that?”

“We’re going to a gay bar and it’s eighties night.” Amusement flashes in his eyes.

“I’m sure I can find something to wear.”

“Okay, great. Meet you down here in about an hour?”

“Sure.”

I must have imagined his nerves because he’s back to his self-assured, confident self as we take the elevator up to our rooms.

I launch myself at Sunny as soon as I see him on the crowded sidewalk, and he picks me up and gives me a big hug. He looks just like I remember, except this time, happier. His dark hair is expertly styled back from his face, and he’s wearing a dark tee with a letter jacket and fitted jeans.

We haven’t seen each other since I moved out west, and I realize I’ve missed him so much. He puts me down, and I turn to Kin, his partner, who I’m meeting for the first time. His vibrant blue, half-sleeve button-up contrasts with his fair clear skin and silky jet-black hair. He looks like a K-pop superstar.

“It’s so great to meet you finally, Kin,” I say and wrap him in a hug, too, even though we just met. If Sunny loves him, I know I will, too.

“I’ve heard so many things about you,” Kin says warmly.

“Uh-oh, now I’m worried.” I laugh.

“Oh, and this is Nick. We work together.”

“This is the slave driver you were telling me about,” Sunny says and winks at him.