Page 67 of Everything She Wanted
“It’s beautiful, Rach, and exactly what I needed.”
I fill my lungs with cool, humid air and place my hand on a nearby tree trunk, already feeling more relaxed. The worries from the week are still there, but they don’t feel as prominent anymore after our long walk.
“We used to do things like this all the time, before...” Rachel says.
Before Eshaan.
“I miss it.”
“Me too.” I link my arm in hers as we continue on the trail, our steps soft on the lush carpet of the forest.
“We haven’t had a proper catch-up in a while. Tell me everything.” Her emerald eyes sparkle, matching the vibrant greenery around us.
“You first. You’ve been so busy. It looks like business is really picking up.”
“It is and I love it. It’s such a dream come true to build something from scratch and see it flourish.”
“I can imagine.”
I think about my recent success, and going for what I really want at work, and smile to myself.
“How’s the investor pitching going?”
“Great, actually. We nailed a pitch with an investor from Europe. Tom was thrilled.”
“We, as in you and Nick?”
I nod.
She gives me a half smile.
She points to a log just off the trail.
“Should we stop here and have our snack?”
“Sure.”
She pulls out a thermos of Genmaicha tea and some cucumber sandwiches. She hands me one and I carefully unwrap it and then take a bite. She does the same.
“That’s great about the pitch.”
“It is. I feel like I’m really making headway.”
“Of course you are, Nish. You’re a superstar.” I don’t know about that, but I don’t say anything. “How are things with Nick anyways?”
“What do you mean?” I deflect with another bite of my sandwich.
“You know what I mean.” Rachel gives me a sidelong glance. She’ll know if I’m keeping something from her, but I can’t tell her the full truth either.
“I, um, we kissed.” I scratch at my neck and avoid her gaze.
“What?”
She gets up, knocking over the thermos in the process. I move it back upright and then stand up too.
“I know, obviously, it never should have happened—”
“How was it?”
