Page 49 of Everything She Wanted

I won’t let myself. I ignore the pang in my chest that reminds me the only time I feel like me anymore is when I’m with Nick, that I felt this instant connection with him and it’s a constant effort to hold back. And after that kiss tonight, I’m not sure I want to.

“Because of Eshaan?”

“Yeah, it’s a done deal.”

He presses his lips together and then looks at me.

“Apne dil di gall suno. Isn’t that what your dad used to say to you?”

I nod as tears prick my eyes. “But it’s not as simple as listening to my heart now.”

“Believe me, I know. You know the shit I’ve been through.”

I grab his hand. I know it too well.

“Remember when Palwinder Auntie busted me making out with that foreign exchange student?”

“The look on her face. She was scandalized. Especially since everyone thought you and me were a thing.”

“Looking back at it now, we probably shouldn’t have all gone to the local burger place.”

“We were nineteen, Sunny. Just kids.”

“Yeah, and you had no problem sticking up for me. You could have walked away, but you didn’t.”

“You should get to be with whoever you want,” I say as I shrug. It was the only time I had spoken up about anything and it didn’t go over well. Some members of his family still don’t talk to him, and well, my mom has never let me forget the disgrace she suffered because of me. I’m grateful to be past that now, but a flutter of nerves rises in my gut that I promptly push down. I have nothing to worry about anymore.

“You deserve that too, Nish.”

“I don’t know,” I deflect. I can’t give myself any more reasons to hope for more with Nick. We’re not a thing. We likely never will be. Besides, my life is perfectly on track. I just have to keep it that way.

“What about you and Kin? Is it getting serious?” I mash my straw into my milkshake before taking another sip.

“I think he’s the one.”

My heart leaps.

“Oh my gosh, that’s amazing, Sunny!”

His face breaks into a smile.

“Yeah, we’re thinking sooner than later.”

“Like how soon?” I lean over the table.

“Sometime this year.”

“No way. You’re getting married before me even?”

“We all knew it would happen.” He leans back as a smile spreads across his face.

I turn to him and pull him into a hug.

I squeal. I’m so excited.

“Shhh, keep it down.” He glances at Kin and Nick. “I haven’t popped the question yet.”

“Oh, sorry.” I try to put on a neutral expression, but I can’t stop from smiling as Nick and Kin return to the table.