You're Invited(32)

“Okay, now just give me a minute. I actually have some necklaces we just used for a shoot. They won’t be the million-rupee ones that your parents will get you, okay, so don’t judge. Just so you get the picture, you know.” Kaavi giggled, but Andre was probably right about the price.

Andre and his assistant left the room, and it was just the two of us again.

“What do you think?” she asked, finally meeting my eye in the large mirror in front of her.

I know she was the one with the tight jacket, but my breath caught in my throat. I wasn’t ready, even after so long, to see this version of Kaavi in real life. The version that didn’t need me anymore. The version that didn’t depend on me to take care of things and to make things right for her.

But I couldn’t focus on all that now. I needed to know why she asked me here.

“You look amazing.” I hoped a compliment would soften things.

But compliments mean nothing to someone who had thousands of likes and loves and followers on Instagram. She was used to being told she was amazing. It’s old news to her, no doubt.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you, you know.”

That was fair. I hadn’t RSVP’d. I had thought about it, but I couldn’t RSVP without replying to her email, and I didn’t know what to say. I wasn’t even 100 percent sure I would come. That I would have the guts to go through with this.

“I know.” I rubbed my temples. I guess now was as good a time to ask her as any.

“Kaavi, why did you say your parents—”

But Andre fluttered back into the room then, and there was more oohing and gasping as they made Kaavi try on various accessories. Laura joined us at some point also, and gladly relieved me of any duty I had to interact with the designer and his team.

And after a whirlwind of pins and lace and draping and air-kisses, we were done. And not a moment too soon because it genuinely did feel like my head would burst.

“Goodbye, my darling. I’ll see you on the big day,” Andre said with a final smack on her cheek. I briefly wondered how he’d look if he tripped on his pretentious sarong and bashed his head on the corner of the table that held his sewing machine. The way his neck would probably bend at a strange angle. The way his eyes might roll back into his head.

Kaavi and I made our way outside while Laura hung back to settle her bill with Andre’s assistant. This was my chance.

“Kaavs, look, I need to talk to you. I need to know—”

“Now’s not really a good time, Ams. We can chat later, okay?”

“No, look, I’m sorry. It’s just, this is all so much, and this whole idea of you and Spencer and now your parents and—”

“I really can’t talk about this now, Amaya.”

I knew I was rambling like I always did when I was nervous, but I had to try.

“No, look, I just want to know—”

“Amaya.” Her voice was low and fierce, and she kept glancing around to see if we were being overheard. “I know this must be weird for you, and I think it’s commendable that you came given that I’m marrying Spencer. But I honestly don’t have time for this, okay? I have a wedding to plan and so much craziness to attend to. I’m glad you’re here, but please understand that this wedding is definitely happening.”

It felt like she had reached out and slapped me. I know we haven’t spoken in years, but I was not expecting this—the sharp edge to her voice, the indifference toward me, her oldest friend. It stung far worse than the burn from her curling iron did.

“So, what are you ladies wearing tonight?” Laura’s voice rang out, and for the first time, I was relieved to hear it.

“You know my mother, right? I know she said it’s supposed to be casual, but please dress up. I just know her friends are going to show up draped in diamonds and designer wear.” Kaavi’s voice was different now. Smooth and perky, like she sounded in her videos. I guess the steel was just for me.

I knew, from religiously checking the wedding itinerary website, that tonight was a cocktail party at her parents’ house to “officially kick off the wedding festivities” and “welcome everyone who had flown down from abroad.”

“That’s what I was hoping.” Laura giggled as she made her way around the other side of the car to get in. I was about to open the door myself when Kaavi stopped me.

“Hey, so I actually have a meeting I need to get to. Take the car and get yourself dropped home, okay? I’ll see you tonight.”

I should say something. I should try to talk to her again. But I knew it was no use.

“But why don’t we just drop you off on the way?” I said instead.

“Oh no, don’t worry. You must be exhausted, and this meeting is just around the corner. I’ve already called an Uber, see?” She waved her phone in front of me.

“But you’re just going to Cinnamon Grand. It’s only two minutes away.”

She paled a little when I said that—I guess she hadn’t expected me to actually look at her phone—and glanced around to see if Laura or the driver heard.

“Don’t worry, okay? I’ll see you tonight. And remember what I said. Dress fancy.”

Her Uber pulled up just in time, and she jumped in without a second glance.

That’s strange. Why didn’t Kaavi want anyone to know she was going to Cinnamon Grand? It was one of Colombo’s many five-star hotels, and one that I’m sure she frequented regularly.