Page 52 of Say My Name

“I’m interested in the invitation.”

“You already took me to dinner on my birthday. Maya considers you partly responsible for the fact that she couldn’t force me into a party that night.”

“That explains why she might invite me.”

“She didn’t.”

“You did.”

Elena shifts in her chair. “I thought you might enjoy it.”

“Your college friends interrogating me?”

“They’ll probably interrogate me.”

“Even better.”

“And you know Maya and Marcus.”

“I know Marcus well enough.”

“He’s part of the group, Dominic. His presence isn’t a challenge requiring a response.”

“I didn’t say it was.”

“You didn’t have to.”

I look at her for a moment, letting the silence build. This is the point where she could retreat, could wrap the whole thing in professional courtesy and walk away. I have to know. “Are you inviting me because you want company, because you need a buffer, or because this is a date?”

“It’s birthday drinks.”

“That wasn’t one of the choices.”

“I don’t need a buffer.”

“Company, then?”

“Yes.”

I nod. “I’ll come.”

Some of the tension leaves her face.

I should let the conversation end there. “Why me?”

“I told you. You already took me to birthday dinner.”

“That’s the reason you’re willing to say aloud.”

She meets my eyes, and in the silence, I get my answer. It’s not a date, not yet. But it’s not just company, either. It’s a test. One she wants me to show up for, even if I’m not sure I’m meant to pass.

She gathers her laptop and legal pad. “Saturday at eight.”

“You haven’t told me where.”

“I’ll send you the address.”

“Am I supposed to meet you there?”