Page 41 of Say My Name

“You look adequately dressed for the weather.”

“There she is.”

His grin makes me laugh again.

I glance toward Dominic.

He’s standing with Cliff near the grill, tumbler in hand, listening to my father explain why meat thermometers have destroyed men’s natural instincts. He’s had a few drinks, but his posture is as steady as ever. He accepted the first without hesitation—he already had a car arranged for the night.

He glances at Marcus, then at me. His face gives away nothing, but the easy warmth he had a moment ago is gone. He says something to Cliff and starts across the patio with a purpose that has nothing to do with getting a drink.

Marcus follows my attention. “Does Rowe ever stop looking like he’s about to negotiate the purchase of the property he’s standing on?”

“No.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“It’s just how he is.”

Dominic stops to answer a question from my mother before continuing toward us. He moves toward the table with his usual control, but the professional distance he carries at work is gone. His tie is off, sleeves rolled to his forearms, and the look he gives me is warmer than it was when he arrived.

“Marcus.” He reaches into the cooler for a bottle of water. “How’s the new firm?”

The question sounds casual. I know Dominic well enough to recognize the maneuver.

Marcus starts telling him about an expansion, and Dominic remembers enough about the company to ask two specific follow-ups. Within a minute, he has drawn Marcus into a conversation that requires his full attention. He also steps between us while doing it.

I almost admire the execution.

Marcus eventually checks his phone. “I should find Maya before she actually leaves me here.”

“She will,” I confirm.

“She said she wouldn’t.”

“You’ve known her for fifteen years. You should understand when she’s lying.”

He smiles at me. “Good seeing you, Elena.”

“You too.”

Marcus heads toward the house.

I reach for a clean cup. “That was subtle.”

Dominic twists the cap off his water. “What was?”

“Your sudden concern for Marcus’s professional development.”

“I’ve always been interested in his career.”

“You’ve mentioned him exactly once in four years.”

“He’s been busy.”

“So have you.”

He takes a drink, watching me over the bottle. “Did you want him to stay?”