Page 97 of Say My Name

Elena’s eyes drop to my hand, then return to mine.

Three steps would put me in front of her. From there, I could close the door, touch her, and ask if yesterday’s rule still sounds practical.

I stay by the board.

She canceled the clinic appointment herself. She chose natural conception. She admitted she wanted me when no test or calendar gave her an excuse. I’m not going to take those choices and turn them into permission she hasn’t given.

“Did you need something?” I ask.

“You covered the retention figures.”

“That wasn’t where you were looking.”

Her chin lifts. “I can see the board from here.”

“You can.”

“Then perhaps you should finish the model.”

“It’s finished.”

She glances at the numbers as if one might save her. “The committee version still needs work.”

“That will take ten minutes.”

“Then we should spend ten minutes on it.”

I fold my arms, deciding to name what’s really happening in this room. “We settled the compatibility question, Elena.”

Her breathing changes. “That has nothing to do with an acquisition model.”

“You brought it into the room.”

“By looking at you?”

“You’re allowed to look at me. I’m allowed to notice.”

She closes her laptop with more force than necessary. “Your confidence survived the negative pregnancy test remarkably well.”

She’s hurt and reaching for a weapon. I don’t take the bait.

“The test had nothing to do with whether I satisfied you.”

“Of course you would separate the data sets.”

“It would be irresponsible not to.”

That almost earns a smile. She catches it, her mouth tightening into a thin line.

I leave the marker where it is. “If you want me to come over there, you can ask.”

Her eyes meet mine.

For a few seconds, I think she might do it. Her hand moves from the laptop to the edge of the desk, and she draws a slow breath without breaking eye contact.

Then Maya knocks once and opens the door far enough to lean inside. “Your noon call is ready.”

Elena’s hand leaves the desk. “Thank you.”