Finn stood behind and to the side, watching the exchange unfold. He could feel himself becoming invisible in the conversation, reduced to a silent observer as the three of them discussed funding metrics and research protocols. David commanded the space effortlessly, and Paul hung on his every word. Finn was impressed by this side of Paul. He knew how to butter these people up.
"I have to say, Elena, I admire your boldness with this new approach," David said, his voice warm and genuine. "If you can pull this off, it will be a game-changer in the field.”
Elena's smile brightened. "Thank you. We believe we are on to something here."
"You are a truly brilliant woman. I hope I don’t say something stupid tonight and make a fool of myself," David said, his eyes lingering on her face. "I probably should have paid more attention in science class."
Elena laughed. "That's very generous of you to say."
Finn stood to the side, watching this exchange with growing discomfort. Elena wasn't exactly eating up David's charm, but she wasn't deflecting it either. There was an ease between them, a natural flow to their conversation that made Finn feel like an intruder. David had the smooth confidencethat came from success and experience. Things that Finn did not have.
David glanced around the room. "Well, I better go bother the rest of the board before they think I'm playing favorites." He stepped away, then turned back with a smile. "We still on for dinner Friday?"
The casual question caught Finn completely off-guard. The disappointment must have shown on his face because when he looked up, he caught Paul watching him with a knowing look.
Elena’s eyes widened with a smile. “Of course.”
David laughed warmly. "I still can't believe it. I finally agree to be set up with someone, and it turns out to be the researcher whose protocol has the entire board talking." He shook his head, amused. "Small world, right?"
So, the date was set up through friends. David apparently didn’t know who Elena was before tonight. But did Elena know the man she was going on a date with?
Paul cleared his throat. "Well, I should go find the foundation director myself. Excuse me." He slipped away, leaving them alone.
Elena watched Finn’s face. “Are you alright? You look…”
“Fine,” Finn said too quickly. “I’m fine, I’m just… a little out of my element.”
“I know what you mean. I hate these things,” Elena said.
Finn couldn’t help himself. “Really? You seem quite comfortable.”
“What does that mean?” Elena asked, a little edge to her voice.
Finn backed down. “Nothing. You just seem like a natural at this.”
“Definitely not a natural. But I have yearsof experience with these events. I… know how to play the game, if you know what I mean.”
Finn felt something cold in his stomach. Is that what she was doing with David? Playing the game? That seemed so out of character for Elena. But maybe he didn't really know her. Finn excused himself, mumbling something about getting some air. He wandered through the crowd and back to the bar for his second cocktail of the night. He spoke with a donor at the bar, trying to distract himself. Instead, all he could think about was Elena's words.I know how to play the game.
Twenty minutes later, he scanned the room for her. It didn't take long to spot the sleek black dress. There she was on the dance floor, David's hand at her waist, moving together with an easy chemistry.
Playing the game.He didn’t like how the phrase bothered him. He thought about the other night in the lab. How she'd moved to the music, how they'd gotten so close, the way she'd looked at him before pulling away. Now she was dancing with David, and it looked so natural. David knew how to dance, of course. Finn imagined he had been to many of these events in his life.
He shouldn't even be jealous. David was better for her anyway. He was the same age, handsome, successful. She looked happy with him too, her face bright with laughter as David spun her around.
He was jealous anyway.
Elena's eyes found his across the crowded room. Her glowing expression completely faded when she saw whatever look that was on Finn’s face. She turned away, trying to regain composure.
Finn turned and walked away, moving through the crowd with purpose despite having no specific destination in mind. Heneeded space, air, distance from the image of Elena and David together. His hand was on her waist. Their easy compatibility that Finn could not compete with. He found himself on a balcony. The chilly night air and quiet were a relief from the ballroom.
What had he expected? That Elena would remain forever isolated in their research bubble? That she wouldn't have a life outside the lab, connections beyond their work? Of course she dated. Of course there were men who saw her brilliance, her beauty, who wanted to claim her attention.
David Turner was successful, age-appropriate, and connected to their professional world in ways that were beneficial rather than complicated. He could take her to dinner without risking her career or reputation.
Finn could never be that.
Maybe he had read too much into their moments of connection. Maybe those moments were just Elena being Elena. She was warm, engaged, and present with whoever she was with. He checked his watch. They'd been here for two hours. Surely that was enough time to satisfy the board's request for their presence. He could make his excuses, call a cab, leave Elena to enjoy the rest of her evening without his sullen presence beside her.
