"Nothing for now," he says. "I'll handle the rest. I just wanted you to know what we're working with."
But he waits. Like he knows I have something else swirling in my head.
I close the notepad and slide it back to him. "I have an idea. It might be stupid."
"That's usually how the best ideas start."
I take a slow breath. "If I can get Tom alone, I can get him talking. And he talks a lot, especially when he's cornered and has nowhere to run to. So I'm thinking we set him up in style."
Gabe raises an eyebrow. "You're thinking of using dinner."
He's quick to catch on. "Yes."
"You want to meet him again? Do you trust him enough to do that?"
"No," I admit. "But he likes the sound of his own voice. I can pull it out."
Gabe studies me for a long moment. "You're sure?"
"I'm tired of everyone thinking they get to decide who I am," I say. "Tonight, I get to choose the terms."
His jaw tics once. "If you call him, I'm sitting in the parking lot."
My lips twitch. "Fine."
"Text me the time."
"I will."
We sit there in a quiet that doesn't feel heavy anymore. It feels like planning. Like control shifting back into my hands.
When I stand to leave, he gently reaches for my wrist.
"You tell me the second you're uncomfortable. I don't care if it's mid-sentence. I'll walk in."
"I know."
He holds my gaze for a moment, something warm flickering there, then lets go. We stay a moment longer before heading out. Later that night, once Jace is fed and in his pajamas, I step into the hallway with my phone.
Tom answers on the second ring.
"Lena," he says in that too-smooth voice. "Hey. Everything okay?"
"Actually, yeah," I say. "I was thinking… if you're still free tonight, maybe we could get that dinner you mentioned. There's a new place downtown. White tablecloths. Good wine list."
He perks up instantly. "Yeah? Tonight works for me. Seven?"
"Seven is fine."
"I'll pick you up?—"
"No," I cut in gently. "I'll meet you there."
He hesitates for half a second, then agrees. I hang up, slide my phone into my pocket, and exhale. Game on.
24
LENA
