Chapter 12: Participant D

The Founders' Dinner was held in the institute's glass atrium.

White lights hung overhead, and a banner with Calvin's face on it hung over the stage.

I stood at the front table in a black dress with a guest list and a name tag that said NESSA.

By seven the line stretched to the revolving door.

Everyone knew me, and nobody knew where to look.

"Nessa! Lovely to see you." "You look so well." "Are you... working tonight?"

"I'm at the door," I said, and checked them off.

A deputy dean asked whether I was all right, with real concern, and then moved on to the bar.

At seven-thirty Keith walked in in a dark suit that fit him far too well.

He stopped in front of the table.

"Name?"

"Sallow, Keith. Plus no one."

"Table nine. It's by the kitchen."

"Of course it is."

"I had them put you next to the dessert," I said, low.

His mouth twitched.

"Remember the rules," he said, and went in.

At eight, the room filled, and the director rose to speak, and Calvin and Lydia came through the revolving door together.

Calvin wore a midnight suit.

Lydia's dress was the color of champagne, with her hair pinned up and her silver pen tucked behind one ear.

Calvin saw me and grinned with real delight.

"Dee! You came!"

"I'm working the door, Calvin."

"I'm so glad you're here. We missed you at the lab on Saturday. Lydia, look who it is."

"Nessa," Lydia said, and took both my hands. "You look beautiful. I didn't think you'd come."

"I was invited."

"Of course you were."

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