The suggestion came from Paxton.
He said it like a neutral idea, not a test: dinner, somewhere quiet, the four of them. Kevin had stared at him for a long second before agreeing. Alex had said yes because refusing would have looked like fear. Troy had gone still on the other end of the call, then said, “Send the address.”
That was how they ended up at a corner table in a low-lit restaurant across town—menus already down, water poured, the space between the two couples wide enough to feel deliberate.
Kevin sat next to Alex. Paxton sat next to Troy. It looked balanced. It didn’t feel balanced.
“This is civilized,” Kevin said once the waiter left. “Didn’t think I’d see the day.”
Troy’s expression didn’t change. “You suggested it.”
“Paxton suggested it. I agreed.” Kevin turned his glass
