Some barely looked closely enough to see her. Miss, a trustee snapped his fingers beside an empty glass. Maya stopped. Yes, sir. Water.
She handed him one. He took it without looking at her. Thank you, Maya said anyway. That was something Walter had taught her too. Other people's manners did not get to decide hers.
Near the center of the room, Tyler Grant was surrounded by people. He had traded his practice clothes for a dark blazer and open collar shirt. Richard Grant had not arrived yet, but his names seemed to occupy the reception in his place. Faculty members greeted Tyler warmly. Trustees asked about the season.
Alumni slapped his shoulder and told him they expected another championship. Tyler belonged here in the way money sometimes taught people to belong everywhere. Then he saw Maya. His smile changed. Jason Cole stood beside him.
Jason noticed it too. Don't, he said quietly, started glanced at him. Don't what? You know what? Tyler took a drink from a passing tray.
Relax. Jason did not look relaxed. Since Thursday he had watched the recording on his phone more than once. Maya's voice was clear. You still have time to walk away.
Each time Jason replayed it, the moment bothered him more. Not because Maya sounded dangerous, because Tyler did. Across the room, Maya kept working. She had promised herself she would not spend the evening tracking him with her eyes. But seven years of training had made awareness difficult to turn off.
She knew where the exits were. She knew David Carter was stationed near the glass doors. She knew Dean Susan Miller was speaking with trustees near the stage. And she knew Tyler had begun moving in her direction. He stopped beside her.
Well, look at this. Maya continued arranging empty glasses on her tray. Char looked her up and down. So I was right the first day. About what?
You do work here. Maya met his eyes. I attend here. Tonight you're carrying drinks. Work study.
Tyler smiled. Whatever makes you feel better. Maya lifted the tray. Excuse me. He stepped aside.
For once, she walked away. Tyler watched her go. Jason shook his head. Why does she bother you so much? She doesn't.
Then why have you spent a week proving she does? Tyler's jaw tightened. Go find somebody else to annoy. Jason stared at him for a moment. Then walked toward the far side of the room.
Maya had barely reached the service station when Ethan Parker came through the kitchen doors carrying a tray of glasses. Ethan was 19, another work study employee. He was thin, earnest, and so nervous around donors that he checked every table twice before setting anything down. I'm going to drop something. He whispered.