Elias leaned closer and ran his hand over my leg again, making my entire body heat up. “Eshi, I’ll stop asking questions.”

I sighed, working to keep my feelings under control. “Okay.”

Saba shook her head in amusement and went back to eating while I asked Elias about the hike to Entoto.

We finished dinner and went back to the living room to relax. While Elias and Saba talked Ethiopian politics some more, I got up to get a glass of water in the kitchen. I looked over my shoulder as I walked away, wanting to catch a glimpse of him as he talked. He took such care with what he said, and when he heard something particularly interesting, he would lean in and give his complete attention. Every once in a while, he’d grab the ends of his curls and squeeze like he was wringing out the emotion the words raised in him.

When I came back to the living room, Saba and Elias suddenly stopped talking. I tried to make a joke out of it as I sat down next to Elias. “Oh, don’t worry, keep going. I don’t mind people saying how handsome I am in front of me.”

To my surprise Elias put his arm around me, pulled me close, and kissed the tip of my nose, because obliterating me seemed to be his goal for the night. “You know you are, konjo.”

I blushed again and looked from him to Saba—who seemed completely unfazed by the display of affection—before opening my mouth. After a moment I asked, “What were you two talking about?”

Saba laughed and said, “We were just saying that it’s getting late and you two have a long day tomorrow.”

“Riiiight, and that’s all you said.”

Elias laughed and got up, pulling me with him. “I should get going, but I can drive you home.”

I nodded and moved to grab my bag from where I’d put it by the door. Saba got up to see us off. “Stay safe out there, my dear.”

Then she turned to Elias, squeezing his shoulder. “Take good care of him for me.”

He dipped his head, a serious look on his face. “Eshi.”

She gave him a kiss on each cheek and a really tight hug.

As Elias went to get the car started, I said goodbye to Saba. She held my face and said, “I like him for you. He’s a brave man. Honest.”

“Saba! I’m not here trying to find a boyfriend. Also he’s super in the closet to his family and wants to be here, in Ethiopia, a place I love so far but won’t be living in. And why I am even thinking of living places? Ugh, okay, I’m going.”