Elias' handshakes were always strong. Uncompromising. But Elias did not recall Rylee to be as assertive as the boy's handshake now suggested. An eyebrow lifted slightly, then went higher when the kid started making conversation. It wasn't more than the standard polite drivel, but it was more than was expected -- and he seemed almost comfortable speaking, too. This was not the mealy-mouthed, sweaty-palmed, over-blustery child he'd met at Charlie's doorstep. It felt almost as if Elias were meeting a different person.
He grinned, despite himself -- despite the fact that grins never quite looked right on his face. If Rylee really were like this, then perhaps it wasn't so bad that he was around Charlie, that they were close friends. And, Elias reminded himself, he'd shown himself to care about Charlie's safety, too. That was also a mark in Rylee's favor.
"Being a Director has its advantages," he answered quietly enough. But his voice always seemed to carry an authority about it, as if he were turning the words into servants. His voice made him stand out, whether he wanted it or not. "I spent the weekend with my family. I don't think you ever mentioned where you worked. It must not be an office job, if they had you working the weekend?"
In truth, he was truly curious about the boy. If Charlie found value in his friendship, then Elias wanted to know what it was about him that was so valued. The answers lie in the questions.