Athena Linton really stumped Thomas Fisher with her question; he had only mentioned it casually earlier, and hadn't actually decided when to ask her out for dinner.
"Thomas, why aren't you saying anything? Just now, were you only placating me when you said you'd invite me for dinner?" Not hearing him respond for a while, Athena believed he was unsure how to reply, and this uncertainty made her quite frustrated.
Upon hearing this, Thomas blurted out, "Of course not; when I invite you, I'll call you. Right now, I can't set a specific time, but don't worry, I won't keep you waiting for long."
This matter needs to be handled quickly, as the longer it drags on, the worse it is for them all; all three of them find it awkward.
"Alright, then I'll wait for your call, Thomas."
Even after Thomas said this, Athena's mood didn't improve; in fact, it worsened. She had a strong premonition that this dinner would be the last meal she'd share with him.
