Yeah, a test. [Joaquin let go so he could take a few steps ahead of Newton, his hands held palm-up in an exaggerated shrug.]

You seem to think he might have a thing for me. If that's the case, if he isn't devoted to seeing this out with you, don't you think he's drop you in a heartbeat if I were to ask him to date me instead? Not that I'll be serious but he doesn't have to know that. And I'm sure he'll turn me down and you should find yourself satisfied that he's not going to just leave you high and dry at the moment you become inconvenient.

[Joaquin turned back, offering a smile.]

Of course, if you're scared then maybe you do need time to learn to put some trust in Hermann.