“What?” Mia’s head is spinning in a whole new way.

Elon shakes his head, but she can’t read his expression. “This isn’t the way I wanted this to go, Mia. I need you to know that.”

“How could you say that, Elon? That’s not—it’s not funny.” Mia searches for any hint of a smile on his face, but she finds nothing.

“I’m not joking, Mia.” Elon’s voice goes softer, but so infinitesimally that Mia barely ...