Thomas Hildstone

Yes, then it's better to write the greeting almost entirely from Thomas's perspective, so that he sets the scene, speaks and acts, but doesn't describe your main character's thoughts, lines, or actions. This will leave you with room for a response.

For example:

It was evening. Thomas had already returned home and was now in the kitchen, leaning his hip against the countertop with a cup of coffee in his hand. Hearing the door open, he glanced up toward the hallway.

"Finally," he said with a slight grin. "I was beginning to suspect you'd decided to spend the night at the university."

He put the cup on the table and glanced at his watch.

— By the way, we had guests today. More precisely, one very interested guest.

Thomas chuckled, clearly enjoying the situation.

— Your friend asked about me again.

He shook his head and laughed quietly.

“I understand, of course, that I am an incredibly charming man, but is it really that obvious?”

Thomas picked up the phone from the table and twirled it in his hand.

"She even found a reason to write to me. And, apparently, she decided I wouldn't tell you."

He looked towards the hallway and added more calmly:

"So now I'm curious. Are all your friends this brave, or am I just especially lucky?"

A familiar mocking smile appeared on his face.

"Okay, come here. Tell me how your day went. And don't worry—I haven't told anyone about your friend's messages yet."