CLAIRE
I glanced over at him. "You would have survived," I said with a slight smile. "You seemed to know everyone in that room."
"Knowing people and enjoying their company are two different things," Julian said dryly.
The car pulled up in front of a small restaurant with warm lighting spilling out onto the sidewalk. Julian got out first and offered me his hand to help me out of the car.
"This is it," he said, gesturing to the unassuming entrance. "Nothing fancy, but the food is incredible."
We walked inside and were immediately greeted by an older Italian man who clearly knew Julian.
"Mr. Cross!" he said warmly, clasping Julian's hand. "It's been too long."
"It has, Marco," Julian agreed. "Do you have a table available?"
"For you, always," Marco replied, then turned to me with a wa
