Julian arrived after most of them had already settled in.
Claire was the first to look up when he reached the table. Not surprised. Not welcoming either. Just aware.
He took the empty seat without asking who it had been meant for.
"You're late," she said.
"I showed up."
"That's not the same thing."
Julian reached for the glass in front of him. "Close enough."
Claire didn't respond immediately. She watched him instead, like she was fitting something together.
Then, casually, "Someone came by earlier."
Julian didn't look up. "People usually do."
"Not for us," she said. "For you."
That made him glance at her.
Claire held his gaze. "Elias."
Julian's expression didn't change. "And."
"He asked about you."
Claire didn't stop there, "I don't think he came to me by mistake," she said.
Julian glanced at her. "He usually doesn't."
"He asked what changed."
Julian let out a quiet breath. "That sounds like him."
"I didn't answer," Claire added.
Julian nodded once. "Good."
