Bare

eleven - friends (part two)

"I really hope to see you at my son's gallery opening. It's actually next Friday." Mrs. Hilton tells me and I smile at her excitement.

"I'd love to, just let me know about the location and time."

"I'll make sure to send you an invitation by tomorrow, dear." She kisses me on both cheeks before she leaves to greet someone.

"You're doing great, already making connections." Khalid comes up to me, a winning smile stretched across his face.

"I'm not going because I want to make connections, I'm actually interested in the event." I defend myself, even though I've done nothing wrong. "Also, the woman is pretty decent and we have the same taste in drinks."

"You don't have to pretend to be anti-social just to prove a point to me, Livia. I know that you can get along with anyone if you just put some effort."

I sigh and think of another subject, knowing there's no point in pursuing this topic with him.

"The designs with Margo are gonna be a hit." I tell him, sipping from my vodka.

"Of course they will." He assures me. "Margo's standing over there if you want to meet her, I can introduce you."

I have actually seen her earlier tonight but just because I admire her work, it doesn't mean that I want to know her personally. A person could be successful and good and another could be successful and pretty shitty, so I'd rather not burst the bubble of admiration I've raised for her.

"Nah, I'm good."

He doesn't have the time to hear my answer when he's surrounded by two ladies coming up to him, most probably to talk about his upcoming projects.

I check my phone for the first time tonight, making myself comfortable again on the barstool.

I had a few unopened messages from William, from Logan and from Phillip, my classmate. I open the most recent message.

Julian (1)

Where are you?

Me

Take a wild guess.

He reads the message within a minute but doesn't respond, which means he's heading towards me.

"I feel stupid for even asking." I hear his familiar voice say.

"You should." I smirk, taking in his messy hair. He definitely kept running his hand through it tonight.

"How's your night so far?" He asks me before ordering some champagne.

"I had a few decent conversations, including one with my father, so I'd say I'm making progress." I say proudly. "What about you? Any exhausting social interaction?" I grin at him, remembering the first time we met at Anna's wedding.

"Not really, first time in a long time." He seems relieved.

"Anna's divorce is pretty much on everyone's mind right now, which is a good thing for us."

"Where is she, by the way?"

"Khalid decided it's best if she and Adam keep it on the low for a while and Adam's parents agreed."

"Wait, are his parents and your parents on good terms?" He asks, confused for a moment.

"They do business together and business brings money," I start, turning slightly to face him properly. "So they won't let a stupid divorce come between them."

"That's smart."

One thing I've noticed about Julian is how he always gives out objective opinions.