"Don't be silly," Elena smiled, drying her hands and joining him at the bar. "Mark would never forgive me if I sent you to a hotel. Besides, I finally get to hear the real versions of those college stories."
Julian sat at the small breakfast bar, a half-empty glass of wine in front of him. He and Mark had been inseparable since college, but Elena had only seen him at weddings and the occasional holiday party. To her, he was the "legendary Julian"—the subject of countless stories, yet still a stranger in many ways.
"You know," Julian said softly, his shoulder brushing hers, "Mark always said he was the lucky one. I never really understood the extent of it until tonight."
"I really appreciate you letting me crash here on such short notice," Julian said, breaking the silence. His voice was low and carried a warmth that made the chilly evening feel a little brighter.
