CLAIRE

"When did you get back?" Julian asked, still grinning.

"This morning," Blake replied. "Flew in from London, went straight to my father's place, he told me you were doing well."

"Your father's in town?" Julian asked.

"For the week," Blake confirmed. "He's got meetings with some tech startups, wanted my opinion on a few."

"Since when do you give investment advice?" Julian teased.

"Since I actually got good at it," Blake shot back. "Shocking, I know."

I watched them interact, fascinated by this version of Julian, relaxed, joking, almost carefree.

"Claire, this is Blake Hartley," Julian said, finally remembering I was there. "My oldest friend. His father taught me...