Eri snorted at that. “There is, but you don’t want him. He’d be a project.”
“There’s always one,” her friend responded before changing the subject.
They finished dinner, Romi helping her clean the kitchen before they moved to the living room with a second glass of wine.
“Are you staying with your parents for now?” Eri asked.
“I am. I’ll stay there for a few months before looking for my own place. If I tried to leave now, I’m sure my mom would try to chain me up.”
Eri laughed. “If that’s the case, I’m surprised she let you out of her sight so soon.”
“She had a work event tonight, luckily for me, or I would have felt like I was in high school sneaking out all over again.”
“When do you start your new position?”
“Not for a couple of weeks. I wanted to give myself some downtime and time to acclimate to the time difference before starting. Before I do, though, we’ll have to get together again. Next time with Avian.”
“We can do that. We’re actually going to brunch next Sunday. Me, her, and Nesiah. You should come with us.”
“If I won’t be imposing. Who’s Nesiah, by the way?”
“Oh, she works for Marco, Avian’s husband. She’s cool. You two have similar personalities.”
“Brunch sounds like fun.”
The front door opened, pulling both of their attention, and the sigh Elias released was easily heard.
“Amate, why is the door unlocked? Cosa ti ho detto riguardo all’assicurarti che sia bloccato?” Elias paused when he saw she had company. “Oh, my bad.”
“It’s fine,” Eri replied. “Romi, this is my boyfriend, Elias. Elias, this is my friend Romi.”
“Nice to meet you,” he said.
“You too,” Romi replied, then turned her attention back to Eri. “How is he more attractive in person? Aren’t people usually more attractive in pictures?”
Eri laughed while Elias shook his head. “Your guess is as good as mine,” she replied.
Romi pursed her lips as if she were thinking. “How big of a project are we talking about exactly?”
“Massive,” Eri responded. She refrained from adding that she didn’t think Vince got the same genes Elias and Marco were blessed with.
“Such a shame.” She downed the rest of her wine and stood. “I will get out of your hair and see you next Sunday.”
Eri stood and hugged her, taking the glass from her. “Text me when you get home.”
“Will do. See you later. Nice meeting you again, Elias.”
“You too,” he replied.
Once Romi was out of the door, Elias locked it behind her as Eri carried the glasses to the kitchen and placed them in the sink.
“The door, Amate.”
She’d honestly hoped he’d forgotten about that. “I forgot to lock it back when I let Romi in. How did you know it was already unlocked?”
“I always check it before I knock.”
She should have figured as much. It sounded like something he would do. “What made you stop by?”
