Clara
We stay a few more seconds on the porch. The murmur of conversations came muffled from within. The warm light in the room silhouetted Alexander's silhouette against the night.
"Come," he said at last. "I want to introduce you to someone before he leaves."
We went back in.
There was a man in his fifties, with an impeccable gray suit, executive bearing. Alexander barely straightened his shoulders before approaching. The change was minimal, but I noticed it.
"Julián, I'm glad you came."
They greeted each other firmly.
"This is Clara," he added, turning to me. "He is collaborating on some strategic projects."
Collaborating.
The word floated away.
I wasn't "collaborating." I was leading an important part of the process. But I smiled and held out my hand.
"A pleasure."
The man
