Adrian nodded in agreement at her assessment then feigned hurt. "Always, Alicia, willingly." He didn't realize he'd echoed an earlier sentiment, but there was something about her - as much as he hadn't admitted it even to himself - that brought it out in him. He wanted to protect her, to care for her, to make sure someone in this world was. He supposed to himself that this was what being a friend felt like.
To their server, he ordered a basket of ships and a bottle of Chablis for them to share.