Gianna guided them through the warm crowd until they reached a long, cushioned bench tucked along the glass wall.
A group of girls was already seated there, drinks in hand, their laughter rising and falling with the music.
One of them, a friend of Gianna's, waved when she saw her.
Gianna stopped in front of the group and turned slightly so everyone behind her could hear.
She introduced the boys one by one, and the girls shifted to make space.
The moment the names were exchanged, she clapped her hands lightly.
"Go on. Have fun," she said, before catching Carlo's sleeve and pulling him away before any of them could reply.
The boys exchanged a few looks, then shrugged and took the newly created spaces.
Udogie dropped into a seat at the end, Fornella slid into the middle, and Ricci leaned forward to join whatever conversation was starting, while Ruggeri did the same.
