"You know the Mediterranean climate there. July and August are the hottest, driest months. Traditionally, many businesses would shut down in August, and Romans would leave the sweltering city to vacation somewhere cooler."
Erik Lehnsherr smiled at the elegant woman across from him, who wore a fitted black evening gown. Her hair was swept up, revealing her slender neck and a pair of lustrous pearl earrings.
Magda had the tall figure and sunny temperament typical of an Italian beauty. Compared with the open enthusiasm of American girls, her elegance and intelligence appealed more to a charming rogue like Erik.
"Tell me about yourself, Erik—the most popular professor among the female students at New York University."
She expertly worked on the lobster's claws, shifting the conversation away from herself. Now and then, her sparkling eyes met those of the handsome, debonair man across from her.
The restaurant, called London Lannis, had opened in Queens only a few years ago, but its authentic French seafood had quickly become a hit in New York. Reservations were often booked a week in advance.
"I wouldn't go that far."
Erik smiled and shook his head. He tasted a little of the Romanee-Conti the waiter had just poured, barely enough to cover the bottom of the glass, then indicated that he had chosen the bottle.
"Professor, if you're talking about popularity, those two qualifications fit Professor Charles Xavier from the genetics department much better."
"But I've never seen a physics professor bring a whole group of female students to visit the dull 'Manhattan Project' exhibit. There have always been very few women in physics."
Miss Magda gave Erik a gentle sidelong glance, seemingly a little bothered by all the women surrounding him.
"But you're here, aren't you, Magda? I never expected to meet such a beautiful