After their brief conversation, George couldn't stop smiling.
He spent the rest of the day trying to stay focused, but even during filming, her face kept slipping into his thoughts.
By the time shooting wrapped, his good mood was impossible to hide, and as he stepped into the waiting car, he hummed softly to himself.
Marcus glanced at him through the rearview mirror, eyebrows raised. "Had a good day, sir?"
George leaned back in his seat, eyes still bright. "One of my best on set."
Marcus smiled, pulling out of the parking. "I'm happy for you, sir."
George chuckled quietly, gazing out at the evening sky as the car rolled into the city traffic. "Yeah," he murmured. "So am I."
The ride home was mostly silent.
Usually, George would scroll through scripts or respond to messages from his manager or assistant, but that evening his phone stayed untouched. His thoughts were miles away, caught between the woman he'd loved for years and the strange calm that had come over him just from hearing her speak again.
When the car turned up the quiet street that led to his house, he sat up a little straighter.
The iron gates opened smoothly, and Marcus parked in front of the entrance.
George smiled at him. "Thanks, Marcus. See you in the morning."
"Goodnight, sir." He replied.
George stepped out, the cool evening air brushing his face. Through the large kitchen windows, he saw the faint glow of warm light, and the familiar shadow of Pearl moving about. She wore her pink robe and apron, stirring something in a pot while music played from a small speaker.
"Smells amazing," he said as he entered the Kitchen.
Pearl glanced over her shoulder, smiling when she saw him. "Oh, you're home early. Did the director let you off easy today?"
"Something like that," he said, grinning as he walked over to kiss her cheek. "Need help?"
She took a long look at him, then finally replied. "Go freshen up. Dinner is almost ready."
He obeyed, retreating upstairs to his room. As he peeled off his jacket, he caught his reflection in the mirror..smiling, relaxed,and alive in a way he hadn't looked in while. He wasn't sure if it was because of seeing Lydia on set everyday, or the way she'd spoken to him that afternoon. She was guarded, yes, but genuine. For a fleeting moment, it had felt like they were just two normal people, not an actor and an extra, not a man carrying too many headlines behind his name.
Gorge showered quickly, trading the scent of stage dust and studio lights for clean cotton pajamas that his grandma bought him last Christmas.
When he finally came back downstairs, Pearl was setting the table, humming softly.
"Perfect timing," she said, sliding a steaming bowl of roasted vegetables into place. "Sit."
At first, they enjoyed thier dinner in silence, but Pearl noticed the way George couldn't stop smiling. She always noticed his mood.
"You're unusually happy tonight," she said as she poured some soup into his bowl. "Mind sharing what's making my grandson beam like a fool?or are you just happy I cooked?" She teased.
George grinned, stirring his spoon lazily. "It was a good day. I...I talked to Lydia today."
Pearl nearly dropped her spoon in excitement, but she played it cool. "Really now?"
"Yeah." He leaned back, smiling faintly. "It wasn't much, just a short conversation on set. But it stirred something in me, Grandma. I didn't think I could love her more, but after today…" He shook his head, almost shyly. "It's like my heart just expanded."
Pearl smirked. "Oh boy. That serious, huh?"
"Yeah." His tone softened, sounding a little sad. "She seems scared, though. Like she's trying to stay away from me. And I get it. My life isn't exactly normal. Every time I talk to someone, the world turns it into a headline. I hate that. I hate how noisy it all is. I just want to be able to openly talk to her grandma, even as a friend."
Pearl set her glass down gently. "You've built a big life, Georgie. Fame, money, and cameras, it's all fine and well. But none of that means much if you're not happy. If Lydia makes you happy, you better not let fear or pride get in the way."
He nodded, absorbing her words. "I don't want to scare her. She deserves peace. I just… I can't pretend she doesn't matter to me."
Pearl chuckled softly, slicing into her roast chicken. "Then don't pretend. Let her see who you are underneath all that noise."