The restaurant Chris picked was the kind of place that exuded quiet elegance. Tucked away in a less-busy corner of downtown Los Angeles, it was a stark contrast to the noisy, celebrity-filled hotspots. Here, the lighting was soft, the air smelled of freshly baked bread and herbs, and smooth jazz played in the background.
Chris arrived first, punctual as always. He greeted the host with his easy charm and was soon led to a corner booth by the window. From his seat, he could watch the world go by while waiting.
Lydia arrived a few minutes later, weaving through tables with a small, apologetic smile. She had kept it casual..denim shorts and an oversized T-shirt. It was the weekend after all, and she had thought it would be a simple dinner with Chris.
"There she is!" Chris called, standing up to give her a warm hug.
"Hey, Chris," Lydia smiled, settling into the booth across from him.
They slipped into conversation with ease, as if no time had passed. Chris talked about his latest construction projects back in Illinois, the challenges of managing teams, and his plans to expand the firm. Lydia shared bits about filming, her new friendship with Kendra, and how different life in L.A. felt compared to home.
"You know, you remind me a lot of me when I first started my business," Chris said, chuckling. "Full of fire but still figuring out where to direct it."
Lydia laughed. "I think I'm still in the 'figuring out' phase."
"Aren't we all?"
As they continued catching up, a familiar voice interrupted their conversation.
"Hey man, sorry I'm late. Traffic was a nightmare."
Lydia's heart skipped a beat.
George.
He stood by the table, casually dressed in a dark shirt and jeans, yet somehow still managing to look like he belonged on a magazine cover. His smile was relaxed as he reached out to clasp Chris' hand in a brief handshake.
"George?" Lydia said, her surprise evident.
"Hi, Lydia," he greeted, his tone softer when directed at her.
Chris motioned for George to sit. He slid into the booth next to Chris, directly across from Lydia. She suddenly became very aware of her outfit. Shorts and an oversized T-shirt? What was she thinking? Had she known George would be here, she would have made more of an effort. A dinner felt formal, personal, different from the brief exchanges on set.
She was surprised that Chris and George still kept in touch. George hadn't been at Chris' wedding, and Chris never spoke about him. It was a surprise, seeing them interact like old friends, as if no time had passed.
The two men quickly fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about old times. They talked about George's recent projects, the demands of being in the spotlight, and his attempts to keep his private life out of the tabloids. Lydia listened, occasionally adding a comment or two, but mostly observing.
When the conversation shifted to Pearl, Lydia's heart softened.
"Grandma's doing well," George said, glancing at Lydia. "She still talks about you, you know. Wonders why you haven't visited."
Lydia smiled, a tinge of guilt threading through her. "I've missed her."
"She'd love for you to come by. You know she still makes those lemon tarts you used to love."
Lydia's chest ached with nostalgia. Pearl had been a sanctuary for her during her teenage years. Even after George broke her heart, Pearl remained a constant, welcoming her into the family bakery with open arms. Lydia had spent many afternoons there, helping out.
"Maybe I will," she said softly.
Chris then segued into updates about his construction firm, sharing news about new projects and potential partnerships. He spoke with pride, and Lydia found herself admiring his dedication. Despite his success, Chris remained grounded, never losing sight of his goals.
As the waiter came to take their orders, Chris was quick to ensure Lydia didn't shy away.
"Order whatever you want, Lydia. In fact, get more. You always eat like a bird," he teased.
George chimed in, his tone playful yet sincere. "Seriously, Lydia, indulge a little. Consider it a break from ramen noodles."
Lydia rolled her eyes but smiled. They weren't wrong.
When their meals arrived, the conversation took a more personal turn. Chris, ever the older brother figure, asked about Lydia's living situation.
"How are you doing? Are you adjusting to L.A.? How's that little apartment of yours?"
Lydia shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's small but cozy. Quiet. I like it."
Chris wasn't done. "And being single?"
Lydia laughed, shaking her head. "Loving it, actually. I need to focus on myself right now. My career comes first."
Chris didn't miss the way George went quiet, his eyes momentarily dropping to his plate before recovering.
The rest of the dinner passed with stories of their shared past, light-hearted teasing, and laughter. Despite her initial awkwardness, Lydia found herself easing into the moment. There was a warmth in their dynamic, a familiarity that reminded her of home.
As they stood to leave, George lingered behind, waiting until Chris stepped outside to get the car.
"Hey," he began, his tone softer. "I know L.A. can feel... isolating."
Lydia looked up at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice.
He pulled a small card from his pocket, holding it out to her. "Grandma Pearl's number. She keeps asking about you. I thought... maybe you could use having family around."
Lydia hesitated, the gesture catching her off guard. She stared at the card, then slowly took out her phone and keyed in the number.
"Thanks, Georgie," she said quietly.
He smiled. "No pressure. Just... whenever you're ready."