After filming wrapped up for the day, the trio..Lydia, Kendra, and Leo piled into Leo's sleek black Range Rover. They were headed to Catch LA. Known for its celebrity clientele and rooftop views of the city skyline, it was the kind of place where paparazzi lingered outside and influencers vied for a table. Thankfully, Leo had made a reservation for a private booth, away from prying eyes.
The ride to the restaurant was a lively one. The radio played a steady stream of pop hits, and the car was filled with endless chatter and off-key singing. Lydia found herself laughing freely, the stress of the week momentarily forgotten as Leo belted out an exaggerated rendition, with Kendra dramatically harmonizing.
"You two are ridiculous," Lydia said between fits of laughter.
"Ridiculously talented," Leo corrected with a wink.
By the time they arrived at Catch LA, their spirits were high .A hostess led them to a private booth tucked away in a corner, dimly lit with a perfect view of the vibrant restaurant, but secluded enough to offer privacy.
"Good call on the booth, Leo," Kendra said, sliding into her seat.
"I figured we deserved a night where we can just be ourselves," Leo replied, his usual playful grin softening into something more genuine.
The conversation flowed easily as they ordered drinks and a spread of shared dishes. Leo opened up about his upbringing in LA, sharing stories of growing up in the shadow of his father, a retired actor, and his mother, a former model.
"I was basically born into this circus," Leo said with a chuckle. "But I didn't want to ride on their fame. It took me a while to get roles that didn't come with a side of 'Oh, you're so-and-so's kid.'"
Kendra followed, sharing tales of her childhood in Miami. She painted vivid pictures of sun-soaked beaches, chaotic family barbecues, and the struggle of moving to LA to pursue acting while balancing odd jobs.
Then, it was Lydia's turn.
She hesitated at first, swirling her drink slowly, but the warm, expectant smiles of her friends encouraged her.
"I grew up in Illinois," she began, her voice softening. "Small town. My brother Chris and George were best friends. George was..." she paused, a small smile tugging at her lips, "he was the quiet, broody type back then. Always hanging around Chris, barely sparing me a glance. And of course, I had the biggest crush on him."
Kendra leaned in, eyes wide. "Of course you did."
Lydia laughed. "He left when I was sixteen. I think he needed to make something of himself before he could come back. I waited, foolishly maybe, thinking he might come back and ask me out. But he never came back."
There was a brief silence at the table, filled with unspoken emotions.
"Sounds like he never really left you," Leo said, his tone softer now, no teasing, just understanding.
Lydia glanced down at her glass. "It took me a long time to get over it. But seeing him again... it just brought everything back."
The conversation shifted after that, lightning as more drinks came. Lydia, who wasn't much of a drinker, found herself indulging a little too much. Kendra wasn't far behind, and soon both girls were giggling at the smallest things, their laughter infectious.
Leo, however, stayed mostly sober, watching over them with a fond smile. He had noticed Lydia's affection for George long before tonight, but hearing her story only cemented what he already knew.
By the time dessert was served, Lydia was slumped against the booth, cheeks flushed, her head resting on Kendra's shoulder.
Leo checked his watch, then his phone. He knew it was time to call in reinforcements.
He stepped out of the booth and dialed George.
"Hey man, it's Leo. Yeah, sorry to bother you, but Lydia... she might need a ride home."
There was a pause, then George's calm but concerned voice filtered through. "Where are you?"
"Catch LA. We're in a private booth."
"I'm on my way."
Leo returned to the booth, finding Lydia now trying to sing along to the background music, terribly off-key.
"Alright, songbird, your ride is on the way," Leo said with a grin.
When George arrived, it was with his usual calm demeanor, though his eyes softened immediately upon seeing Lydia.
She stood, a little wobbly, and when she saw him, a bright smile spread across her face.
"Georgie!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.
George froze for a second, startled by the sudden affection, but quickly softened, hugging her back with one arm while using his other hand to discreetly cover both their faces from curious onlookers.
"Alright, Lydia, let's get you home," he murmured, his tone laced with amusement.
Without a second thought, George bent down, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. Lydia giggled, nestling against his chest as he carried her out.
Leo watched them go, a wistful smile on his face.
He liked Lydia. But after tonight, he knew his place, and he would gladly settle for being her friend. Because sometimes love is about doing what makes them happy, even if their happiness is with someone else.
That's why he called George to come pick her, because he was the one who had always been in the margins, waiting to be written back in. And Leo knew that. He had seen it in George's eyes.