As George's car pulled into his driveway, he turned to Marcus, his driver. "Marcus, can you park the car? I'll take her inside."
"Of course, sir," Marcus replied.
George gently gathered Lydia into his arms, careful not to wake her as she murmured softly in her sleep. The porch light illuminated Pearl, who was already waiting at the entrance, her expression a blend of worry and warmth.
"Bring her this way, Georgie," Pearl instructed, holding the door open and leading him toward the guest room she had meticulously prepared.
The house smelled of freshly baked apple pie and lavender. Pearl had gone out of her way to make Lydia comfortable, knowing how much she loved the familiar comforts of home. The bed was made with fresh sheets, and the pillows carried Lydia's favorite lavender scent.
As soon as George laid Lydia down on the bed, Pearl was at her side with a cup of steaming honey ginger tea.
"Wake her up gently," Pearl said, nudging Lydia's shoulder. "She needs to drink this before she sleeps off."
Lydia stirred, her eyes fluttering open, dazed. "Pearl?"
"Yes, sweetheart, it's me. Come on now, sip this. It'll make you feel better," Pearl coaxed, lifting the cup to Lydia's lips.
Lydia obediently sipped the warm liquid, grimacing slightly but continuing until Pearl was satisfied. Once finished, Pearl gently guided her back onto the pillows, tucking her in with the soft blanket she had draped over her arm.
George stood by the doorway, watching the scene, his heart tightening at how effortlessly Pearl slipped into a motherly role with Lydia.
Pearl turned to him with a mock-stern look. "Alright, Georgie, off you go. Let her sleep. She'll feel embarrassed if you hover around like a lost puppy."
George opened his mouth to protest, but Pearl's look silenced him. He gave Lydia one last glance..her cheeks flushed, her breathing steady, and reluctantly stepped out of the room.
"I'll be in the kitchen," he muttered.
"Good. You can help me with the pie," Pearl said, her tone softening as she gently closed the door behind her.
In the kitchen, the smell of apples and cinnamon wrapped around George like a comforting embrace. Pearl was already slicing into the freshly baked pie, placing a piece on a plate for him.
"I want her to feel at home, Georgie. It's been too long," Pearl said, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
George nodded, taking a seat at the counter, though his appetite was nowhere to be found. His thoughts were with Lydia, wondering how she'd feel come morning, once she realised she was in his home.
But another thought tugged at the back of his mind. Why had Leo called him tonight? Leo clearly liked Lydia; it was obvious in the way he lingered around her, the casual touches, the protective glances. George had seen it for weeks. So why would he be the one to call, asking George to come and pick her up? Was it selflessness? Or had Leo already figured out the truth about how George felt? It didn't add up. Leo wasn't just being polite, he had made a choice tonight.
Pearl placed the plate in front of him and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "She's safe. That's all that matters."
George smiled faintly, his heart full yet heavy.
Tonight, Lydia was home.
And that was enough.
He opened a new message and typed: "Thanks for calling me to come pick her up."
Leo's reply came almost instantly: "Take good care of her. If you don't, I'll take her from you."
George couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at his lips.
Leo was a good man. He was glad Lydia had him as a friend.
Later, as he sat alone in his room, George couldn't sleep. His mind wandered back to six years ago, when he had first shared his dream, of going to LA, with Chris. Chris was supportive, but he was also protective of his sister. He had set conditions for George on dating his sister. George was to leave without telling Lydia how he felt; confessing would only confuse her as he would leave her behind. Chris had also insisted that George remain single, stay out of scandals, and only consider asking Lydia out once she was in college. Staying single was easy. George only ever saw himself dating one girl..Lydia.
But two years ago, when George had finally made a name for himself, and Lydia was in college, he was ready to fulfill that promise. But by then, Lydia was with Jack. George had watched from a distance, his heart breaking, especially when she moved in with Jack. Chris had comforted him, but it was Pearl who had reassured him, telling him stories of how Lydia had loved him even when he was just a poor boy back in Illinois.
Still, doubt lingered. Lydia always seemed to avoid him. Even now, she was careful around him. That's why he couldn't push. She needed a friend more than anything, and he needed to build a friendship. He needed to become her closest friend.