Chapter 819 Reunion
After their date at the gallery, Lucy and Tom had decided to see a movie together at the cinema within the mall where the gallery was located, before going to have dinner.
Seated in the cinema, the dim glow of the movie screen faded to black, and the credits rolled.
As everyone trooped out, Lucy leaned against Tom's shoulder with one hand covering her face so that no one would see her.
Tom chuckled, his hand finding hers under the armrest. The popcorn bucket sat between them, half-empty, a testament to their stolen moments of sneak-kisses and whispered jokes during the film.
"Everyone has left. We should go now, unless you want to see another movie," Tom said and Lucy looked around before smiling at him.
"Should we see it again? I loved every bit of it," Lucy said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I guess that was why you kept jumping and yelling at the characters? So unlike you to exhibit such behavior," Tom said in amusement as he rose and pulled her up.
"No one knew it was me. The hall was dark and no one could see my face. And just to be extra sure I covered my face," she said with a grin.
"But everyone saw my face. So, they know I'm dating a loud lady. Whenever they see me again and you're with me, they will know you are the one," he pointed out.
"Or they will assume you dumped that loud lady for this dignified me," she said and Tom chuckled.
"So, this is the way you act when no one is watching?" He asked, his tone teasing.
"Only in front of you," she assured him with a wink and they both laughed as they exited the cinema.
The cool night air washed over them as they stepped out of the mall. Streetlights cast a warm glow, illuminating the bustling city life.
"So? Where are we having dinner?" Lucy asked, and Tom pointed ahead of them.
"There is a nice Italian restaurant up front. Let's go have dinner there," Tom said and hand in hand, they walked, their steps in sync as they talked about their favorite parts of the movie while Tom teased Lucy about her jump at the unexpected plot twist.
They reached the cozy Italian restaurant tucked away on a side street. The aroma of garlic and basil teased their senses, inviting them in.
Inside the restaurant, the atmosphere was a soothing symphony of low murmurs, clinking cutlery, and the soft jazz playing in the background. The red-checkered tablecloths and candlelit ambiance created an intimate atmosphere. Lucy and Tom took the seat by a window, overlooking the bustling street.
"How did you know of a homely place like this?" Lucy asked as she picked up the menu.
"Don't tell me you brought a lady here in the past," she said with narrowed eyes before Tom could respond.
Tom chuckled, "Is that the best you can think of?" He asked with a shake of his head.
"This used to be one of my favorite spots before I-Global became what it is now. Harry and I lived not far from here," Tom said and Lucy looked at him with interest.
"You know, I've never really thought of you as not this wealthy CEO. I mean, I've thought of you as my driver and stuff," she said with a grin, "but I mean I've never thought about your life before I-Global became what it is now," Lucy said thoughtfully.
"I guess that's one of the reasons I wanted us to come here. I wanted to show you this part of my life. Although a lot has changed around here now," Tom said and Lucy raised a brow.
"One of the reasons?"
"Of course. There are many reasons. I wanted you to have fun. I wanted you to relax. The list goes on," Tom said and Lucy nodded as she glanced at the menu.
As she perused the menu, Lucy glanced at Tom and noticed the smile playing on his lips as he watched her and she arched a brow, "What's making you smile?" She asked, her lips curving in a smile.
"Did you really have to say that earlier?" Tom asked with a chuckle.
"Say what?" she asked playfully, though she knew exactly what he was referring to.
"Say I'm the love of your life in front of everyone," Tom said with a somewhat shy smile that amused her.
"Well, you are, aren't you?" Lucy countered, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, and her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Yes, I am. But…."
"There are no buts, love. You are mine and I wanted everyone to know. I thought we were done with that. If you keep talking about it, I just might make the announcement here too," she threatened with a grin and Tom chuckled.
"What if I beat you to it? Are you sure you want to keep this up?" Tom asked and Lucy giggled.
"Why did you look so flustered back there anyway? That was so unlike you," Lucy said and Tom laughed.
"What you did was totally unexpected," Tom said as he signalled to a waiter to serve them.
"Well, you should start getting used to it," Lucy said and Tom smiled before turning to the waiter.
While they waited for their orders, they conversed. Lucy told Tom about the visit to Mia and what Mia had said about the doctor being on her husband's payroll and she talked about how the apartment had brought back memories.
Their orders were served and as they ate, they shared stories from their past, their conversation flowing effortlessly.
Their laughter mingled with the soft clinking of glasses as they toasted to their unexpected turn of events and all that had brought them to this point.
Halfway through their meal a voice cut through their intimate conversation. "Lucy? Is that really you?"
Startled, Lucy turned around to see a blonde lady with a familiar smile and her eyes widened in surprise.
There, standing beside their table, was Chloe, her high school classmate, a vibrant smile etching her face.
"Chloe! Oh my god, it's been ages!" Lucy exclaimed, genuine surprise tinged with warmth as she jumped up to hug her former class mate.
Years seemed to melt away as they embraced, exchanging excited greetings.
"We were just about to leave and I saw you," Chloe said excitedly. "It's been, what, six years?"
"Seven," Lucy corrected, and time seemed to rewind, bringing a flood of memories.
Lucy remembered Chloe as the witty, popular girl who always had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. They weren't very close friends since Sonia was more than enough friend for one person to handle, but they had all been cheerleaders and Chloe had been the captain.
"What are you doing here?" Chloe asked and Lucy raised a brow.
"Does it look like I'm grocery shopping? Of course I'm having dinner," Lucy said and they both laughed.
"Wow! You look gorgeous, Lu! You've always been a looker after all," Chloe said and Lucy grinned.
"You're one to talk. Did you take a look at yourself before stepping out? You look stunning," Lucy said dramatically.
"By the way, I saw the news about you some time ago. I was going to reach out but I didn't know how to. And I didn't want it to feel like I was doing so for gossip. How are you?" Chloe asked, concern coloring her wide brown eyes.
"Thanks. I'm very fine now," Lucy said with a bright smile, while Tom watched Lucy, loving how confident she looked and sounded.
"By the way, I saw news of Sony's wedding to Bryan Hank. I was over the moon. Kept telling my husband how we were all class mates. Speaking of my husband," she said, turning to look at the tall man with a friendly smile, who was standing behind her.
"Lucy, meet my husband, Noah Templeton. Noah, This is Lucinda Perry. I've mentioned her a couple of times, remember?" She asked and Lucy narrowed her eyes.
"I didn't know you were married. Congrats," Lucy said to her before looking at her husband, "What did she mention me for? Nothing bad I hope?" Lucy asked Noah who smiled at her.
"She has mentioned everyone from her high to me, and I don't even know who is who anymore. Are you the one that snatched your best friend's boyfriend?" He asked and Lucy shook her head immediately making Noah and Chloe laugh.
"Don't tease her," Chloe said as she elbowed his side.
"Then you're one of the good ones I guess," he said making Lucy laugh.
"It's such a relief to know that. It's nice meeting you," Lucy said and then turned to Tom.
"Meet the absolute love of my life, Thomas Hank. Babe, meet Chloe, our cheerleading captain," Lucy introduced with a proud smile and Tom rose.
"It's a delight to meet you," Chloe said as she shook Tom's hand and Noah did the same.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt your date this way. How about we exchange phone numbers so we can catch up later? I would totally love to catch up with you and Sony. And talking about catching up. Have you heard about the reunion coming up soon?" Chloe asked, and Lucy's stomach lurched.
"I haven't heard anything about it," she admitted hesitantly.
"Oh, well, you have to come. You haven't joined us in years, and it's been way too long. And guess what the theme is for this year's reunion? PROM!" Chloe exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.
Lucy hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face. "Actually, I don't think I…" she began, searching for the right words.
Before she could finish, Chloe cut in, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Oh, Lucy, you absolutely have to come! It's the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the good old days. You can bring the absolute love of your life with you as your official plus one. The more, the merrier, right?"
Seeing how Lucy's mood had changed, Tom's hand unconsciously reached for Lucy's in a silent gesture of support. Lucy, however, remained silent, caught in a web of conflicting emotions.
The thought of prom in her high school held a tinge of anxiety, yet Tom's encouraging hold on her hand offered a sense of grounding.
Seeing Lucy's hesitation, Chloe continued, "Come on, Lucy! We haven't seen you in ages. Sony has to come too. It will be so much fun with you both. And this time, no one has to hide to take alcohol since we are all of age. And maybe we can don our cheerleading uniform once again for old time sake," she said with a wink.
Lucy glanced at Tom, seeking his opinion. His expression was a mix of curiosity and understanding. He squeezed her hand gently, as if to say, "The decision is yours."
Taking a deep breath, Lucy knew she couldn't ignore the invitation entirely. "I'll… I'll think about it and see what I can do," she finally said, a hint of uncertainty lacing her voice.
Chloe beamed, her eyes sparkling with joy. "That's great! We will see you there then! I should have your number so I can add you to the class group and send you the details. And guess what? We will be voting for prom queen too. I totally think you should contest for it."
With that they exchanged phone numbers, and Chloe left with Noah, leaving Lucy and Tom alone at their table.
Tom watched Lucy closely as she picked up her wineglass and drank from it with a small frown between her brows and he reached for her hand.
"Does the idea of a reunion make you that nervous?" He asked as he intertwined their fingers.
Lucy shrugged, "Sort of."
"Even when you will be having a prom date as handsome as me?" He asked with a teasing smile and her lips twitched.
"It just brings back lots of bad memories," she said, remembering how Jamie had threatened all the guys who had asked her to go to prom with them and how she had been unable to make it to prom herself.
"Am I not hot enough to distract your mind from those bad memories? I mean, the major thing on your mind should be getting me out of my clothes as your prom date, shouldn't it?" Tom asked and Lucy grinned.
"I'm being serious," she said and Tom nodded.
"Me too," he said as he resumed eating even though the food was cool now.
As they ate in silence, Lucy thought about how funny it was that they met someone she knew in a place like this coincidentally and then she narrowed her eyes when something clicked in her brain.
Just few weeks ago she had been telling Tom how she had wanted to be prom queen, and all of a sudden her former classmate was showing up in a restaurant he had chosen, at the same time they were here, to tell her about a prom reunion.
"Tom?" Lucy called, and he smiled at her.
"Yes, baby," he said and Lucy giggled.
"I'm not dense, you know?" She asked and he looked at her innocently.
"What are you talking about?"
"Do you really expect me to believe that all of this is coincidence?" She asked, since she knew very well how he had played this same coincidence card the first time making her believe he was her neighbor and driver by coincidence.
"I don't understand what you're saying," he said and Lucy laughed softly.
"What did you do? Just how far did you go to pull this off? Why?" She asked, forgetting all about her anxiety about the reunion.
"I still don't know…." Tom laughed when she picked a vegetable from a plate and threw it at him.
"Alright. Fine. I will tell you," he said laughing and she looked at him with a soft smile.
"I just don't want you to ever miss out on anything. And I don't want you to only have bad memories about prom. Did you see the way you looked and sounded before she brought up the reunion? You were happy to see her. I've never seen you look that way. And you didn't seem like an introvert in any way. It was easier picturing the Lucy you told me about the last time on our way to your place in Heden. I'm sure you will be happy to see all your other classmates as well. I want to see you in your element. I want you to remember what you were like before it all happened. Do you think you can do that for me?" Tom asked and tears gathered in Lucy's eyes.
"How far did you go to arrange this? And just how many people did you pay? Did Sonia help?" She asked and Tom shook his head.
"No. I wanted to do it myself. I didn't do much. I only made a couple of phone calls. And trust me, there is no length I won't go and no amount of money I won't spend to make you happy. So? Will you go to the reunion and take me with you as your prom date?" He asked and she brushed her tear away as she bobbed her head.
"I can't let you go through all this stress and not go for it, can I?" She asked with a sniffle.
"You can. But I'm hoping you won't," Tom said and she smiled, her eyes sparkling with love for him.
"As long as you're going to be by my side, I will do it," she said and to Tom's surprise she rose and went around the table to his side and kissed him.
"You seem to love public displays of affection more than me these days," Tom said with a chuckle.
"What can I do when you keep sweeping me off my feet this way? Let's leave now before I'm tempted to make another announcement here," Lucy said and Tom chuckled as he rose.
"So, did you make up that story about frequenting here and living somewhere nearby in the good old days," she asked after Tom took care of the bills and they walked out.
"No. I didn't. I told you it was one of the reasons I brought you here, didn't I?" Tom asked as they walked down back to the mall where their car was parked.
"And meeting Chloe by coincidence was another?" She asked and Tom chuckled.
"I guess."
"I don't know what to do with you, Tom."
"Love me," Tom said and she grinned.
"If I love you any more than I already do, then my heart is going to burst or I'm going to go crazy and just keep screaming 'I love Thomas Hank' wherever I go. Is that what you want?" Lucy asked and Tom chuckled.
"I actually think you're crazy already," he said and she laughed.
"Yeah. I think so to."
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