464- Real Drama

The lunch at Brander's went well where Ariel was the one who did most of the talking. 

George had been buried in work lately. Not only in work but in Anaya Jakes too, barely managing to make time for his childhood friend, but now, she was filling that space by talking about her friends and university.

Her voice bubbled up with excitement, every time she used to mention this specific handsome professor.

"You're quite popular among my friends. They think you have turned colder, more ruthless… You talk less… you smile rarely," she told him, swirling the last sip of wine in her glass before taking a slow sip. 

His tall frame was leaning back in his chair, all relaxed, staring at her lazily while holding a glass of wine in one hand. He studied her with an amused expression.

She wasn't wrong, he had changed over the years. His close ones could feel how mature he had gotten. The edge of quiet authority hadn't been there before.