Chapter Three

As Lydia waited for her lunch to arrive, she suddenly felt the need to use the restroom. Turning to Betty, she said, “I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be back.”

“Okay, just hurry back! I can’t wait for you to try the main course,” Betty replied, her eyes glued to her phone.

Lydia stood up from the table, scanning the restaurant for signs pointing to the restroom. As she walked forward, she realized she wasn’t quite sure where to go. Just as she was about to ask a passing server, her eyes caught sight of a wide-open door leading to a private area of the restaurant. Curiosity piqued, she stepped closer.

Inside, a group of well-dressed people chatted animatedly, laughter echoing in the air. But what truly captivated Lydia’s attention was the gentleman sitting at the center of the gathering. He exuded an imposing and commanding presence, effortlessly drawing the gaze of those around him. His tailored suit fit perfectly, accentuating his confident stance, but it was the relaxed demeanor and the warm smile on his face that truly mesmerized her.

For a moment, she felt as though time had paused. There was something strangely familiar about him, a sense of recognition that sent her heart racing. She found herself unable to look away, lost in the charm of his presence.

Just then, Lydia’s distraction led to an unfortunate collision. She bumped right into a waiter who was carrying a tray laden with exquisite dishes.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, stepping back quickly to regain her composure.

The waiter managed a smile despite the minor mishap. “No harm done, miss,” he said, carefully balancing the tray. “Just be mindful of your surroundings.”

Flushed with embarrassment, Lydia nodded. “Right, I’ll be more careful. Thank you!”

As she turned to leave, her eyes were drawn back to the gentleman. He had noticed the commotion and was now looking directly at her, but a confused and shocked expression adorned the gentleman’s face as he stared at her, and for a brief moment, Lydia felt a rush of vulnerability wash over her. She had expected intrigue or perhaps a friendly smile, but instead, he looked as if he had seen a ghost.

The unexpected reaction sent a jolt of anxiety through her. Without thinking, Lydia turned on her heels and dashed away, her heart racing as she hurried toward the restroom. She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment, the memory of their eye contact replaying in her mind. What had just happened? Why had he looked at her that way?

Inside the restroom, she took a moment to compose herself, splashing cold water on her face to cool the heat rising from her embarrassment. She glanced at her reflection, trying to shake off the confusion. “Get it together, Lydia,” she muttered to herself, taking a deep breath.

After ensuring her hair was neat and her makeup still intact, she stepped out of the restroom, hoping to put the encounter behind her. As she walked back toward the dining area, she couldn’t help but steal a glance in the direction of the private room. The gentleman was still there, and though the crowd surrounded him, she could feel his gaze drift back toward her.

Lydia quickly averted her eyes and returned to her table, trying to focus on the conversation with Betty. “Sorry about that!” she said, forcing a smile as she slid back into her seat.

Betty looked up, concern etched on her face. “Everything okay? You look a little flushed.”

“Yeah, just a bit of a mishap,” Lydia replied, trying to brush it off. “But I’m good. What did I miss?”

Before Betty could respond, their lunches arrived, and the enticing aroma filled the air, drawing Lydia’s attention away from her earlier embarrassment. As they both dug into their meals, she tried to shake off the lingering thoughts of the man in the private room, but she couldn’t help but wonder who he was and why he had looked so surprised to see her.

~

Scott stood up from the table, feeling a surge of urgency. “Ladies, I really enjoyed the dinner, but I have something to take care of,” he said, forcing a smile as he gestured to the group. “I’ll call you later.” He waved goodbye, turning away from the laughter and conversation, but his mind was still clouded with thoughts of the woman he had just seen.

As he walked toward the exit, his heart raced, the image of her face lingering in his thoughts. But just as he reached the door, he caught sight of her figure again, and everything around him seemed to fade into the background. There she was, sitting just outside the private room but a little far away, her laughter ringing out like music.

Beside her was another woman, likely her friend, and they were both animatedly chatting. The way she threw her head back, laughing freely, struck a chord deep within him. It was her smile—bright, genuine, and utterly captivating—that shocked him to the core. It was the same smile that had once lit up his world and then haunted his memories.

“Is that really you?” he thought, his breath catching in his throat. He stood frozen, unable to move, as a wave of nostalgia washed over him. For a moment, it felt like time had stopped, and the chaos of the restaurant faded away. The only thing that mattered was the woman before him, the one who bore such an uncanny resemblance to his past.

The realization hit him harder than he expected: this wasn’t just a random encounter. She was here, in the same place, at the same time, and she looked just as vibrant and alive as he remembered. Scott’s heart raced, a mix of confusion and longing battling within him.

He took a step forward, caught between the urge to call out to her and the fear of what that might mean. Would she recognize him? Did she remember him? As he stood there, indecision clawing at his chest, he watched her smile, feeling an inexplicable pull toward her.

But before he could gather his thoughts, Lydia glanced his way, her laughter momentarily silencing as their eyes met once more. For a heartbeat, the world around them disappeared, and all that remained was the intensity of their connection. He could see surprise flicker across her features, and he felt an overwhelming need to close the distance, to find out if this was merely a coincidence or something more profound.

However, the moment passed as she quickly turned back to her friend, breaking their gaze and making him feel the distance between them once more. Scott’s heart sank, the uncertainty weighing heavily on him. He couldn’t just stand there; he had to make a choice. Taking a deep breath, he decided to approach her, ready to confront the past that had suddenly come crashing back into his life.

Scott’s determination solidified as he stepped forward, each stride bringing him closer to Lydia and her friend. The laughter around him faded into a dull murmur, and all he could focus on was the woman who resembled his ex-girlfriend—the woman who had stirred feelings he thought he had buried long ago.

“Excuse me,” he said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. Lydia turned to him, her expression shifting from surprise to recognition as she took in his presence.

“Hi,” he continued, his heart racing. “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. You look… familiar.”

Lydia’s brow furrowed slightly, her surprise mingling with curiosity. “I’m sorry, have we met?” she asked, a hint of cautious confusion in her tone.

Scott took a breath, trying to steady himself. “Not exactly, but you remind me of someone… someone I knew a long time ago.” He could see her processing his words, trying to make sense of what he was saying.

“Oh,” she replied, a mix of intrigue and hesitation in her eyes. “That’s… interesting.”

Her friend, sensing the tension, smiled warmly and said, “I’m Betty, by the way. Are you a friend of Lydia’s?”

“Not yet, but I hope to be,” Scott replied, shooting a quick smile at Lydia. “I’m Scott. Just thought I’d come over and introduce myself.”

Lydia glanced at Betty, who raised an eyebrow playfully, then back at Scott. “So, are you in town for business or pleasure?” she asked, her tone lightening as she tried to ease the tension.

“A bit of both, I suppose. But I’m also live in New York and just wrapped up some meetings, and now I’m here enjoying a lunchtime out,” he said, gesturing to the restaurant around them. “But I wasn’t expecting to run into someone who looks so much like… well, you know.”

Lydia nodded slowly, her expression softening. “I get that a lot, actually. People say I have one of those faces.”

Scott chuckled, the ice between them beginning to thaw. “Well, it’s definitely a memorable one,” he said, feeling more relaxed. “If you don’t mind me saying, it’s nice to see a face that reminds me of happier times.”

She smiled, and he felt a warmth spreading through him. “Thank you,” she replied, her tone more genuine now. “I guess we all have our ghosts.”

“Yeah,” Scott said, meeting her gaze. “Sometimes those ghosts have a way of finding us again.”

Their connection felt electric, and he was acutely aware of the chemistry crackling in the air between them. Lydia’s friend, Betty, watched the exchange with an approving grin, clearly enjoying the moment.

“Hey, how about we join you for dessert?” Betty suggested, breaking the spell. “Scott here might have some interesting stories to share.”

“I’d like that,” Scott said, his heart racing at the prospect of spending more time with Lydia. “If you don’t mind, that is.”

Lydia’s smile widened, and a spark of excitement flickered in her eyes. “I’d love that too. I mean, why not? We were just about to indulge in some sweets, right?”

As they moved toward the table, Scott felt a surge of hope. Maybe this unexpected encounter was the beginning of something new. Maybe it was fate’s way of giving him a second chance—not just to reconnect with the past but to explore what could be with Lydia.

As they settled back at the table, Scott couldn’t shake the feeling that he was standing at the edge of a new chapter, one that could lead to unexpected adventures and perhaps even love. He was ready to take that leap, whatever it may bring.

As they all settled back at the table, the lively atmosphere of the restaurant enveloped them once more. Lydia felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as Scott took a seat across from her. It was surreal, sharing a table with someone who seemed to pull her in like a magnet while also stirring echoes of her past.

“So, what kind of stories do you have, Scott?” Betty prompted with a teasing smile, clearly eager to stir the pot.

Scott chuckled, glancing at Lydia. “Well, I could tell you about my recent adventures in the corporate world, but I doubt that’s as interesting as what you two have been up to. I saw you rush in here like you were late for a grand event.”

Lydia laughed, the sound light and carefree. “You have no idea! I practically sprinted through the city this morning after oversleeping. I was half ready when I left my apartment.”

Scott raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “I can relate. Mornings are not my best friend either. But you made it just in time for a fabulous lunch, I see.”

“True,” Lydia replied, her smile widening. “And I’m glad I did, or else I wouldn’t have had the chance to run into you.”

“Or you might have been stuck on a blind date,” Scott said, an amused glint in his eyes.

Lydia grimaced playfully. “Let’s not go there. My mom thinks I should be dating all the time. She set me up with one of her friend’s sons last week. It was a disaster!”

“Oh no, what happened?” Scott asked, genuinely curious.

“Let’s just say he spent more time talking about his mother’s recipe for lasagna than getting to know me,” she explained, rolling her eyes dramatically. “I thought I’d never make it through the meal.”

Scott laughed, and in that moment, the connection between them deepened. “Sounds like a good reason to ditch the dating scene. I’d much rather be here with you and your friend, enjoying dessert and real conversation.”

Betty chimed in, “Well, I think we should definitely indulge in dessert. It’s the best part of any meal!”

“I’m all for that,” Scott agreed, glancing at the dessert menu that had been placed on the table. “What do you recommend?”

Lydia leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “The chocolate lava cake is divine, and the panna cotta is heavenly. You can’t go wrong with either.”

Scott smiled, feeling a warmth spreading through him as he watched her enthusiasm. “Then it’s settled. We’ll have one of each to share,” he declared, feeling a sense of ease that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

As they placed their order, Lydia caught Scott’s gaze, and for a moment, the laughter and chatter of the restaurant faded into the background. “So, what brings you to New York?” she asked, her voice softening.

Scott hesitated for a moment, considering how much to share. “Work, mainly. I’ve got some big projects going on with my company, but I guess you could say I also wanted to shake things up a bit. I needed a change of scenery.”

Lydia nodded, understanding that feeling all too well. “I get that. Sometimes life can feel too routine, and a little adventure is necessary.”

“I’ve always believed that,” he replied, his voice steady. “It’s the unexpected moments that often lead to the best memories.”

Their desserts arrived, the rich scents wafting from the plates. Scott took a bite of the lava cake, and his eyes lit up. “Wow, this is incredible! You weren’t kidding.”

Lydia grinned, happy to see his reaction. “Told you! This place knows how to do dessert right.”

They continued sharing bites and laughter, swapping stories about their lives and dreams. Scott felt a sense of ease around Lydia that was both thrilling and disarming. It was as if they had known each other far longer than just a few hours.

Scott couldn’t help but chuckle as he recalled the moment he had seen Lydia bumping into the waiter earlier. “I have to admit, I saw you bumping into a waiter and then dash away in embarrassment. It was quite the sight!” he said, a playful grin spreading across his face.

Lydia’s cheeks flushed a light pink, and she laughed, shaking her head in mock dismay. “Oh, god, I can’t believe you saw that! It was so embarrassing. I was just trying to find the bathroom, and I didn’t mean to cause a scene.”

Scott leaned forward, his expression teasing. “It was hard not to notice. You looked like you were running from a crime scene or something!”

She laughed, a genuine sound that made his heart flutter. “Well, it felt like it at the time! I really thought I was going to trip over my own feet and end up flat on the floor. I definitely wasn’t planning on making an entrance like that.”

“Not the kind of entrance you hoped for, huh?” Scott replied, still grinning. “But it did give me an excuse to come over and talk to you, so I guess it worked out in the end.”

“True,” Lydia admitted, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “If I hadn’t run away like a deer caught in headlights, we might not be having this conversation right now.”

“And what a conversation it’s been,” he said, his tone shifting slightly to a more sincere note. “Honestly, I’m glad you did. You’ve made this afternoon a lot more enjoyable than I expected.”

Lydia met his gaze, her smile softening as the moment turned more intimate. “I’m glad too. I was a little nervous about dinner with my friend, but now I feel like I’ve made a new one.”

The warmth of their exchange wrapped around them like a comforting blanket, and Scott felt a sense of connection that went beyond the surface. “I think we both needed a break from our routines,” he said, feeling more comfortable opening up. “Sometimes you just stumble into the right people when you least expect it.”

“Exactly! Like fate decided to intervene on a random Tuesday night,” Lydia replied, her laughter light and infectious. “And here we are, two strangers who could have just passed by each other.”

As they continued to share laughter and stories, Scott realized how much he was enjoying this moment. Lydia’s vibrant energy reminded him of what he had been missing for so long—real connection, authenticity, and a spark that made everything feel alive.

“I have to admit,” he said, leaning in conspiratorially, “I was actually going to leave before dessert. I had another obligation, but now…” He paused, a playful glint in his eye. “I’m glad I stayed.”

Lydia’s expression brightened, and she tilted her head, clearly intrigued. “Oh? What changed your mind?”

“Honestly? You did,” he said, his tone earnest. “I didn’t expect to feel this comfortable with someone I just met. It feels good to just be… here.”

Her smile widened, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. Scott felt as if they were the only two people in the room, and the connection they were building felt powerful.

“Here’s to unexpected encounters and embarrassing moments that lead to something amazing,” Lydia said, raising her glass.

Scott clinked his glass against hers, feeling a rush of hope. “To new beginnings,” he replied, savoring the moment. And as they both took a sip, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the start of something special.

Betty jumped in with a playful pout, her eyes dancing with mischief. “What about me? Now I feel like I’m the third wheel here!”

Lydia turned to her friend, laughter bubbling up. “Oh come on, Betty! You’re the one who wanted to set us up with dessert, remember?”

Scott chuckled, appreciating the lighthearted dynamic between the two friends. “Exactly! I was just thinking how great it is to have you here to keep things balanced,” he said, shooting Betty a warm smile. “You make a fantastic wingwoman.”

Betty feigned surprise, putting her hand over her heart. “A wingwoman, you say? Well, I do pride myself on my matchmaking skills!” She winked at Lydia. “But seriously, I love seeing you two hit it off. Just promise you won’t forget about me when you’re planning your next romantic outing!”

“Never!” Lydia replied, her expression turning mock serious. “You’re stuck with me, remember? Friends for life.”

Scott couldn’t help but smile at the friendship they shared. “Looks like I’m in good company, then,” he said. “It’s always great to have a supportive friend around, especially when things get a little too intense.”

Betty leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a playful smirk. “Intense? I wouldn’t say it’s intense yet! But I’m all for a little drama if it means more dessert later.”

Lydia rolled her eyes, but her grin betrayed her. “Alright, alright, I’ll keep the drama at bay for now.”

“Good call,” Scott chimed in, feeling grateful for the ease in their conversation. “We wouldn’t want to scare away any potential dessert companions.”

Betty laughed, raising her glass again. “Cheers to that! And to the unexpected connections that make life exciting.”

As their glasses clinked together once more, Scott felt a sense of warmth enveloping him. The evening had taken a turn he hadn’t anticipated, and he was grateful for the spontaneity of it all. He glanced at Lydia, who was now smiling brightly at her friend, and felt a growing desire to explore this connection further.

“So, what’s next on the agenda after dessert?” he asked, turning his attention back to them. “More thrilling stories about embarrassing moments? Or are we planning a group outing to recreate that epic waiter encounter?”

Betty laughed, her eyes sparkling. As she tried to say something, Lydia interrupt and glanced at her watch, panic washed over her. “Oh my god, we’re late!” she exclaimed, her voice rising in urgency. She quickly stood up from the table, her heart racing. “We’ve got to go, Betty!”

She reached across the table and grabbed Betty’s hand, pulling her up. “Scott, it was really nice meeting you. We need to get back to work before we get in trouble,” Lydia said, a flustered smile on her face.

Scott watched as they scrambled to gather their things, an amused expression on his face. “No problem! I hope you both survive the rest of your shifts,” he called after them, trying to suppress a grin.

Lydia and Betty rushed toward the exit, chatting animatedly as they navigated through the bustling restaurant. But in her haste, Lydia barely noticed a man dressed in a sharply tailored suit standing right in her path.

“Oh, excuse me!” she exclaimed as she darted to the side, narrowly avoiding a collision. She didn’t even stop to look back, her focus solely on making it out the door.

The man, surprised but quick on his feet, raised an eyebrow as he watched her rush past. “No worries,” he replied, his tone smooth. But Lydia was already moving on, her heart racing from the sudden close call and the ticking clock in her mind.

Once outside, Lydia took a deep breath, feeling the cool air wash over her. “That was a close one!” she laughed, glancing at Betty, who was just as breathless from the sudden rush.

“Tell me about it! You almost took that guy out,” Betty joked, nudging Lydia playfully. “But hey, at least we’re off the hook for now.”

Lydia grinned, but a part of her felt a little bad about the abrupt exit. “I hope Scott didn’t think we were too rude,” she said, glancing back at the restaurant.

“Nah, he seemed cool about it,” Betty replied, waving her hand dismissively. “And you know what? You two definitely had a spark. Maybe you’ll run into him again.”

Lydia felt her cheeks warm at the thought. “Maybe,” she said, a hopeful smile creeping onto her face. As they crossed the street walking towards the department store, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this day had turned out to be far more interesting than she had anticipated.

Meanwhile, Scott sat back at his table, feeling a mix of disappointment and excitement as he watched Lydia rush away. The brief encounter had ignited something in him, and he found himself wanting to know more about her.

With a sigh, he reached for his phone and thought about sending her a message but remember he didn’t get her number. He was so disappointed but maybe if fate has destined them to see each other, they could meet again. As he contemplated the possibilities, he couldn’t shake the feeling that their paths were meant to cross again.