Novel Storm
Chapter 78
Chapter 78 Excitement
The photographer's assistant looked utterly baffled, her face a mask of sheer disbelief.
Maurie had already approached Leah, grabbing her hand excitedly, his eyes almost shining with joy. "Leah... Is it really you? I thought I'd never see you again in this lifetime. It's incredible running into you here!"
Due to his excitement, his grip tightened around Leah's hand, making her squirm uncomfortably.
After struggling for a while but unable to break free, she said with a hint of exasperation, "Could you maybe let go of me first, then we talk?"
Looking at his hand tightly gripping Leah's wrist, Maurie realized this behavior was inappropriate. A hint of embarrassment appeared on his handsome face as he quickly withdrew his hand and apologized to Leah, "I'm sorry, I got too excited and lost control for a moment. My hand just acted on its own..."
Leah waved it off and smiled warmly, "It's okay. We haven't seen each other much since high school. It's nice to see you again."
Maurie's eyes lit up even more. "Really? I thought you'd have forgotten me by now."
"Haha!" Leah chuckled, "You were the school's basketball prodigy back in those days. How could I forget someone such a prominent figure like that?"
Maurie touched the back of his head and looked at Leah, who was so close now. He then reminisced about the past, and a hint of youthful embarrassment crossed his face. "You're beautiful and talented in music, chess, writing, and painting. You even excelled in all subjects. You were the true star of our high school. What even was I compared to you?"
As he said that, he stared at Leah momentarily, adding, "After all these years, you still look as stunning as ever. No, even more so."
Leah smiled, "All these years later, and you're still as charming with words."
"It's not just sweet talk. It's the truth," Maurie responded, glancing around. "It's a bit hectic here, with all these people around. Why don't we head to the nearby restaurant for a meal and catch up?"
Considering she had no pressing meetings that day, Leah decided it would be a good chance to discuss the ad campaign while reminiscing with Maurie. She agreed, "Sure, det's head to the restaurant nearby. I've eaten there before. The food is quite good."
"Whatever you say," Maurie said, following Leah closely behind. Anyone with an observant eye could see the affection in his eyes when he looked at Leah.
The photographer's assistant, who had spoken earlier, watched the scene and immediately felt embarrassed. She wished the ground could just swallow her whole.
She thought, "I hadn't expected LeahContent rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
to really know Maurie and for them to be close at that. Here I was, naively thinking Maurie was walking toward me, and I even called out to him..."
She was relieved Maurie hadn't noticed her earlier behavior because he was so engrossed with Leah now. Otherwise, she'd have died of embarrassment. Once they arrived at the restaurant, Maurie, ever the gentleman, pulled out a chair for Leah.
"Thank you," Leah said. Just as she sat in her chair, she noticed Maurie across from her, sliding the menu toward her.
He suggested, "Go ahead and order first, see if there's anything you fancy."
Leah casually picked two dishes, then handed the menu back. "I'm done, your turn."
Maurie then selected a few more dishes.
Seeing the dishes Maurie had chosen, Leah's eyes widened in surprise.
She wondered, "The dishes Maurie's choosing are all my favorites. Could it be we have the same taste?"