Dreams Apart

Brown and the Rich

Years into the past

Maria and Diana walked into the restaurant with arms wrapped around each other. Diana went on and on about her photoshoot drama whilst Maria laughed so much that a knot stung her stomach.

"Mrs Miller and Brown." A waiter addressed them as soon as they stepped in. The restaurant wasn't occupied much, it wasn't easy access to eat there. It was clear that it was an exclusive restaurant dedicated to the rich.

Diana took a glance around the restaurant, making sure that this would be worthwhile. However, her eyes met a familiar individual. She squinted her eyes carefully, making sure that it was Mr Johnson that she had been seeing. He sat further away from where they stood, and he had a date across him.

"Now look at that." She pointed out to Maria, who traced her eyes to a male having a meal with a woman who looked... glum.

"Let's go say hi." Diana pulled Maria before she could ask who they were headed for. She would have known if Diana had said it was Mr Johnson, it'd probably take her a minute to gather the memory of a little girl who was said to be his daughter the time she had a meet and greet.

"Diana..." She whined, not wanting to interrupt the gentleman's date.

Their footsteps came to a halt when they stood before Mr Johnson and his wife, Lorraine.

"Mr and Mrs Johnson." Diana spoke, Mr Johnson didn't waste a second at standing and extending his hand in respect to Diana, whereas Lorraine sat there with weary eyes.

"What an honor to see you here, Miller." He smiled widely. He was a beautiful man, and even Maria knew that. He had dark hair that complimented well with his eyes. He was fairly tall with abs and forearms that contradicted his age. His olive-tanned skin was flawless aside from the wrinkles that grew at the corner of his lips when he smiled.

Mr Johnson's eyes fell on Maria, who glared at Diana for not introducing them. "Forgive my manners." She began.

"Maria Brown, writer and speaker. Aaron Johnson, architect and... millionaire." Diana gestured as she spoke then mouthed the 'million' to Maria, who shook her head in embarrassment of her friend with soft giggles to escape her lips. Mr Johnson watched Maria carefully. He couldn't help but feel intrigued by her.

She was beautiful, he was certain. There was a silence for a moment, him just staring at the married woman till his wife stood up to extend her hand as well. "Forgive his manners, I'm his wife, Lorraine Johnson." Maria politely took her hand and offered a smile.

They all sat down together, deciding to have dinner as 'friends'

"I'm quite stunned you are not aware of Maria, she's quite famous and your daughter is fond of her." Diana spoke shortly after they sat down.

Aaron couldn't help but feel embarrassed at how he didn't even know that her daughter read. "So I'm guessing you write children's books?" It was easy for him to take the conversation away from his daughter, he knew nothing about her so he didn't indulge.Lorraine scoffed at this, he was a pathetic husband but most of all, he was a pathetic dad.

"Oh yes, your daughter is adorable, by the way." Maria couldn't help but speak of the little girl. She was a sweet little thing.

"Remember when I told you that she showed up to Maria's meet and greet?" Diana asked Lorraine, who awkwardly began shuffling in her seat.