WHEN THEY FALL IN LOVE

chapter:3

ANNABETH:

I arrived a little early, eager to see everyone and make sure everything was set. I checked in with a few friends through calls, confirming they were on their way. Lucas had already agreed to come, but I didn't want to call him again and risk sounding creepy. Once everyone arrived, a man in a sharp suit walked into the room, his hair neatly styled and his demeanor polished. Seline immediately joked that he was overdressed for a simple lunch. He laughed and admitted he had a business event to attend later that night. I couldn't help but exclaim that it was a coincidence—I had one too!As we settled into our lunch, the conversation flowed easily. I learned that my dad and his dad were actually business partners, which surprised me and made me feel a bit more connected to him. When he offered to pick me up from my house for the event, I felt a rush of excitement. I couldn't believe how lucky I was!I took a few pictures to post later, capturing the moment and the atmosphere. Throughout the meal, he was mostly quiet, but whenever Seline brought up some of his more embarrassing moments, I found it endearing. He would blush and laugh it off, and I thought it was cute how he didn't take himself too seriously.The lunch felt light and fun, and I appreciated the way he interacted with everyone, even if he was a bit reserved. As we wrapped up, I couldn't shake the feeling that this night might lead to something special. I left the restaurant feeling happy and looking forward to the event ahead.

LUCAS:

I entered the lunch with a mix of anticipation and nerves, knowing I had an appointment afterward. The atmosphere was lively, and I was eager to catch up with everyone. As I settled into my seat, I discovered that Annabeth and I were both attending the same event later tonight. I tried to keep my expression neutral, hiding my excitement as I offered to pick her up after she was ready. Would I be able to navigate tonight's event without her discovering my feelings? The idea of having to keep my emotions under wraps felt daunting, but I was determined to try.Throughout lunch, I focused on maintaining a light and friendly conversation, laughing along with the group while my mind was buzzing with thoughts of the evening ahead. Annabeth was effortlessly charming, her laughter contagious, and I found myself captivated by her presence. I watched her interact with others, admiring her confidence and the way she lit up the room.Seline kept the mood playful, teasing everyone and sharing funny anecdotes, which helped ease some of my tension. Yet, every time Annabeth looked my way, I felt a flutter of nerves. The pressure mounted, and I was acutely aware that I had to play my cards right.As the lunch went on, I took deep breaths to calm myself, reminding myself to keep things casual. I wanted to be supportive and friendly, but inside, I was battling a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn't shake the fear of her discovering how I truly felt, especially with her dad in the picture. I resolved to keep the evening focused on professional pleasantries, even though my heart was silently hoping for something more.With the lunch winding down, I glanced at the clock, reminding myself that I would soon be picking Annabeth up. The excitement of that thought mingled with my anxiety about the event. Would I manage to get through it without revealing my feelings? The stakes felt high, but as I looked at Annabeth one last time, I couldn't help but smile at the possibility of what the night might bring.