Torrid Affair | LT ✔️

Chapter Eighteen: Surreal

A/N: After several times forgetting I finally remembered to post a pic of "Josh" so that's him above. Now, emotions may run at an all-time high with this chapter so please be prepared. 

AUTHOR'S POV

Laurent drives along the smooth gravel as he follows Josh to another restaurant. He's starting to regret that he didn't allow Josh to come and pick him up because the current state he's in seeing Larry smiling and happy with Todd is becoming too much for his psyche with each minute he drives and every turn he takes. He tries his best to keep his focus so nothing bad will happen but...it's hard to envision that wide smile of Larry being directed at someone else even though Larry seems genuinely happy. Laurent then remembers when he made Larry smile like that. Now, someone else is and although he can't see the person sitting across from Larry in that restaurant he's certain it's the same someone who Larry said made him feel better and was there for him. It's in that moment Laurent realizes that no matter how much he tried to make things better apparently he wasn't making Larry happy at all and he's now with someone who can...and is doing a great job at it for Larry looked very happy. Although it's still strange and somewhat hard to believe being that it wasn't that long ago Larry was sending him love packages and trying to get Laurent to talk to him so he thought maybe this happiness that Larry is giving off isn't him really being happy. Perhaps it's a cover up...but all Laurent has to be reminded of is the way Larry looked at Todd as he smiled and laughed at him. The look on his face was dreamy and that of someone who if he isn't in love yet he's damn sure on his way. That, is the nail in the coffin for Laurent so he now has to put his full attention on Josh who admittedly he's been having a great time with lately. Speaking of Josh, he turns into the parking lot of another Italian restaurant and Laurent smiles to himself because even though they won't be dining at La Massara Josh clearly has a craving for Italian food and he's determined to get it. That only reminds him of how he was when they were together previously. Josh has always been a determined person and that's one of his qualities that Laurent has always loved about him. Putting his thoughts of Larry to the side he parks next to Josh, turns off the engine then once out of his car they walk in together... 

Laurent: *smile* "You must really have a taste for something".

Josh: *smile* "Well besides you, I do". *pause* "But I'm curious. Why did you want to leave the other restaurant"?

Josh isn't aware of Laurent and Larry's marriage and their divorce. He doesn't even know that Larry is the reason he and Laurent never made it...but now is not the time to bring it up so he makes something up...

Laurent: "It was just too many people there and I don't like it when restaurants are too busy". 

Josh: "Yeah it was a little crowded so I understand. This place is just as good and looking around the parking lot it doesn't seem too busy so we can enjoy it more". *pause* "Just like our last date". *smile and wink* 

Laurent smiles back then they go inside to enjoy what's for sure to be a wonderful Italian cuisine according to Josh. They're seated quickly and their server comes over to take their drink orders rather quickly as well. Josh definitely has an appetite as he places an order for a few appetizers that include tomato basil bruschetta, a caprese salad and fried ravioli. All this before the main course. Laurent chuckles at what a glutton he is...but also finding it incredibly adorable because Josh is being completely himself and that's what he's always appreciated. Now as they sip on their drinks they're also observing the menu. Laurent being a creature of habit is tempted to order steak and shrimp as always but this time he wants to step outside of his comfort zone and try something different. Only he's unsure what. Then...