A Twist Of Fate (PREVIOUSLY A Purple Garden)

Chapter 7

Walking into Buffalo Wild Wings behind Regan, Sydney looked around trying to see if there were any faces she recognized. However, on a Saturday night, it looked like most of the sports bar was populated by middle aged men.

"Our party already has a table," Regan quickly explained to the hostess at the entrance before making her way past the host podium and into the dining area.

"There they are," she said to Sydney as she gestured to a table in the center of the room. Regan lead the way through the crowded restaurant as Sydney followed close behind, careful not to accidentally bump into anyone.

A light haired boy on the end of the table Regan had taken them to stood to greet her, grinning from ear to ear. "Babe," he cooed as he stood up and hugged Regan, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. "We were wondering where you were."

"Yeah, I'm so sorry. I got stuck in some traffic," she explained. Sydney knew this was a lie but let her friend blame her poor time management on the driving of others. "But look who I found!" Regan added eagerly as she gestured to Sydney.

"You must be Sydney. I'm Tyler. I've heard a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you," Tyler greeted as he reached out a hand.

"Good things I hope," Sydney said with a polite smile as she shook his hand.

"All good things," he smiled. "So let me introduce you to the crew here." Gesturing to the boy sitting two seats down from him on his left, Sydney noticed his largely framed glasses and his short, dark curls that paired beautifully against his dark complexion. "This is Nash, Gavin's boyfriend. And this is Gavin," he explained as he pointed to the large guy sitting in the seat between Nash and Tyler. Gavin smiled to her as he rested comfortably with his arm draped over his boyfriend's shoulders. Nash offered a small smile and wave. 

Gavin. Sydney smiled politely, hiding her surprise. If she hadn't remembered Gavin from high school, she may have been intimidated by his size and strong stature. But she remembered the big ole teddy bear he was. He had always been a good guy. What a small world that he would be here?

"Hi, Gavin," Sydney said with a small wave.

"Sydney," he replied, matching her with a familiar tone and warm smile. Where Nash's smile was more polite, Gavin was truly beaming as he looked up at Sydney. She looked from Gavin to Nash and smiled. It was so nice seeing someone as pure as him happy with someone else who looked just as genuine and goodhearted as he was. 

"Gavin's my brother," Tyler continued.

"Small world," Sydney said, earning a confused look from Tyler. "We went to high school together."

"It is a small world, isn't it?" Gavin grinned as he shrugged. He seemed very amused.

"That it is," she agreed casually, trying not to read too much into Gavin's rather odd demeanor.

"And the guy sitting across from him went to the bathroom but he should be back in a minute-" he stopped as he looked past Sydney and smiled. "Oh, actually there he is."

She looked behind her, following Tyler's gaze and locking her eyes on the figure moving toward her. As she took in his full figure, she felt like time had froze. Suddenly, she was very aware of how hard her heart was beating in her chest. Gasping silently, her mouth opened in shock. Quickly, she tried to recompose herself, swallowing down the knot that had formed in her throat.

"That's Lucas Hudson. He's good friends with Gavin and myself."

As his steps brought him closer, Lucas's eyes seem to instantly find hers and she could have sworn his quick steps slowed for a brief beat in time as they're gazes met. Whether his composure had truly faltered or it was her imagination playing tricks on her, it didn't last long as he bounced back quickly, resuming his quick stride toward her. His lips turned into an amused smile. His eyes held hers as they lit up with that familiar warmth she had seen earlier in the day when she was reminiscing over that old picture.