#adrian x lindsey.oo1

[lindseyxgallagher]

“As you should,” Lindsey replied cheekily. Her word was law. Adrian should know that by now. Lindsey inclined her head slightly in thanks as she settled herself into the chair. She was fully capable of taking care of herself — she’d been doing it her entire life in all the ways that counted — but she couldn’t deny that being cared for always caused a riot of emotions to erupt within her. Adrian was doing this because he’d been born and bred to be a gentleman, but Lindsey appreciated the gesture all the same.

“Oh please.” Lindsey couldn’t help the way she scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Everyone’s less interesting than you. Gabriel just happened to be better at pretending he wasn’t.” She’d been young enough to be starry eyed at her brother’s friend. He’d been charming and she’d been naive… and Adrian had been witness to it all as the other member of her brother’s group of friends. “And the latest one wasn’t even my choice. You know that.” That engagement, brief as it had been, had been the work of her parents. “I like to think I’m capable of choosing better nowadays.”

"I'm trusting your judgment on that," Adrian looked down and gave her a wink. Paxton could prove itself to be incredibly boring, but it'd be alright if he got to spend more time with Lindsey. This was probably the first time they lived in the same place in close to twenty years. He almost thought about pointing that out, but he didn't feel like it had been that long. He never did.

He pulled out Lindsey's chair first, then took his own seat. Her teasing rolled off Adrian's shoulder until she mentioned that he forgot her. Adrian unwrapped his silverware with a snort. "You? Forgettable? Not possible. It takes an interesting person to make all of that interesting -- the board rooms, the meetings, the chess games," he smiled. "Besides, if I recall, you tried to demote me awhile back with someone less interesting."

[lindseyxgallagher]

"I do have a way with words," Lindsey confirmed, a grin spreading across her face. She knew what travel meant to Adrian, what the idea of settling down -- even for a short period of time -- meant. So, she was honored that he'd chosen to join her in Paxton, even for a short while. "You'll see, this town is surprisingly unexpected."

She linked her arm through his even as the promise left her lips. "I don't know what it is about this place," she confessed. Paxton was a far cry from the places Lindsey tended to gravitate towards, but she could honestly say that she didn't hate it. "Well, it's business," she answered with a shrug. "Some of us don't have the freedom to go where ever our heart desires." Lindsey was teasing, of course. There was truly nothing forcing her to remain in this town. Not even Obsidian. "I imagine that my life hasn't been nearly exciting as yours. Just board rooms and meetings, really. I'd much rather hear about all the things you've been doing and the places you've been visiting. And all of the interesting people who've caused you to forget all about me."

"I think it's obvious the same goes for me -- wouldn't have came out here if anyone else asked me," Adrian grinned. It was the truth, too. He'd been perfectly happy traveling around Indonesia for the past year, enjoying the beautiful beaches and muggy heat. At least humidity meant moisture. Arizona's arid heat made him feel like his skin was just moments away from shriveling up into a raisin.

He put his arm out for her; just like old times. He vaguely remembered a cotillion ball they had to go to as kids. Now, whenever they entered a place it felt like tradition to walk in as a chain. "Of course, and while we wait for our food you should tell me what you've been up to; I know you like warm climates, but western living is new even for you."

[lindseyxgallagher]

Lindsey smoothed a hand down the front of her dress. She'd since removed the blazer she'd worn over the black sheath dress, effectively going from work chic to dinner chic. Still, it was a far cry from the fashions she'd donned while under her parents' thumb. Back then, Lindsey had had to carefully consider ever aspect of her look from her makeup to her shoes in the case that she was photographed. Now, she merely wore whatever made her feel powerful. The fact that that usually meant a red lipstick and high heel was not lost on her.

"Hello to you too, stranger," Lindsey greeted leaning into his embrace. Adrian towered over her, but she'd never had to consciously consider her safety while in his presence. It was a far cry from many of the men in their circles. "I have to say, my day is infinitely better whenever you're around." She offered him a smile, perhaps the first genuine one she'd given in months, and gestured towards the restaurant's interior. "Shall we?"

Starter for @lindseyxgallagher

Where: Anvil

When: Present

The last time Adrian saw Lindsey one-on-one she had an engagement ring on her hand and a fiancé in tow. Needless to say more than a couple of years passed, but he felt just as happy to see Lindsey's name on his caller ID some months back with a business proposal on her tongue. Now, things were coming to fruition.

Adrian happily let the hostess lead him through the dining area. He hadn't asked for a dress code, but it was somewhat obvious that he should have worn a tie. Faint orchestral music played on the speakers. Adrian could smell the smokey scent of cooked meat in the air and felt his mouth water. He was about to ask the hostess what was being made when he caught sight of the familiar curled end of Lindsey's short hair. Food forgotten, Adrian happily excused himself from the hostess -- he knew where he was going -- and went right up to his old friend. "You're always a sight for sore eyes," Adrian greeted, leaning down to loop his arm around her shoulders. He didn't care much for formality and handshakes.