"It's no trouble at all," Parker reassured her. "The only thing is, I'm not very familiar with the roads around Bangkok. If you don't mind, just tell me where you need to go, and I'll make sure you get there."
"Alright then," Lydia agreed, her smile widening.
"Let's head home for the night, then," Parker said. "You've got work tomorrow, and I don't want to cut into your rest."
"It's no trouble," Lydia replied with a shrug. "I usually stay up late anyway."
"That's probably why you're so petite," Parker teased.
"That's got nothing to do with it," Lydia laughed.
"Of course it does," Parker continued with a playful grin. "You eat so little and you're so tiny. I doubt I could ever fatten you up at this point." "Let's head home for the night, then," Parker said. "You've got work tomorrow, and I don't want to cut into your rest."
"It's no trouble," Lydia replied with a shrug. "I usually stay up late anyway."
"That's probably why you're so petite," Parker teased.
"That's got nothing to do with it," Lydia laughed.
"Of course it does," Parker continued with a playful grin. "You eat so little and you're so tiny. I doubt I could ever fatten you up at this point."
"Parker, don't tease me like that," Lydia said with a playful frown.
"I'm not teasing you," Parker replied, a hint of concern in his voice. "I'm just looking out for you. It wouldn't hurt if you gained a little more weight."
"Alright," Lydia agreed, smiling. "But if I end up gaining weight, you're going to be responsible for it."
"Let's hope you do gain some," Parker laughed. "In that case, wait here while I go get the car."
"Let's walk together," Lydia suggested.
As Lydia suggested walking together, she was jostled by someone rushing into the restaurant. Parker quickly grabbed her arm to steady her, his gaze darkening as he prepared to confront the inconsiderate individual. But Lydia, with a calm smile, stopped him.
"It's nothing, really," Lydia said reassuringly.
Parker's frown deepened. "People around here are so rushed and inconsiderate. They bump into others without even an apology. It's infuriating."
Lydia laughed softly. "I told you, it's fine. If we let every little incident bother us, we'll just end up frustrated. The person might not have even realized they bumped into me."
Parker sighed, his irritation fading as he looked at Lydia's serene expression. "Alright, let's go. You're right-there's no point in letting this ruin our evening."
"You're just like this, aren't you? Always making me worry, never standing up for yourself," Parker said with a hint of exasperation.
"How do you know I don't stand up for myself?" Lydia pouted playfully.
"Don't try to pretend," he said, gesturing at the stain on her shirt. "Otherwise, how would your shirt end up like this today?" Lydia sighed.
"Forget about it," she said with a shrug. "It's just a stain. At least it shows us someone's true nature."
"If there's anything wrong, you can always tell me."
"I'd rather not," Lydia replied with a teasing smile. "I'm afraid you'd end up in a fight with someone."
"Are you worried about me or about the other person?" Parker asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
"Well, I'm worried about you, Parker. I don't want you to get into trouble," Lydia admitted, her voice softening. "But now that I think about it, anyone who causes you trouble might be the one to worry about. Besides, I can handle my own issues. I've already troubled you enough."
"I've told you, you're not troubling me at all. You're just overthinking," Parker chuckled. "Come on then, let's head to the car together."
He gently took her small hand in his, the roughness of his palms contrasting with her soft skin. Lydia looked at him and smiled, feeling a warmth that was both comforting and reassuring.
"You're so sly, Parker," Lydia teased with a hint of exasperation.
"Sly? What are you talking about." he said, tightening his grip on her hand. "Is just holding hands enough to make you angry?"
Lydia was at a loss for words. She wasn't angry; in fact, she felt quite the opposite. It was strange-she usually didn't like men who were overly forward, but with Parker, it felt different. It wasn't the familiar feeling of being an aunt's niece from her childhood, nor did it make her feel uncomfortable. Instead, she let him hold her hand all the way to the car, feeling a sense of comfort she hadn't expected.
However, as they reached the car, a young man appeared. He was clearly intoxicated, his eyes bloodshot and his expression a mix of anger and exhaustion. Lydia was startled; she hadn't anticipated encountering someone like him. The man, once the epitome of sophistication, now looked like he hadn't slept in days.