"Honestly, I am glad you turned out to be like this. I was always worried about you."
"Worried? Why?"
"You were too innocent and naive, I was worried how you would survive in this cruel world, but it seems you are doing very well"
Erica just smiled at him.
She then checked the time and asked him seriously, "When will you leave?"
"Are you for real?" Steve got angry with her.
"Umm, what? I am asking when you will leave, can't you answer a simple question?"
"We are meeting after so many years and you want me to leave. How rude are you?"
"Steve, I am sleepy, and I don't think I need to be formal with you."
"Oh that way you are right, don't be formal with me ever, I'll leave now then"
"Thank you"
"By the way we got distracted and I couldn't tell you why I am actually in Seattle."
"Jack did give me a rough idea, there is some problem in the branch for which you are here."
"Hmm, Jack told me later that you are the person who would be working with me to sort this issue. Good you know this much, that's enough for now."
"Yeah, when you say problem, is this branch in losses or something like that?" Erica asked him as that is what she assumed when Jack said the branch is in some problem.
"No, the Seattle branch is making the second highest profits for our company."
"Then?"
"It will take time to discuss this, let us talk about it tomorrow, you sleep now." Steve suggested as he could see she was exhausted.
"Thanks"
Steve was about to leave when she looked at the stuff he bought earlier, the items to cook food for her.
"Steve"
"Yeah?"
"You had your dinner?" Erica asked him in concern.
Steve smiled at her, "Somethings never change, do they? You still worry about me." He was happy as in moments like these she used to feel like his old Erica.
"You brought food and were about to cook before being interrupted so I am asking."
"Hmm, I was planning to have dinner with you, Erica, you too must be hungry right?"
Erica looked at him with guilt, "Actually I had pizza before you came"
"Hahaha, good then" Steve was relieved.
"Come sit down" Erica pointed at the dining table.
Steve raised his eyebrows questioning her.
"I'll cook the soup and noodles you brought, leave after having dinner" Erica didn't have the heart to send him away with an empty stomach.
"Wow, after 10 years I'll be having noodles cooked by you, remember the last time you cooked for me?" Steve happily sat on the dining chair from where he can clearly see Erica's back as she is cooking.
Erica's memory went back to the day when Steve threw a party at his home as his grandpa went on a tour and he was alone.