It didn't surprise Val, when she came to the bar to find Jimmy and Leigh playfully faffing around and mocking a Hollywood accent. It brought a brief smile to her face. Everyone was curious how Raymond would look like, act like, be like; after all these years apart. As Jimmy opened his arms, she leaned over the bar hugging him. [Color=Teal] "And here I was going to give you a point for not burning the food."[/Color] she joked, smiling as he promised that her burger was going to be nice and clean. Taking a seat at one of the stools. As Jimmy confirmed that they have started drinking already; she pretended to gasp offended. [Color=Teal] "Drinking without me? How rude of you." [/Color] Playfully joking of course. It was Leigh and Jimmy. She shouldn't have expected them to wait. Ordering a glass of rum and coke, Val was tempted to down the first glass. In hopes of soothing her nerves.
[Color=Teal] "In my defence, Leigh didn't tell me what you were planning till a few hours ago." [/Color] She sighed softly.

[Color=Crimson]"I wasn't sure you'd come, if I told you straight out what Jimmy was doing."[/Color] Leigh retorted, giving her a slight glare. The blonde having to bite down on her lower lip, before another argument would break out. Jimmy was somewhat right. They had to get the awkwardness over and done with. But what was normal anymore? Neither of the girls knew. Austin was gone. Ray had been living it up in Hollywood for the last 11 years. Nothing was the same as it used to be. They had to find a new 'normal' or at least, somehow co-exist.

It wasn't long, before Raymond made his appearance. Stopping the trio in their debate about normalcy. Taking a large swig of her drink. Valerie closed her eyes, making a slight face at the strong bitter taste of the rum that she tasted over the coke. Yep, she needed a few more sips before she could compose herself. Almost finishing her drink in one. Finally gathering the strength and courage to look over in Raymond's direction. Valerie was met with the familiar sight of Ray. That same smile and chuckle, she loved all those years ago. Expect he was more taller than she had last remembered. He looked as handsome and strong, if not more bulky in muscle than she remembered him being. But she found herself almost stuck on the spot. Unable to move. Let alone catch her breathe properly. Not even sure that he'd want her close, considering how they left things. So she kept her distance, whilst Jimmy and Leigh greeted him first.

Of course Ryleigh noticed Val's hesitation. Causing the bitterness to stir once again. But for everyone's sake; she tried to keep a smile on her face as she greeted Ray with a hug. [Color=Crimson] "Hey you, glad to see you still look the same underneath all that Hollywood make-up." [/Color] she said, teasingly. But the bitterness seemed to quickly return as she tried to stifle it down. [Color=Crimson] "It's nice to see you again, too." [/Color] Despite how messed up their small group was. It was nice seeing him again.

When it came to Valerie's turn, Val swallowed shakily. Managing to meet Raymond's gaze for a few moments. [Color=Teal] "Hi.." [/Color] Trying to keep her voice from trembling from her nerves. Valerie managed a small smile. [Color=Teal] "How's Hollywood been treating you?" [/Color] Seeing him again, it felt like she was back to her teenage self. All those feelings, that were buried were slowly resurfacing. Which made her heart ache with confusion and guilt, especially as she thought about Leon. It wasn't going to be easy, to be around Ray. Let alone her trying to figure out her feelings...towards both him and Leo.