Chapter 31: Should the Chain of Events Be Broken?
Rachel and Paolo's constant displays of affection were clearly bothering Ross, and Nora noticed his discomfort. As someone who knew what happened in the original timeline, Bruce realized what was about to unfold—Ross's emotional state and Nora's sympathy, combined with alcohol, would lead to them kissing outside the restroom.
This put Bruce in an unusual position: should he interfere and prevent Ross from becoming the guy who kissed his friend's mother?
Fortunately, everyone was still at the table, so Bruce had time to think.
While Bruce was lost in thought, Nora's voice interrupted: "Bruce, Monica mentioned you're a screenwriter—what kind of work do you do? Action movies? Television?"
Bruce refocused and answered, "A bit of everything, Mrs. Bing," with a polite smile. "But lately I've been working on more mainstream projects."
"Please, call me Nora," she said.
"Hey, Bruce is basically your colleague!" Joey announced.
Nora looked curious. "How do you figure?"
Joey grinned. "You write bestselling romance novels, and Bruce used to write adult films. Different formats, but similar subject matter, right? So—kind of colleagues!"
Joey caught Chandler's sharp look and quickly focused on his food.
But the topic was already out there. "Desire drives all human storytelling, regardless of medium," Nora said, turning to Bruce with interest. "We're just exploring that fundamental aspect of human nature."
Bruce maintained his smile. "Well, that's all in my past now. I'm done with that type of writing—except for one last project I need to finish. After that, I'm moving on completely!"
He'd hoped to end the discussion, but Nora was just getting started, complaining about how publishers censored her more explicit scenes.
With her encouragement, Bruce found himself sharing stories about studio notes on his early scripts.
When Nora started analyzing narrative techniques in detail, Bruce went quiet, acutely aware of Chandler's uncomfortable silence.
Suddenly Ross stood up. "Excuse me," he said tersely, heading toward the restrooms. Bruce's pulse quickened—this was how it started!
"Wait, Ross!" Bruce jumped up so quickly his chair scraped loudly. "I'll come with you!" The impulsive response revealed his decision: he had to stop this. Ignoring everyone's surprised looks, he hurried after Ross.
"Okay, relax—I'm just going to the bathroom," Ross said, puzzled, but let Bruce walk with him.
Once they were away from the table, Bruce said carefully, "Ross, I know you're upset about Rachel and Paolo, but don't do anything you'll regret." He was thinking of the kiss, of course.
Ross looked confused. "Sure, I can't stand Paolo, but what do you think I'm going to do—challenge him to a duel?"
"No, I just meant... look, sometimes when people are emotional, they make choices that seem right in the moment but cause problems later."
Ross stopped at the restroom entrance. "Are you feeling okay? You're acting really weird."
Bruce stepped back. "Sorry, I just... I'm looking out for you, that's all."
Ross shook his head. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm just going to the bathroom and then hiding in there for a while because I can't watch Paolo pawing at Rachel anymore."
With that, Ross went inside.
Bruce stayed outside, leaning against the wall, watching the hallway where Nora would appear.
The door opened and Ross looked out. "Why are you still standing there? Did you need to go or not?"
"Changed my mind—just getting some air," Bruce said.
"Okay, weirdo. I'm going to stay in here a bit longer."
"Stomach problems?"
"No, I just need a break from seeing Paolo's smug face."
Ross disappeared back inside.
Then Bruce heard footsteps—a confident stride—and Nora appeared around the corner.
Bruce stepped into her path. "Nora, about that narrative technique discussion—I just thought of something we should talk about..."
She stopped, eyebrow raised with amusement. "Oh? You're camping out by the restrooms just to continue our conversation?"
He started to confirm, then realized how that sounded. "No, I mean—I'm here because..." But he was waiting for her, just not for the reason she might think.
"I'm happy to hear your thoughts," she said, "but first I need to use the ladies' room."
With a knowing smile, she walked past him toward the women's restroom.
Bruce felt flustered. Something about Nora's confidence was disarming, and her perfume was surprisingly strong. He wanted to return to the table, but the thought of her and Ross meeting alone in the hallway kept him frozen in place.
While he hesitated, the door opened and Nora emerged.
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