Lunch Party (2)

"Hello, Gael, nice to meet you," Tristan said as he stretched out his hand for a handshake.

"It's an honor to meet you finally, Sir..." Stefan's voice quivered slightly as he accepted Tristan's warm handshake, a mix of respect and unease clearly showing through his eyes.

"Gael, you can call me 'bro' if you want, or just call me by my first name. No need to use 'Sir,'" Tristan said casually before greeting the others with slight nods.

Stefan nodded in response, feeling pressured to call this man brother. For now, he would avoid talking to him.

Tristan, always a man of few words, settled down beside Bella. He listened to what his wife and her friend talked about while playing with her hair and gazing at the outside scenery.

...

"Wait, there are only two of you. Where is Leo? Why didn't Leo come with one of you guys?" Bella asked, looking at Stefan and Sam in turn.