The public service district of Galactic City located in the western hub included the senate building, courthouse, security station, several shopping units, and just as many restaurants; the public library and at its very edge, the Jedi Temple.
The restaurant where Obi-Wan had suggested that he and Padmé meet for lunch wasinside this district and within walking distance of her own apartment.
The young senator walked down the fairly busy thoroughfare heading in that direction, a slight breeze billowing the straight-line lilac sheath dress that she wore. Much more casually dressed than her typical business attire, Padmé was appreciative of the freedom of the light fabric. It was spring on Coruscant and it was a wonderfully warm day.
As she approached the service district, a smile lit her face. It was the one area in Galactic City where she didn't feel so homesick. Years before her arrival here, the Coruscant Beautification Committee had designed the district to include a variety of courtyards, tree-lined walkways, flower gardens, and open markets.
As the blossoms of several of the atofta trees drifted down to the walk, a few fell into her dark curled hair that she had left loose and flowing today, and Padmé laughed giddily. A group of beings passing by cast her strange looks, but she didn't care. For the first time in a very long time, she was happy.
There was only one thing that would make everything perfect. But that was something that Padmé had decided she wasn't going to think about. And she had come to that decision a whole ten hours ago. After she had sat up for several hours pondering the discussion she had had with Dormé.
Padmé had come to the realization that she was still in love with Obi-Wan, but she was also in love with her Holonet companion. And while one was her friend, she was hoping the other would be much more.
She smiled broadly as her eyes met her friend's. Obi-Wan was seated on one of the central courtyard benches, rose and bowed slightly upon her arrival. He grasped her outstretched hand in greeting and placed a brief kiss to her cheek.
"Hungry?" He asked with a grin.
"I'm famished!" Padmé replied, still standing close enough to the Jedi Master to see the reflection of herself in his eyes.
"Then let's go in. We have a table reserved on the veranda overlooking the gardens. Will that be all right?"
"That will be perfect." The young senator took ahold of the knight's offered arm as they entered the establishment.
Dinner was wonderful and the conversation was even better, but what was the most breathtaking was the scenery before her. The courtyard garden was her favorite place in Coruscant, and just beyond the pristine lake in the center of the yard, stood the central library. The sight of the building triggered her memory and Padmé quickly glanced down to her wrist chrono.
"I'm sorry, but am I keeping you from something?" Obi-Wan asked as he sipped his after-dinner kafé.
Padmé gazed over to the library and then smiled across the table, hesitating slightly in her answer. Why shouldn't she tell him? They were just friends. But she discovered that she was blushing as the words began to form, nevertheless.
"Actually, I have a date." She admitted, not quite sure how Obi-Wan would react.
"Really?" His gentle blue-green eyes sparkled with mischief. It was a look that Padmé was having to get used to. Again. "Anyone I know?"
"I'm not sure. Who all do you know?" The senator joked with a wink.
"A few beings." Obi-Wan joked back. "Perhaps a name or a description would help narrow them down."
Padmé chewed on her lower lip and studied the suddenly intriguing design of the tablecloth. "I'm afraid I can't do that. You see, I don't know either one. In fact, we've never met face to face. We've only talked over…"
"The Holonet?" Obi-Wan finished for her.
"Yes!" Padmé responded with a bit of awe and curiosity.
"Coruscant Connections?" He continued.
"Yes! How did you know?"
"Uhm.." The Jedi Master stammered. Had he given too much away too soon? "Padawan Trell was talking about it." Obi-Wan hurriedly explained.
"Ah, yes. He and Dormé have been dating quite regularly, haven't they?"
The Jedi released a small sighdue to her obvious acceptance of his explanation.
Padmé once again checked her wrist chrono and Obi-Wan suggested that they leave.
"Where do you need to go?" He asked once they had reached the courtyard.
"The library. Actually, the left bench by the front door." She corrected specifically with a smile.
"Then allow me to escort you, mi'lady." Obi-Wan bowed and gestured that direction with his hand.
"I would be honored." Padmé teased back with a curtsey.
They walked side by side along the stone walkway that bordered the small, glistening lake, taking in the view of the blossom-laden trees and the delicate flowering hedges.
"So this is the first time you're going to meet?" Obi-Wan asked after a pause of silence.
"Yes." Padmé answered as she began to experience a fluttering in her stomach.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
His question stopped Padmé in her tracks and she turned to face her friend. "Why do you ask?"
"It's just that you can't always trust people that you meet on the Holonet." He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "I hear there are stalkers and lunatics on there that prey on beautiful young women such as yourself."
"Well, he's not one of them." Padmé responded with a wry grin. Obi-Wan sure was in a mood today. And she found that she liked it.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm sure." The young senator began walking once more. "He's the most wonderful man I've ever had the chance to talk to. He's compassionate, caring, tenderhearted, intelligent, and very funny."
After more silence, Padmé cast a glance in Obi-Wan's direction, and noted a smug smile and nodding of his copper head.
"What?" She asked him, not understanding the gesture.
"Nothing. But, it sounds like you're in love with him. You probably should meet him."
The bench was within sight and Padmé stopped and once again turned to her escort. "I do love him." She responded, watching the face of the man standing quite close to her.
His eyes revealed that sparkle of mischief again, but also something she couldn't quite describe, but didn't have the chance to review long as his eyes had moved down to focus on her mouth. And then the fluttering in her stomach increased tenfold.
"He's a lucky man." Obi-Wan's said, his voice barely above a whisper.