Julianne Hough and estranged husband Brooks Laich fuel reconciliation rumors

They have been at the center of reconciliation rumors.

And Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich continued to fuel the speculation over a friendly lunch in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The duo were spotted catching up at Porta Via Pacific Palisades, where Julianne, 32, gave her ex, 37, her undivided attention.

The pair were seen sitting al fresco, where Julianne smiled at her ex at various points of the conversation.

The DWTS vet rested her chin upon her hand as she sat directly across from her ex, listening intently to him.

The lunch date lasted for an hour, and definitely appeared to be a friendly one.

After lunch, the pair strolled around the scenic shopping center, where Julianne grabbed a revitalizing iced coffee.

The pair walked close together but showed no signs of affection as they enjoyed the sunny day.

The former pro hockey player wore a patterned face mask, T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops, while Julianne opted for a more neutral look.

The Rock Of Ages actress wore a lace-up tank top and flared, flowing trousers.

She protected herself with a leaf print face mask, which at times dangled off a single ear.

But the star seemed conscientious about making sure it was on, as she appeared to be adjusting it firmly over her face at one point.

The duo appeared relaxed and content in each other’s company as they explored the idyllic shopping center together.

The sighting will surely fuel rumors the duo are giving their marriage another shot.

The couple split up in May 2020 after nearly three years of marriage, but Julianne celebrated her 32nd birthday with him in July.

There have also been reports the duo are thinking about getting back together.  

While Brooks initially felt ‘humiliated’ and refused to consider the possibility of a reunion, he’s now coming round to the idea of repairing his marriage, according to E! News.

‘At first Brooks was not open to reconciling,’ a source said.

‘She bruised his ego and left him feeling humiliated, but he never stopped loving her. He was doing all of this to give her what she needed. Now that some has passed, it seems like he’s more open to the idea of reconciling. 

Initially, Julianne wanted to separate because she felt ‘there was more out there in the world for her to experience, and that perhaps she had settled down into married life too soon,’ the insider said. 

But now she has reportedly begun to think differently. 

‘It’s been a very fluid situation. They still love each other, and the lines of communication are open.’ 

‘To say things are complicated would be an understatement, but it doesn’t seem like either one of them is ready to close the door for good,’ the source said. 

Julianne does want to give it another shot with Brooks, according to an insider.

‘They are not back together even though Julianne fully does want him back,’ a source told Us Weekly in July.