When fate plays its hand

Paul began, Miranda, ever since we first met at the café, 1-”

Hmmm? Dr. Jefferson, Miranda, why are you both standing here instead of going upstairs?” Their neighbor from the floor below, Valeria Law, walked into the building. She was carrying several bags and greeted them with a cheerful smile

This cold weather nearly froze mel I wouldn’t be out this late if it weren’t for the discounts!” Valeria explained that the nearby big market offered discounts after 9:00 pm. As someone who knew how to manage her budget well, Valeria often shopped at night.

The moment clearly wasn’t suitable for any serious talk, and Paul swallowed the words that were just about to leave his mouth.

“Come on then, let’s go upstairs together,” she invited warmly.

Miranda stepped forward, reaching for Valeria’s shopping bags. “Let me help you with those…”

But in the next instant, Paul took the bags from her hands and walked ahead. “I’ll carry them,” he said.

Valeria chuckled. “I must say, Paul is so considerate! What’s the term you youngsters use nowadays… oh, yes, chivalrous! Wouldn’t you agree, Miranda?”

Miranda nodded. “Yes,”

“With such a great young man, he should have a girlfriend by now! But he seems so focused on his research and academics. It’s almost as if he’s aiming for a Nobel Prize!

“I get that men need to pursue their careers, but why not make some time to date too? Wouldn’t it be better to balance both?

“You wouldn’t believe it, Miranda. Dr. Wagner from the third floor and I have tried setting him up before. He’d agree at first, but as soon as we tried arranging a meeting, he’d become ‘busy‘ and disappear for days. Does he really think we didn’t notice he was avoiding us?

“Miranda, you’re such a sensible young woman. I bet your friends are just as wonderful. If you get the chance, introduce one of them to him. There must be someone suitable!”

Miranda laughed and looked at Paul, whose shoulders had noticeably tensed. “Sure, I’ll keep an eye out for him.”

“That’s the spirit! Neighbors should look out for each other…”

When they finally reached the sixth floor, Paul quickly set the bags down. He said goodbye to Valeria and lugged Miranda upstairs in a hurry.

Valeria paused mid–action as she reached for her keys blinking in surprise. Just now… were they holding hands?

Paul ultimately released her hand when they reached the seventh floor, and his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. “Don’t pay any attention to Mrs. Law. I… I’ve never actually…”

214.9 Maver actually what?” Miranda blinked.

Paul gritted his teeth.

“Dr. Jefferson, why did you stop talking?”

Paul was tongue–tied.

“Where haven’t you actually been?” Miranda asked again.

Paul enunciated slowly, “To. A. Blind. Date.”

“Alright, then. Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye out.” With a nod, Miranda turned and went inside.

Paul stood there, stunned.

Wait… Why did she tell him not to worry? And what exactly was she going to keep an eye out on?

After closing the door, Miranda let out a long breath. Frankly, she had purposely said those words to slip away. In that brief moment downstairs, she’d worried Paul might actually try to continue the conversation he hadn’t finished.

Was she curious? Of course. But so was her impulse to escape.

She feared hearing the possibility she’d been wondering about for so long. Yet, she was even more afraid it wouldn’t be what she’d hoped to hear

The car dealership was efficient. Less than a week after taking her car in, Miranda got a call from Sam, saying it was ready for pickup.

“I’m downstairs by your building now. I’ll take you to the car dealership.”

“With the year–end coming up, aren’t you busy, Mr. Cooper?” This is from NôvelDrama.Org.

“I am, but I can make time to see you.”

Miranda’s lips twitched. “I can take a cab myself.”

“Hmm, and here you were, saying you’d treat me to dinner. Have you already forgotten?”

She sighed quietly. “Alright, what would you like to eat?”

After all, a favor owed always had to be repaid.