When fate plays its hand

“Good night, Miranda,” Paul said.

“Goodbye, Dr. Jefferson.”

As Lionel reached the door, he saw the two exchanging friendly goodbyes.

Paul’s door was already open, though the lights were off. He turned to look at Lionel and said, “Mr. Sutton, get some rest.”

“Oh! You too!” Lionel quickly replied.

Afterward, Paul closed the door behind him..

Everything seemed just fine.

Lionel turned to Miranda. “Paul’s a good guy. He’s polite, well–mannered, and caring.”

“Really?” Her lips curved into a smile, though her voice remained steady and neutral, with no hint of giving anything away.

“What else did you expect?” He sounded defensive. “I don’t just call anyone a friend. You think I’d let some random person into my circle?”

“Dad, Paul’s only a few years older than me. He’s not exactly old enough to be my elder, right?”

They chatted as they walked into the house.

Lionel responded, “You called him Paul? Show some respect… The whole ‘elder‘ thing isn’t about age. Besides, he’s your professor. If he’s not treated as such, then what should he be treated as?”

Miranda thought to herself, “My boyfriend.”

Mindy, who was waiting for them inside, asked, “What took you so long?”

Lionel laughed. “Just had a quick chat with Paul.”

“You two really hit it off, huh?”

“I was just telling Mimi, Paul’s a good guy, and he’s really easy to get along with,” he said.

Mindy gave him a look that was hard to read, full of depth. Upon closer inspection, there was even a hint of sympathy in her eyes.

Lionel continued, “By the way, don’t bother putting the chessboard away. Leave it. Paul and I will need it tomorrow.”

She just stared at him, speechless.

The following day, the sun was blazing hot, and the heat was unbearable.

Mindy woke up early for yoga, and within just half an hour, she was already sweating. By the time she finished her shower, Lionel had prepared breakfast and set it on the table.

As Miranda came out of her room, he called her over. “Mimi, perfect timing. I made some savory pancakes. Take a plate over to Paul. He should still be home.”

“Okay,” she agreed immediately.

Lionel quickly returned to the kitchen to prepare the savory pancakes. He added seasonings, made more pancakes, and garnished them with chopped scallions. It was all done in one smooth motion. The aroma was mouth- watering, and the presentation was spot–on.

“Okay, take them over, but be careful. They’re hot,” he reminded her.

Miranda carried the steaming pancakes to Paul’s door. She took out the key, unlocked the door, and slipped inside.

She quickly closed the door behind her and glanced across the hall at her house. She muttered, “Great. No one notices me.”

Miranda placed the plate on the dining table and headed straight for the bedroom. As she entered, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom, but it quickly stopped.

Then, the bathroom door opened, and Paul stepped out shirtless in boxer briefs. Their eyes met, and both of them were stunned.

“…Mimi?” noveldrama

“…You were showering?”

They both spoke at the same time and then laughed.

Paul shrugged. “Well, with the way I’m dressed, what else could I have been doing?”

Miranda’s gaze flickered. “Who knows…”

He took a step closer, and his magnetic voice whispered in her ears. “I thought, with your parents here, you wouldn’t come over.”

Miranda smirked. “Then, why’d you give me the key? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I figured you probably wouldn’t come, but I hoped you would.”

“I came. Now what?” she asked.

Paul reached out, grabbed her slender waist, and pulled her into his arms.