When fate plays its hand

When Miranda returned, Lionel had already asked Paul to an him for a drink. The dinner west smoothly, and the two seemed to get along well at least, that was low it appeared to Lineal. After three rounds of drinks atmosphere was relaxed and mellow,

Lionel said, “Paul, let me be honest with you. I’ve got a good temper, but it’s rare for me to find someone fran really connect with”

He continued, “I don’t loow why, but the first time I met you, it felt like we’d known each other for years 1 can’t explain it, but I just felt like we clicked.

“It’s like when two people hit it off instantly, even if they come from different backgrounds or grations. Kind of like us, don’t you think?”

Paul forced a smile, but he wasn’t interested in that kind of connection.

Mindy chimed in, “The more you drink, the more you’ll talk How did you end up on this tople? Don’t tell me you’re trying to make Paul your sworn brother or something?”

Lionel immediately replied, “Sure, why not? I’m all in.”

Paul shot him a puzzled look.

Mindy rolled her eyes. “Paul, don’t mind him. He’s drunk

After dinner, Miranda cleared the dishes while Paul rolled up his sleeves to help her. He tried not to seem too comfortable, but his fluid movements said otherwise. He didn’t want to give the impression this was something he did all the time.

“Paul, you don’t need to help. You’re our guest,” Lionel said. “Mimi, put that down and show him to the living room to watch TV.”

“Just let him do it,” Mindy said. “We ate as soon as we got here, so washing a few dishes isn’t a big deal.”

Paul and Miranda went to the living room and sat with Mindy on the couch to watch TV.

After a while, Miranda stood up and said, “I’m going to get some fruit.”

With that, the living room was left with just Paul and Mindy. In contrast to Lionel’s enthusiasm, she remained calm and collected. But calm didn’t mean indifferent. She liked Paul and had a good impression of him.

“You and Mimi are neighbors, so I bet you looked out for her, right?”

He replied, “Neighbors should always help each other out. You know what they say–sometimes, a good neighbor is more reliable than distant relatives.”

Mindy nodded. “That’s true. She’s lucky to have someone like you.”

Paul quickly replied, “No. I’m the lucky one.

“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow, “Why do you say that?”

Paul hesitated, caught off guard by the question. “Well… She’s a great cook and often invites me over for meals.”

“She cooks at home?”

“…Yeah.”

Chapter 10.18

#15 BONUS

Mindy smiled. “No wonder I saw a pair of size 43 slippers lying around. Guess those were for you, huh?”

When he met her eyes, an unexpected pang of guilt crept over him. “Yes. She’s really thoughtful and always

looks out for me.”

“We live so far away in Lumberville, we can only check in with her over the phone,” Mindy said. “We wish we could be there for her more often, but It’s good to know someone like you is there.”

“Mrs. Sutton, you’re too land.”

Just then, Paul’s phone rang. He stood up and excused himself before walking to the balcony to take the call.“… Mimi?”

“Dr. Jefferson, what were you and my mom talking about?” Miranda asked.

“We were just chatting. Nothing important,” he replied. “Why?” noveldrama

There was a long silence before Miranda spoke again. “Do you… want to make our relationship public?” After a pause, she added, “I mean, to my parents?”

2