When fate plays its hand

Miranda began, “Grandma, I-” novelbin

“Aren, can you keep an eye on the fire for me? It’s been stewing for three hours, and I just need this last touch. Make sure it’s perfect, okay? It’s too noisy here, so I’m going out to talk to Mimi.”

It sounded like Fiona had walked into the living room since the noise of the range hood faded away.

She continued, “Mimi, can you hear me now? What did you say earlier?”

Miranda replied, “It’s nothing… I’ll be there on time. Thanks for making all this delicious food, Grandma.”

“It’s not a big deal!” Fiona cheerfully ended the call and returned to the kitchen.

Once she hung up, Miranda quickly called Paul. It was still early, so she figured he hadn’t left yet.

After two rings, he answered, “Miranda?”

“Dr. Jefferson, I’m sorry, but today-”

Before she could finish, her tablet pinged with a notification for an access request. The screen showed footage from the front door camera–who else was it but Paul?

“Miranda, I’m outside. Did you get the access request?” he asked.

She was taken aback and hadn’t expected him to arrive so early.

When he walked in, he noticed she wasn’t around, and her lab bench was spotless.

Miranda said, “I’m so sorry, Dr. Jefferson…”

“What’s wrong? Why are you apologizing?” he asked, puzzled.

“Well… I forgot I promised my grandma I’d go home for lunch today. I’m really sorry to bail on you. I was going to call you and explain, but I didn’t expect…”

Paul paused momentarily, then said, “It’s not a big deal. You don’t have to apologize like that. Go ahead and be with your grandma. I’ll be fine eating on my own.”

When Miranda remembered he had canceled lunch with colleagues and friends just to have lunch with her, she felt guilty for bailing on him. Then, an idea struck her.

“Dr. Jefferson, why don’t you join me for lunch at my grandparents‘ house?” she asked.

After all, Aren and Fiona knew Paul and liked him. Miranda was sure they would welcome him.

“This… doesn’t seem appropriate,” Paul replied. He wondered if it would be alright for a stranger to join a family meal.

The more Miranda thought about it, the more she realized this was the perfect solution–a win–win situation. “Alright. It’s settled, then.”

Paul replied, “Well, I’ll go with you to visit your grandparents. It’s been a while since I last saw them.”

Just as the two were about to leave, they suddenly bumped into Joli, who was walking out of the lounge. No, to be more precise, he seemed to be gliding out.

His footsteps were so quiet that it felt like he was gliding rather than walking. With dark circles under his eyes, he looked worn out, and he yawned as he walked.

When he saw Miranda and Paul, he froze for a second. Then, he quickly greeted them. ” Miranda, Dr. Jefferson, you’re here.”

Paul nodded, but Miranda stared at Joli as she scrutinized him.

Joli scratched his head. “Uh, you guys go ahead. I’m going to the lab.”

Her frown deepened as she watched him stumble slightly. “Did you stay up all night again?

He fell silent. Miranda guessed it right, and she was furious. “You stayed up all night the day before yesterday, and now you’re doing it again? How many hours have you even slept? Four? Are you doing research, or are you trying to kill yourself?”

Joli stood there frozen and was caught off guard. He used to push himself to this limit all the time, and no one ever questioned it. No one had ever had an issue with how little sleep

he got.

The feeling was strange to him, but strangely, it warmed and touched him in a way he hadn’t felt before. “Miranda…‘

“Don’t say anything. Just pack up and come to my place for lunch,” she ordered.

Joli blinked in surprise.

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