When fate plays its hand

Out of the ten missed calls, nine were from Zach, that annoying pig. The remaining one was actually from Paul.

She opened the WhatsApp messages. There were o from Zach. Winter casually skimmed through them.

Zach: “Are you kidding me? Eating with another guy behind my back again?”

Zach: “Didn’t you say that no men are allowed at a ladies‘ hangout?”

Zach: “Isn’t that Jensen guy a man?”

Zach: “Winter, how did I not realize you’re so hypocritical?”

Zach: “Reply to me this instant!”

Zach: “Pick up your phone! I’m giving you ten seconds!”

Zach: “Just you wait! I’m going to deal with you when I get back tonight!”

Winter scrolled all the way to the bottom and rolled her eyes. She replied, “Buzz off!”

Zach must’ve been glued to his phone as his reply came instantly, “You finally know how to reply now, huh?”

Zach: “Winter, you’re such a heartless woman.

Zach: “No, you don’t even have a heart!”

He fired off another string of messages that Winter couldn’t be bothered to read. She exited the conversation with Zach and opened Paul’s chat. There were only two messages that were succinct and to the point.

Paul: “Where did you and Miranda eat?

Paul: “Why was Sawyer with you two?”

Winter raised her eyebrows in surprise after reading the messages. This was a stark contrast to his last message, which he sent last month. It was just a curt “Okay“, as if typing more words might cost him his life.

If anyone else had asked these two questions, Winter wouldn’t have been this shocked. At most, she’d think they were just nosy, but it was understandable. After all, who didn’t enjoy some gossip.

But the fact that it came from Paul…

Where was his usual aloofness and distance? What about his boundaries in interpersonal relationships?

#

Winter had a vague hunch, but she wasn’t entirely sure. Nonetheless, something like this was easy to verify….

Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she found the candid photo she had taken at the hair salon earlier. With a light tap of her finger, she sent it to him. Then, she pulled out her stopwatch and started the timer.

Five seconds!

It took only five seconds for Paul to reply to her, Where are you guys?”

Winter was taken aback. Heavens! Her suspicion was confirmed at that moment.

She thought for a moment before replying, “Paul, don’t you think Miranda and Sawyer make a good couple?”

A brief pause came from the other end. “They aren’t a good match.”

Oh

my goodness! She was utterly floored. How could Paul be so blatant about this? There was no pretense. He made no effort to hide his feelings at all!

Winter decided to push further. “What’s not good about them? I think they’re a great match. Mimi has been single for two years since breaking up with that jerk, Hansel, It’s time she started a new relationship.”

Paul replied, “They don’t match in any way.”

Winter paused for a moment before replying, “Do you like Mimi?” She decided to be direct.

This time, there was no reply from Paul.

Winter spent the rest of the afternoon distracted. Even her favorite handbags couldn’t spark her interest, puzzling Miranda immensely.

That evening, she dropped Miranda off at the alley entrance after dinner.

“I’m leaving now, Winter,” Miranda said. novelbin

“Oh, okay!”

Miranda got out of the car.

Suddenly, Winter called out, “Mimi!”

“Yes? What’s the matter?”

“Well… just… Be careful, okay?”

“Alright, see you.” Miranda turned around and walked into the alley.

Winter watched her enter the apartment building before driving off. Back at her apartment, she still couldn’t wrap her head around the realization.

#

Paul actually liked Mimi?

Oh my god!

The two had known each other for quite a while. When did it start? The more she thought. about it, the more incredible it seemed.

This was Paul Jefferson they were talking about!

Apart from research and academics, he never cared about relationships and women. He was like a priest with no worldly desires!

If her aunt found out…

Just as Winter was lost in thought, warm breath brushed against her neck, followed by a moist and gentle touch.