When fate plays its hand

Sam said. “Let me think about it. We’ll talk when we meet”

“Alright “Miranda ended the call. She then put on her down jacket, laced up her thick snow boots, grabbed her bag, and was ready to leave in under three minutes:

After the minor cold, it seemed less chilly. However, the sun still hid behind the clouds, refusing to show.

As Miranda reached the ground floor, she saw Sam standing at the alley entrance. He was leaning against a limited–edition Maybach, dressed in a black coat, and playing with his car keys

The moment he saw her, he stood up straight abruptly. Miranda then walked toward him with a smile

The man, who had looked somewhat indifferent earlier, instantly curved his lips into a smile. Once in the car, Sam handed her a bag of breakfast. “Milk and buns, eat them while they’re hot.

Miranda raised an eyebrow. “So you’re not only driving me but also went out of your way to buy me breakfast. Mr. Cooper? Such treatment.. tsk, I never even dreamed of something like this.”

He chuckled lightly. “Why wouldn’t you? You could even think of something bolder”

Miranda didn’t respond; instead, she held the milk to warm herself.

“Why aren’t you eating?”

She replied, “It’s too hot.”

“Ah! The car dealership called just now, saying your car’s front damage wasn’t too severe. After repainting and bodywork, there are no visible signs anymore.”

Miranda nodded.

The two arrived at the dealership about 20 minutes later. After signing the paperwork, Miranda picked up the car and, of course, didn’t forget to treat Sam to a meal.

“Have you decided what you want to eat?”

Sam replied, “With this cold weather, barbecue’s perfect.”

Miranda’s eyes lit up at his suggestion. Sam had chosen the restaurant, and when they arrived, she realized it was a trendy spot. A long line of young people stretched out at the entrance.

Miranda swallowed hard. “Should we… go somewhere else?” They’d probably have to wait forever.

But he confidently led her inside. “Why should we? Follow me.”

“No, wait…” Was he seriously cutting in line like this?

However, when the waiter saw Sam, he smiled and led them to a private room instead of stopping them.

Miranda stared ahead in confusion. What was going on?

Sam then took off his coat. He reached to take Miranda’s and then hung it on the coat rack along with his.

“Take a seat.” He smiled while pulling out her chair.

12

“Did you reserve a table?” Miranda asked curiously.

But… trendy spots like this usually wouldn’t take reservations, no?

Sam shook his head. I didn’t.”

Then how did you-”

“This place is owned by one of my classmates.”

Miranda was speechless. Well, that explained it.

The waiter handed them menus, and the two each picked their favorite cut of meat. After taking their orders, Sam added two more dishes, both of which Miranda loved.

Soon, the meat for the grill arrived. Once it was hot, they immediately began adding ingredients on it, too busy to chat.

After the first bite, Miranda understood why the place had such long lines. Sam then asked, “How is it?”

Miranda nodded “Very good.”

“Come on, eat more…” Sam helped her pick up more food

“No need for that. I can do it myself. This place is more about cooking your own food, right?”

“Alright”

Both of them ate seriously, focusing on enjoying their meal, occasionally chatting a few words. Midway through, the owner approached to greet them. Jordan Loomis was plump and cheerful, looking just like a

mascot.

Sam chatted with him, laughing, reminiscing about funny stories from their university days Miranda listened while eating, finding it quite enjoyable.

“When I opened this restaurant, I told him that anytime you bring your girlfriend, the meal would be on the house. Before, you’d either come rarely or alone, eat, and leave, so I thought you’d never enjoy the free meal privilege. But today, you finally took the chance!”

Sam merely smiled in response.