ls. Her eyes fluttered open as she heard the gentle chirping of birds outside. She yawned, stretched carefu

omise in the air, like the world might sh

e buzzed on t

ime to call

ind the wheel of the Highlander still stung a little. It wasn't just t

phone and tapp

d politely, trying to sound

h, cold and clipped as usua

t even

today for the repair appointment. The o

l be taking care of it myself. M

ea replied, disappointm

"don't expect to drive my car again. You'll be

ng like little slaps across

ne wen

d in a thin line. "Well, that settles it," she mutte

the neck brace as her thoughts drifte

certainly had - but like she'd thrown him completely of

ed on her bed. "Maybe it's no

dn't comfort her l

and folded her hands in prayer - a habit she had grown up with

true, honest, and kind. If there is someone You've set aside for me, I ask You to bring us together in

afterward, though she

while folding laundry,

nda

nswered immediat

ice burst through the pho

a tired chuckle. "How ab

m in high school," Linda said dramaticall

really pulled the

it. So I'm coming over next

genuinely happy. "I've missed ha

ng from work to Linda's boss's obsession with cat-s

ee you in person,"

ied, her voice soft.

aybe having Linda around again would help chase away the though

yb

ing at a café with Mark, sipping iced

luxury: both dressed in fitted athletic wear, their

played softly from

in my heart and i

ling deep, I need y

his coffee cup,

. "It's not a love song, you

. "What's th

What's going

stupid. Just... thi

Thinking about a girl for more

ot like

t is it

sided. I don't even know her name. But sh

elp find her?

If we're meant to m

hievously. "Funny

. "Why are w

t fo

fé door chimed as

ned inst

ere sh

e

scanning the room until Mark waved

her strides elegant despite her casual outfit - jeans,

ding to greet her. "Ja

eart pounding. "H

rprised. "You..

You left quite

looked to Mark, who offered her t

e, the three of them made small talk - light,

u here?" Lea finally

Let's just say fate ow

Jake. "You p

ck surrender. "Honestly? No

to a smile. "You're bo

t being

"I've got to step out fo

ooth, silence fe

e serious now. "I never

ea

der his breath. "L

d down. "A

ak

roperly for the first time - but both kne

s someth

er of them coul

ing, Lea walked

detail of that café meeting in her mind. Jake - for all his cockiness -

terrifi

en like birthday cards. She had met her fair shar

Jake's presence...

offee doesn't mean a love story. One smile doesn't guarant

n her spirit, s

. this was the beginn