Chapter 108 Wednesday Afternoon
Chapter 108 Wednesday Afternoon
Mia’s POV
The next day, Dr. Matthews officially cleared me for travel, with the usual cautions about staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks. And Scarlett, of course, sent daily updates about itinerary adjustments and accommodation options each more luxurious than the last.
And Kyle continued to text about the trust paperwork. For some reason, I gave him a perfunctory reply. And I delayed the meeting we had previously agreed upon. Kyle always makes me unhappy. I hate that he has this power over me. So I tried to save myself by not seeing him.
Then Wednesday arrived.
The West End Cafe was quiet at three o’clock, the lunch crowd long gone and the after–work rush not yet begun. I spotted Nate immediately at a corner table, already waiting despite my being five minutes early.
“Mia,” he smiled, pulling out a chair for me. “You look well.”
“Thanks,” I settled into the seat, grateful to be off my feet. “Though ‘well‘ is a relative term these days. Pretty sure I’ve officially entered the waddling stage of pregnancy.”
He laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “I was trying to be polite. But your ‘waddle‘ is very dignified, if that helps.”
“It doesn’t, but I appreciate the effort.” I glanced at the cup already in front of him. “Started without me?”
“Just tea,” he assured me. “I was early. Surgeries finished ahead of schedule.”
Awaitress appeared before I could respond. “What can I get for you?”
“Decaf latte and a lemon scone, please,” I said automatically.
“Make it two scones,” Nate added. “And another Earl Grey for me.
She nodded. I think I saw her give Nate a look. But Nate ignored it. And she disappeared toward the counter.
People are attracted to good looks. Nate is handsome and seems like a decent guy. I think if I were ten years younger and hadn’t been through all this, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for his phone number.
“So,” Nate interrupted my thoughts “Paris. When do you leave?”
“Three weeks from Saturday,” I said, still slightly amazed that it was actually happening. “Scarlett’s handling all the logistics, which is both terrifying and convenient.”
He smiled. “I’ve emailed Bernard with your approximate dates. He’s expecting your call to finalize the meeting time.”
“Thank you for that. Truly.” I fiddled with my napkin. “Having that connection makes a huge difference.”
“It’s nothing,” he shrugged. “Bernard’s an old friend. He’s always looking for fresh talent.”
Our drinks arrived, along with the scones–still warm from the oven, smelling of butter and lemon and comfort. I took a grateful sip of my latte, the warmth and subtle sweetness exactly what I needed.
“How’s the children’s center coming along?” Nate asked, breaking off a piece of his scone.
“Almost finished,” I couldn’t help the pride that crept into my voice. “The sensory garden installations are complete, and the custom light fixtures for the therapy rooms arrived last week. We’re on track to open next month.”
“That’s fantastic,” he said, and the genuine enthusiasm in his tone made me smile. “Will you be back from Paris in time for the opening?”
“Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it for anything.” I took a bite of my scone.
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Chapter 108 Wednesday Aarnioon.
+25 BONUS
Nate nodded. We tell into comfortable conversation after that, discussing the children’s center, the Paris opportunity. I didn’t mention Carol. I pretended we’d never had that conversation. It felt like I’d accidentally broken into someone else’s bedroom and found their diary. And then when you turned around, the owner of the diary was looking at you.
“Marie actually stole his favorite toy last time,” Nate was saying, amusement evident in his voice. “Hid it under my couch. Gas spent twenty minutes looking for it, getting progressively more dramatic.”
I laughed, picturing Gas’s expressive face. “He is nothing if not theatrical. You should see his ‘I’m starving despite being fed an hour ago‘ performance. Oscar–worthy.”
“I’ve seen it,” Nate grinned. “Usually about ten minutes after he’s demolished a bowl of kibble.”
The easy banter continued. You can tell that Nate is the kind of person who can play well with dogs. There are people who are good at getting dogs to understand what they say, and he is just like that.
Enough about our dogs,” he said gently. “Tell me more about Paris Besides meeting Bernard, what are you looking forward to?”
Grateful for the redirection, I smiled. “Pastries, obviously. I have a list of patisseries that Scarlett insists are life–changing.“”
“She’s not wrong,” Nate chuckled. “The French take their pastry very seriously.”
“Have you spent much time there?”
“A few months during my residency,” he nodded. “I did a rotation at Hôpital Necker, their children’s hospital.”
“Any recommendations for places I shouldn’t miss?” I asked, genuinely curious. “Besides the obvious tourist spots, I mean.”
“Absolutely.” He pulled out his phone, typing quickly. “I’m sending you a list right now. There’s this little bookstore near Saint- Germain–des–Prés that has an amazing architecture section. And a cafe in Montmartre with the best hot chocolate you’ll ever
taste.”
My phone buzzed with his message–a surprisingly detailed list of recommendations ranging from obscure museums to tiny neighborhood restaurants.
“This is fantastic,” I said, scrolling through the suggestions. “Thank you.”
“Of course,” he smiled. “And if you haven’t been, don’t skip the obvious tourist spots either. The Eiffel Tower really is worth seeing, especially at night.”
“I’ll put it on the list,” I promised. “Though at the rate Scarlett’s planning activities, we might need a month instead of two weeks.”
Nate cleared his throat. “I heard Thomas kept asking about you?” Nate asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
I groaned, I’m pretty sure that Scarlett did something. “Please ignore Scarlett. She’s relentless. It’s getting ridiculous” “He seems like a good man,” Nate took a sip of tea. His tone was a little…strange.
I looked up, studying his expression. “He is. Very… steady.”
“But?” Nate raised an eyebrow.
“No ‘but,“” I shrugged. “Thomas is great. We’re just friend I’m not exactly looking for complications right now.”
Something flickered in Nate’s eyes. “Delighted to hear that. I am also thinking you have enough on your plate.”
By the time we finished our second scones, nearly two hours had passed. I checked my watch, surprised by how quickly the time had gone.
“I should probably head home,” I said reluctantly. “Mom’s expecting me for dinner.”
Nate nodded, signaling for the check. “Of course. This was nice, though. We should do it again before you leave for Paris.‘
Chapter 108 Wednesday Mernoon
+25 BONUS
“I’d like that,” I said, “Thanks for everything.
Nate walked me to my car, his pace automatically adjusting to march my slower, more careful gait.
“Have you thought about names yet?” he asked as we rear trend my vehicle. “For the reins?
The question caught me by surprise. “A few ideas,” I admitted. “Nothing definite yet”
“Two of everything,” He smiled, opening my door with that automatic courtesy that seemed so natural to him: “Take care, Mia Let me know if you need anything before the trip.”
“I will,” I promised. “And thank you again for connecting me with Bernard.”
“Anytime.”
I started the car. I saw Nate in the rearview mirror, getting smaller and smaller. I realise that he has been still watching the direction I am leaving.
Only the smile on his face is gone, and he looks grave. I tried to see clearly, but he was already too far away
I thought we had a light–hearted conversation.
But I don’t think too much about it. Maybe everyone is going through something they don’t want to talk about
