When fate plays its hand

Miranda joked, “Ten thousand dollars to invest in all our lab projects, Jack? That’s a bit of a bargain, don’t you think?”

Jack laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of it! Just one project will be more than enough.”

With the offer made, Miranda accepted, though Jack had no idea that his casual gift would bring him. substantial returns in the future.

After moving to the new lab, their temporary lab at Dunham College was no longer needed. Charles had initially kindly lent it to them, partly because of Paul’s influence, but Miranda still felt grateful.

On Saturday, she brought some flowers and fruit to thank Charles in person and return the lab keys.

Charles’s office was on the third floor of the administrative building at Dunham College, and since. Miranda had visited twice before, she knew the way there.

She knocked on the door. “Dr. Fischer, are you in?”

A voice quickly replied, “Come in.”

Upon entering, she found Charles’s office as simple and bright as she remembered. There was only a desk, couch, coffee table, and bookshelves. A tea set sat steaming on the table, filling the room with a soothing aroma.

To her surprise, Paul was there too. Clearly, the tea had been prepared for him.

“Miranda, you’re here.”

‘Good morning, Dr. Jefferson, Dr. Fischer! Have you both had lunch yet?” Miranda asked while arranging the flowers and setting the fruit nearby.

Charles grinned at her. “I have. You didn’t have to bring anything when you came to visit.”

“Oh, it’s just flowers and fruits. A small gesture,” Miranda replied lightly. “You lent us the lab for free, so a little gift seemed fitting.”

Charles chuckled. “You’ve got quite a way with words, young lady. No point in arguing with that logic. We’ll take it, then.”

“Here.” Miranda nodded with a smile, playing along.

Charles turned to Paul with a laugh. “Look at her; she’s not shy at all, is she?”

Paul smiled. “No, I think she’s thoughtful and considerate.” Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

This comment made Miranda blush. Complimenting someone so directly–well, it was flattering and awkward all at once. It would be easier if he’d just said it behind her back, she thought.

Charles added,

‘s no wonder people from Dunham are ready to jump in and help her out.”

Paul’s smile softened as Miranda shifted uncomfortably. Sensing her discomfort, Paul stepped in. “So, what brings you by?”

“Oh, I came to return the keys. Thank you again, Dr. Fischer, for letting us use the lab,” Miranda said, setting the keys on the table. “I’ll leave you two to your conversation. Goodbye!”

She left, and no sooner had she stepped out than Paul rose to follow

Meanwhile, Charles called after him. “Hey, weren’t we going to discuss the direction for next year’s international research project?”

Paul replied, “That might take a while–let’s catch up later.”

Charles then watched him hurry away, baffled. Wasn’t that the reason he’d come by? So what if it’d take a

while?

Outside, Paul caught up with Miranda. “Miranda!”

“Dr. Jefferson?” she asked, turning back. “You’re done already?”

“Yeah, all finished,” he said with a grin.

Had Charles overheard, he would have been thoroughly confused. Did he say they were done? What exactly did they discuss?