Independence
Independence 77

Chapter 0077

Gabby couldn’t understand what Sam could’ve achieved in just ten minutes.

Sam said expressionlessly. “Do you know how the cat died?”

She hesitantly replied, Tm sorry.”

*Just keep your mouth shut now that you’ve got the money.”

Miranda took a shower after she reached home. She decided to read two research papers before going to bed.

The moment she sat down, she received a message from Sam on WhatsApp.

“You left your gloves in my car.” Then, he sent her a photo of a pair of gloves. They were the ones she’d worn that day.

Miranda recalled how she’d taken off the gloves since it had been warm enough in the car. Then, Sam had taken the gloves from her and put them on the side.

She’d completely forgotten to retrieve them before getting out of the car.

“Will you be free to meet up? I’ll bring the gloves to you.”

Miranda thought about it and sent a reply. “Can you give me your address? I’ll send someone to pick them up.”

Sam replied, “The area I stay in doesn’t allow entry to delivery people. How about this? Let’s pick a time. We’ll grab a coffee, and I’ll return your gloves.

I

“I recently started with my MBA program at Bedford College. You did your undergraduate studies there too. If it’s alright with you, could you show me around. campus so I can get familiar with the place?”

Miranda would’ve refused to meet if Sam had just said that he wanted to return her gloves or treat her to a meal. She felt that they didn’t know each other well enough for him to do such things for her.

However, he’d mentioned that he wanted to ask for a favor.

It was her fault for forgetting about her gloves in the first place. Miranda felt even more uneasy because Sam had to make time to bring her the gloves.

+25 BONUS

Since Sam needed assistance, and it was something Miranda could help with, she decided to agree. “Alright.”

Sam replied. “I’m free next Friday at 11:00 am. Are you okay with the time?”

Miranda sent him an “okay” emoji to indicate the time was fine for her.

On the day they’d agreed to meet, Sam parked his car in the parking lot and walked to the coffee shop. The shop was located on a street not too far away from Bedford College.

The owner was someone with great sense and taste; the shop’s aesthetic interior decoration suited young people’s preferred aesthetic these days.

Therefore, there were a lot of students in the coffee ship, even though it was a Friday.

Sam found a table next to the window and sat down.

Miranda arrived a few minutes later. When she’d taken her seat, a waiter came over

and gave them the menu.

A slow, sentimental ballad sung by a gentle female voice played on an old record player. Sam ordered an iced Americano, whereas Miranda ordered a cup of latte.

“Your gloves.” He’d put her gloves in a brown paper bag.

Miranda took the bag from him. “Thank you.”

Sam looked around him. The aroma of coffee beans permeated the air. The temperature in the shop was not too hot or too cold. It was kept just nice. “Do you come here often?”

Miranda replied, “Sometimes.”

They could see a river just outside the floor–to–ceiling windows. It had frozen up during the winter. Bare tree branches hanging over the river were covered thinly with snow from the previous night.

If someone was feeling down, they could sit on the bench beside the river. Just enjoying the view would help them feel better.

Sam studied the expression on Miranda’s face. He smiled faintly. “The location is good, and the music is great.”

+25 BONUS

Miranda stirred her coffee and listened to the song. “They are playing Miles‘ jazz music. It’s made in the 90s. Not many people know about this classic song anymore.”

Miranda said curiously, “You seem to be well–versed in everything.”

“I may be well–versed in everything, but I’m not skilled enough to be called a professional in any of them.” Sam gave a shrug.

Miranda remembered how Calvin had once mentioned that Sam’s mother was a famous musician. However, she didn’t try to pry by asking more questions.

After they finished their coffee, Sam got up. “Let’s go.”