Chapter <b>144 </b>
Half an hourter, at a downtown coffee shop.
As Mirabe stepped into the private booth, a faint scent of sandalwood greeted her–a scent. reminiscent of what she had encountered the previous day at a boutique store named Nature’s Apothecary.
“Hello.” James announced,fortably seated before a coffee set, his movements graceful as he brewed coffee. Not far from his hand, a small Incense burner released gentle wisps of
smoke.
Mirabe gave a slight hmm, acknowledging Wyatt with a polite nod before making her way over to a mahogany chair, which she pulled out and sat down on with casual ease.
Wyatt stole a cautious nce at Mirabe. For some reason, every time he saw this youngdy, he felt a chill that seemed beyond her years, an aura of mystery he couldn’t quite
prate.
James ced a cup in front of Mirabe, his pale and slender fingers deftly pouring a stream of coffee into the cup. “See how you like the taste.<b>” </b>
Mirabe lifted the cup, and the delicate aroma of the tea enveloped her senses. She took a sip. and her eyebrows rose in approval. “Rich fragrance, sweet and lingering on the finish. Nice.”
Setting down the teapot, James‘ features softened with a genteel warmth. He looked rxed yet uncontained as he mentioned, “I heard you entered an internationalpetition?”
At his words, Mirabe seemed to ponder for a moment. Leaning back in her chair, she looked up at James. “Catherine’s been bending your ear again?”
A light smile yed oh James‘ lips, his response enigmatic, “Well, as a tutor, I ought to make some contribution.”
Stroking her chin, Mirabe replied casually, “Ah, no need for contributions. Just keep Catherine in good spirits for me.”
Wyatt, who had been quietly observing, suddenly choked as if something caught him off guard. He was coughing violently, “Cough… cough…<b>” </b>
Mirabe looked up at him, puzzled. James also nced at Wyatt before he addressed her previousment. “Sure, naturally.”
Just as Wyatt had calmed down from the initial shock of Mirabe’s bold request, he was again stunned by his boss‘ agreeable response. Was it him who was off today, or was it his ears ying tricks on him? Or perhaps James wasn’t the boss he knew?
“Do you need me to find you a professional tutor?” James asked, refilling Mirabe’s cup with more coffee.
With a light tap of her fingertip on the table, Mirabe declined, “Thank you, but no.”
12:22
James dropped the subject and took to sipping his coffee.
Quiet settled in the booth, afortable silence that wasn’t the least bit awkward. After <b>a </b>short while, Mirabe nced at her watch and started to pick up her bag, handing it to James. “This incense should be of some help to you.”
Pausing briefly, she finished her coffee in one gulp and stood up. “Great coffee, thanks for the hospitality. I should get going.<b>” </b>
“I’ll walk you out.”
“No need to trouble yourself. I’ll just hail a cab,” Mirabe declined James‘ offer and, without further ado, made her way to the door.
James watched her go and, after a brief moment of thought, called out, “Wait.”
Mirabe turned back, “Yes?”
With a smile, James picked up a box of coffee beans from the table and approached her. “Take this with you. When you run out,e back for more.”
Wyatt, witnessing this exchange, was again astounded. Mirabe had gifted just a simple box. of incense, and James reciprocated with a limited edition box of coffee beans<b>… </b>Wyatt’s eyes must be deceiving him again.