Past Meets Present

Thane clears his throat and nods toward Mira.

"This is Mira. She is the project leader of the new contract we signed with her company,"

Gabriel hesitated for a moment before scratching his hand for a handshake.

"Welcome Mira. My name is Gabriel," he said.

"My lawyer," Thane stated.

Mira receives the handshake with a smile.

"I see," she replied. "Nice to meet you,"

"The pleasure is mine," Gabriel replied, kissing her palms.

Thane swallows heavily at the scene unfolding in front of him.

He knew it wasn't what he was thinking and he didn't want to admit it. But part of him wishes Gabriel would just sit the fuck down.

"Have a seat, Gabriel," Thane offered.

Gabriel sits down gently. His gaze quickly shifted to the infant that has been staring at him curiously since he entered the restaurant.

"Is this your son?" he curiously inquired.

Mira seems to be caught off guard by that question.

"Yes. This is my son, Eli. I promise he wouldn't be a nuisance or disturbance during this meeting," she hurriedly replied.

Gabriel laughed. "Of course we wouldn't mind being disturbed by such cute little fellow,"

Thane seems to have had enough of their friendly chatter.

"Don't you think it's fair enough that we start this meeting now? Time is not on our side," Thane interrupted.

Eli, who seemed to have lost interest in their conversation, smiles at Thane and continues playing with his tab.

"Did you bring the files?" Thane questioned.

Without uttering another word, Gabriel drops a few files on the table in front of them. He slowly opens the files and pushes one toward Mira.

"We know you've signed a couple signatures during the signing process, but this is the final stage," he said, balancing his glasses on his eyes.

Mira glances through the file. "Can I go through it?"

"Of course, of course. You can go through it," Thane said, his voice passing for nonchalant.

Mira ignored him and slowly glanced through the content of the document. After what seems to be a few minutes, she picks up her pen and scribbles her signature before carefully handing the document over to Gabriel.

Gabriel states in the document and nods in approval. "So, here," he said, handing another file to her.

"These documents contain all your need to know about the project that you would be handling. Half of the money would be deposited into your account. Our company is responsible for your accommodation as we know you've come from afar," he continued.

Mira felt her chest lighten with joy. She was initially thinking of how she was going to find an apartment in this city with her son. The money in her account wouldn't be enough for her and her son.

"That would be much appreciated," she said. "Is there anything else required of me?"

"Not really. You would just have to come to work daily, which you already know. We already have an office prepared for you," Thane said, his voice sounding professional.

Mira wondered if he was feeling any remorse for what he did or simply the same Thane she had divorced five years ago.

"If that's all, I'll beg to take my leave now. I have an appointment with a client," Gabriel said and stands up from his seat.

"That'll be all for now," Thane said, gesturing to Gabriel to leave.

Once Gabriel was out of sight, Mira put the file in her bag and stands up.

"If that's all, I'll also leave now," she said and turned towards Eli.

Thane studied her movement for a second. "The address of your new apartment has been sent to your email. And the driver is outside to take you there too. Have a nice day,"

"Thank you," Mira simply said.

"It's business. No need to thank me," Thane stated.

Mira stared at him with disdain and turned to Eli. "Baby, let's go,"

"Why are we going so soon? I want to stay with my daddy," Eli protested.

Mira sighed in frustration. "He is not your daddy, Eli. Now, don't make a scene and let's go home,"

Eli, who knew his Momma's temper, didn't say anything else and quietly let Mira take his hand.

Thane, who was watching the drama quietly, smiled to himself. He couldn't believe this woman would amuse him this much.

"Mira," he called when she turned her back to leave.

Mira paused without looking back.

Thane saw that as a sign to continue.

"If you don't mind, how about dinner?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, but I'll be busy tonight, planning the big project ahead," she replied, still refusing to turn her head to look at him.

Thane bites his lower lips gently.

"Then how about a tour? It's been a long time since you came to San Francisco," he asked, half expecting her to agree.

"Like I said, I'll be too busy to galavant around," she said and immediately walked out.

Thane watched her slender figure leave with Eli in hand. His gaze lingered on Eli, the little boy was out of sight.

Thane's mind was in turmoil. The more he stared at Eli, the more he saw the resemblance between the both of them. He knew sooner or later, he and Mira had to have a talk. He knew Mira wasn't one to cheat, and little Eli looked over five years old. And they divorced five years ago. Mira wouldn't jump into a new relationship when she is heartbroken. He knew he had to have this talk with Mira.

True to Thane's words, there was indeed a chauffeur waiting for her. She enters the car and they drive off. As they were driving along the busy streets of San Francisco, Mira couldn't help but recall familiar places of the city she had once lived in. She smiled at the familiar malls she once shopped in, places she had eaten before and all those fun memories made her smile.

Once the car stopped, Mira, who was cradling the sleeping Eli, carried him up in her laps.

The apartment was extravagantly astonishing. Mira's jaw dropped when she glanced around. She knew this wasn't the type of house given to a temporary employee. True to her guess, her phone vibrated...

Ring...

It was an unknown number

I hope you like the house?