Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,4

it, grinning when I saw Gray’s name on the screen. I’d be pissed if he called in the morning, but it was ten, and I usually slept this late.

Would you like to meet for coffee?

How about lunch? I got in late last night after work. There’s a great cafe on the corner near the apartment.

Luna’s? I love that place. How does noon work for you?

Perfect. I’ll see you there.

I set the phone down, mentally planning the next two hours. I had enough clothes here to come up with something casual to wear. I just needed a shower and coffee. I rose and went to the kitchen to find Becca sipping coffee on the balcony as she sent messages. “Mari?” I asked, and she gave me a bright smile. I poured some coffee and looked over the city as I sipped it. I was thinking about the surprise this morning, and it was making me feel something I hadn’t for a while.

Excitement? It felt more like I was alive again.

“What’s up? What are we doing today?” Becca asked as she set the phone on the bistro table beside her.

“I have a lunch date,” I told her as her eyes widened.

“He called you?” She asked as I chuckled.

“He asked me to meet him for coffee. I asked to make it lunch so that I won’t look like complete shit.”

“That’s amazing! You can ask him about the party. You’ll have a date!” I narrowed my eyes, and she threw her hands up. “He called to ask you to have coffee. That’s a date, so he must like you.”

“You’re right. I just need to get through this lunch.” I scrubbed a hand through my hair and stared at her. “I like this guy, B.”

“I can see that, but I think he likes you too. Don’t worry.” She gave me a reassuring smile, and I drank some more coffee.

“I need to take a shower and find clothes. He picked Luna’s, so I’m thinking casual.” She nodded in agreement. “Is Mari excited?”

“So much so. I can’t wait to have her here for a week.” Becca beamed, making me realize she was in love with Mari. “The party is going to be a blast. We’ll have fun hanging out in the city. I can just lie in bed with her beside me. It’s going to be perfect.”

“One of you needs to make the move, B. It’s been almost a year, and you’re going strong.” I raised a brow, and she glanced up at me.

“We’re going to talk about that. I think that she likes it here a lot, and she can freelance anywhere. She might need something with a company here, but we’d be okay.” Becca looked hopeful, both of us knowing we didn’t want to leave the other. “She can stay here. Do you mind?”

“This is your place. I just crash here sometimes. You don’t need to ask me that,” I told her as she shrugged.

“I think of it as yours. You’ll be here a lot, I hope. You like Mari, right?” I burst out laughing, making her look confused.

“She’s great. You two are perfect for each other.” I looked back over the buildings, thinking of my future.

“Go get ready for this date. You’ll have your perfect before you know it.” I finished my coffee, taking the cup into the kitchen. I took a shower while brushing my teeth, staring into the mirror. I knew I was a good-looking guy. There was never any doubt about that, but Gray was carelessly gorgeous. He looked good the way that he presented himself, and I needed so much upkeep.

I sighed and styled my hair, walking into the guest room to look through my small stash of clothes. I found some jeans and set them aside before selecting a gray button-up shirt, pairing it with a white t-shirt underneath. It was casual, but it looked like I tried, particularly since the shirt brought out my eyes.

I dressed and slipped my feet into new chucks before walking out to present myself to Becca. “You look hot.” She looked up from her phone with a wide smile.

“I suppose I should head over there. Wish me luck.” She jumped up to hug me, making me smile.

“I love you. Sweep him off his feet,” she sang as I grabbed my keys to head toward the door.

Chapter Three

Gray

I walked into the cafe a few minutes before noon. I planned to find the perfect table with privacy and a view, so we could talk and