Falling Perfectly

Chapter 2 | Mr. Darcy

2

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ISABELLA

I have been staring at the pesky bouquet since it arrived.

The book in my hand is not distracting me enough to take my mind off of Miles, which is a pity. Only if Mr. Darcy could take my mind off of him, I groan out loud into the empty room like a maniac.

My life was so going well. I guess too well considering Miles is back throwing everything off balance. Every puzzle piece was in place. And now the pieces are scattered everywhere; some are even missing.

And it's all because of him.

I decide to put my book back on the shelf and get dressed. My day of relaxation is officially over because my mind won't settle down. I need to put it to use. Miles may try plowing his way back into my life but, little does he know I'm not letting him back in. What we had was good, but it is in the past. Plus, I'm not into fooling around with millionaires.

I collect hospital paperwork, my computer, and grab Pride and Prejudice back off the shelf then head out the door. The cold air greets me with no hesitation, causing me to pull my coat tighter around myself. I walk a couple of blocks to the cafe, dashing inside faster than the speed of light.

The warmth from the building and the large coffee I just ordered are soothing. I get comfortable at a booth, spreading all of my work out on the table in front of me. It takes no time to get lost in my work.

"Bitch, where are you and who TF sent you flowers?! - Alexis"

I laugh out loud after reading Max's contact name he must have changed when I was sleeping or when we were drunk. I text back as the bell to the cafe door jingles. For some reason, I have the urge to turn around and look, even though it could be anyone.

Just as I thought, it is a random guy in an all-black suit.

He walks to the counter, picks up three large coffees, nods to the cashier, and then walks back out through the door. My curiosity gets the best of me and I continue watching him out the cafe window as he approaches a black car. The window winds down and a hand reaches out to grab a single cup.

Then, as the window winds back up, the man walks to the passenger side and climbs in before the car speeds off. I furrow my brows, turning back toward my papers.

That was probably the weirdest thing I have ever seen, and I work in a hospital.

"I'm at Sweetbrew and the note to the flowers is on my dresser. Please read it. - Bell"

I shut my phone off and resume my work.

By the time I'm finished and have nothing more left to do, it is dark out and most likely a lot colder because of the snow that rolled in. So, I pack all my papers, turn in my coffee mug, and head home. When I open the door to our house, my heart stops.

My mom is standing in the living room with a bag in her hand. The biggest smile crosses her face when our eyes meet. I set all of my belongings on the couch and dart over with my arms ready to embrace her. It's been so long since we've seen each other. Too long.

"Oh, my gosh! You're here!" I say excitedly. She gently strokes my snowy hair.

"I thought I'd visit. Happy late birthday, sweetie," she says. Silent, happy tears stream down my cheeks. She must hear me silently sobbing because she looks back up at me, wiping the droplets away with her thumbs.