Elle arrived at the café precisely at the time Laura had suggested, ten minutes early, as always. The place was quiet, sun filtering softly through the large windows, casting gentle patterns across the tables. She chose a seat by the window, close enough to observe but not draw attention.
Laura arrived a few minutes later, impeccably composed, carrying a calm air that seemed to steady the space around her. She smiled at Elle as she approached, the kind of smile that made the world seem orderly even when it wasn't.
"Good morning, Elle," Laura said, sliding into the seat across from her. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
Elle shook her head, returning a polite smile. "Not at all. I… I was curious."
Laura's gaze flicked briefly toward her, knowing, measured. "I expected as much. That's why I think this will be worth your time."
Elle raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Laura leaned back slightly, taking a quiet sip of her coffee before speaking. "I know you don't usually believe in… coincidences or introductions. But I think the person I have in mind will surprise you. Someone you might actually enjoy spending time with, briefly, at first. A professional arrangement at first , nothing more, but with potential."
Elle studied Laura carefully. There was no pressure, no insistence, only quiet confidence. That calm certainty made Elle relax in a way she hadn't expected.
"And this person…?" Elle prompted, unable to hide the curiosity threading through her voice.
"Let's not rush it," Laura said lightly. "Tomorrow, I'll introduce you properly. For now, just… be open. That's all I ask."
Elle nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. She wasn't used to letting someone else guide her, but something about Laura's manner felt trustworthy. Safe. And strangely intriguing.
They spoke for a little while longer, discussing logistics, schedules, and the usual polite topics that accompanied any professional meeting. But beneath it all, Elle felt the quiet thrum of anticipation, the subtle awareness that something had shifted, even if she couldn't yet name it.
When the meeting ended, Laura rose and extended a hand. "I'll see you tomorrow, Elle. Be ready for a brief but memorable encounter."
Elle stood, shaking Laura's hand. "I'll be ready."
As she walked back to her car, the city felt slightly different, though unchanged. The sunlight seemed warmer, the air sharper. She couldn't help but replay the conversation in her mind, wondering who this mysterious person might be, and how their meeting might ripple through her carefully ordered life.
For the first time in a long while, Elle felt… curious in a way she didn't quite recognize. And she found herself looking forward to tomorrow.