Page 10 of Only Fate

I turn to find Terrance speaking to the hostess as she grabs menus and leads him to a booth on the other side of the diner.

“Go talk to him,” she adds, swatting my arm.

“I’m usually not one to believe in fate, but you might be right.” I shoot her a smile before sliding out of the booth and walking his way.

“Mr. Nelson,” I say when I reach his table. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I planned to reach out to you today.”

“No interruption at all, Essie,” he says, unrolling his silverware from the napkin.

I take a deep breath. “I heard you planned to retire and are possibly selling your firm. Would you consider selling to me?”

Terrance’s bushy brows furrow. “I’m sorry, but I already have someone interested.” He smiles. “If things don’t work out, I’ll reach out to you.”

A lump forms in my throat, a twinge of hopelessness hitting me. “Is it someone local … if you can disclose that?”

“My fiancée’s grandson. He’s not local, but the plan is for him to move here.”

There goes my hope of no competition.

“Oh, and there he is now,” he adds.

I follow his gaze, and a heaviness expands in my chest.

No. No. No.

My head starts spinning.

My heart pounding.

Adrian—yes, Adrian freaking Castillo—strolls in our direction, dressed in dark jeans and a white V-neck tee. The look reminds me more of our past rather than the expensive suits he sported at the firm. I got so familiar with the suits that I forgot how attractive he was like this.

Don’t get me wrong.

He’s hot as hell in suits, but this? It makes him more relatable.

More desirable.

It doesn’t give him that asshole-attorney vibe.

I peer down, taking in my floral maxi dress and boots. Thank God I took the time to curl my hair, pushing it back with a rhinestone clip, and brushed a few coats of mascara on my lashes before coming here.

Heads turn as Adrian passes, coming our way.

Jaws drop.

Women giggle.

Jesus.

He’s a newbie.

They’re like circus animals here, especiallyhotnewbies.

He acts like he doesn’t notice any of it.

Instead, his eyes are glued on me, as if he’s incapable of looking anywhere else.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter, my face burning hot.

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