Nora Vanderbilt's life takes a mysterious turn when a near-death experience grants her extraordinary abilities, catching the attention of the enigmatic Dr. Hunter Aloysius Percy. Invited to join an exclusive research study on NDE survivors, Nora is...
It was a few days later when Nora's phone buzzed with a text from Hunter.
Hunter: Can we have lunch? I'm free the rest of the day. We need to talk.
Her stomach flipped. She stared at the screen for a moment before typing back.
Nora: About the boys?
The reply came almost instantly.
Hunter: About everything.
She bit her lip, trying to interpret his tone through the words. With a deep breath, she responded.
Nora: Of course. Just send me the address.
There was a pause before another message came through.
Hunter: I'll come by and get you. Be ready for me.
She felt a strange mixture of anticipation and apprehension as she set her phone down. There was something commanding about his final message—something that felt so much like her Hap that it sent a shiver through her.
She went to her closet, carefully choosing an outfit that struck the right balance between casual and polished. She opted for a light cream blouse tucked into fitted jeans, paired with low heels. Something simple yet flattering.
By the time she was ready, she heard the sound of a car pulling up outside. She looked out the window and saw Hunter sitting in the driver's seat, waiting.
Taking one last look in the mirror, she grabbed her bag and headed out.
Hunter walked to meet her halfway. "You look nice," he said, his tone softer than it had been the last time they'd spoken.
He opened the car door for her, and she slipped inside, the familiar scent of leather and his cologne washing over her. As he got into the driver's seat, she asked, "So where are we going?"
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"There's a place downtown," he said, starting the car. "Quiet, good food. I think you'll like it."
They drove in a comfortable silence for a while, the city passing by. She stole glances at him, his strong hands gripping the steering wheel, the way his jaw clenched slightly as if he were deep in thought. She wanted to say something to break the silence, but she didn't want to disrupt whatever was brewing in his mind.
They arrived at a small, charming café tucked away on a quiet street. Hunter led the way, holding the door open for her. They were seated in a cozy corner booth, and after placing their orders, the silence hung between them again.
"So," Nora finally said, folding her hands on the table. "What did you want to talk about?"
Hunter leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said," he began. "About belonging, about timelines, about everything. It's a lot to take in."
