If Only

C H A P T E R 10

LOFT

MIRANDA

I did not see Raven again for another week. My car was being repaired and I didn't feel like driving so I didn't get a new one. Hence, I commute to work or walk. The police have been back to ask about the accident once and that was it. No further updates. It was hard for them to find the culprit without any leads. That was a blind street–dark and without CCTV.

I decided to let that one go.

Out on yet another trip to the jewelry store, I was preoccupied with people watching as John completed his purchase inside. Thank goodness that my injury has long since healed that I need not cover myself. Or else, John would have immediately alerted Ruen. I knew he was not only here for his girl but also to spy for my friend.

I swear those two worked so well together especially when they're up to no good.

Following the sound of a child's laughter, I turned to see Raven walking out of a pet store with a puppy in hand. She was wearing casual clothes and smiling at a child–oddly enough the child reminded me of Raven. The child's delight was palpable as she beamed at her. The little girl was in the arms of a woman who was also smiling at Raven. They looked cozy.

A young family?

Is this what she does each time she disappears for a week?

Does she go to them?

None of your business, Miranda!

Though I ached to run back home and set up my laptop to find out everything about her, about them. I squashed the impulse. I was just passing through. The instant Raven was done with whatever she wants from me, I was going to need to walk away as fast and as easy as I could.

We were not meant to last.

When Raven spotted me, the smile vanished. The child, not aware of the change in her demeanor, kissed her on the cheek. Opening the passenger door for them, Raven acted like I was not there. The woman deposited the child in the car and strapped her in then went out to place a kiss on Raven's cheek and hugged her too.

Who is she?

Raven helped the woman in the passenger seat, handed the puppy to her and closed the door. Expecting Raven to approach me, I told myself not to ask questions about her companions.

From a few stores away, she cast her wary eyes at me but did not come to where I was. Standing there unsure of what to do, we just looked at each other. Before one of us could approach the other, John exited the store and enthusiastically caught me, lifted me in his arms and spun us around in circles.

His jovial laughter and full smile were contagious that I forgot about Raven.

"Got it, Miranda!" John put me down and gave me the ring box. He deposited the box in my hand, "You like it?"

The diamond ring was magnificent. The white band has an intricate design and the diamond was perfectly set on it. "This is wonderful!"

John's girlfriend would surely love it.

He was dating Tessa's niece, Lana. They met once and hit it off. The woman was kind and beautiful. She has the heart that matches the face so it was no surprise John fell for her fast and deep.

"If you're planning to propose with this, I think it'd be hard to say no," I told him.

"Really?" he had both hands on my shoulder. "That would be enough to say 'yes'?" He dropped to his knee and reached for my other hand.