Eclipsed by Destiny

Chapter 2: Trouble and Text Messages

For the next few days, Kate Harper tried and failed to stop thinking about Jake Bennett. She had just finished her last meeting of the day when she heard her phone's familiar ding. He had sent another message. She let out a sigh and questioned why she hadn't simply ignored his number. Their awkward conversation had ended amicably, and she had already received her phone back, right?

She looked at the text.

Jake says "Hey, Kate. I hope you’re not avoiding me on purpose... But if you are, I get it. Haha. Just wanted to say thanks again for helping me out the other day."

He would, of course, make it seem as though she was the one who was overanalysing things, but even as she rolled her eyes, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, and she sighed once again, this time attempting to suppress the strange fascination that had crept in.

Katherine: "I'm not avoiding you. Just busy with work. It was no big deal."

There. This should be over now, right?

However, another message appeared before she could return her phone to her purse. The tone was different this time.

Jake : "Well, I get it. But how about I make it up to you? Want to grab coffee later this week? My treat. You can even pick the place, and I promise, no awkward phone exchanges this time."

Kate gazed intently at the text. A cup of coffee? Once more?

Casual coffee dates were not her style, especially when it included someone she hardly knew. Nevertheless, she felt compelled to say yes because of Jake's casual demeanour. The thought of spending a little more time with him was strangely alluring, though she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was his easygoing demeanour, his capacity to simply... live without the constant pursuit of perfection. In contrast, every minute felt well planned, like a sequence of well-executed moves on a chessboard, in her universe.

Kate was aware that she was overanalysing this. She was constantly overanalysing situations.

Katherine: "Fine. Coffee it is. But if this turns into a lecture about how I need to 'loosen up,' I’m leaving."

Jake says, "Deal. No lectures, I promise. I’m just trying to make things right. :)"

Kate was too exhausted to second-guess her choice. Before she could second-guess herself, she put her phone back in her handbag and started working, even though she was already running late for her next meeting.

Jake suggested a little café named The Roasted Bean, which she ended up driving to the following day. It was hidden away from the bustle of her regular locations, in a more tranquil area of the city. She questioned why he had chosen it. Was he attempting to add a personal touch to this meeting? Or did he simply love coffee?

Kate saw him almost instantly when she got there. Jake had his guitar case propped up next to him as he sat at a corner table. His relaxed demeanour stood in sharp contrast to her own rushing mind. She inhaled deeply and walked over to his table, attempting to look assured despite the knot in her gut.

When Jake noticed her, he smiled and looked up from his phone. "Hi, Kate! He pointed to the chair across from him and said, "I'm glad you could make it." "Take a seat. I've placed your latte order already. I hope that's alright."

Kate cautiously sat down and nodded. She looked around the little but attractive café, which had fairy lights flashing in the corners and plants hanging from the ceiling. It was the type of setting where you could simply live in the now without thinking about the passing of time.

Kate tried to sound informal as she added, "Thanks for the latte." She clasped her hands in her lap and put her handbag down. "So, what's the deal here? I mistook our coffee date for an attempt to "make things right."

Evidently unconcerned by her formal tone, Jake shrugged. "Well, I figured we could simply sit and talk. He smiled, "You know, since you saved me from disaster the other day." Who, after all, misplaces their phone and has it accidentally switched?"

In spite of herself, Kate grinned. "I was glad to assist, even though it was a rather absurd situation."

The awkwardness lingered for a time before Jake broke the ice as they both took a sip of their beverages.

What is your life like when you're not rescue lost musicians and playing superheroes?Jake leaned back in his chair and enquired.

Kate's eyebrows went up. Do you truly believe that I am a superhero of some kind?"

Jake grinned. "Well, you helped me even though you didn't have to. I assumed that was some sort of superpower.

Kate couldn't contain her laughter. She paused, then gave him a slightly more interested look. "Well, then, I should wear a cape more often." But in all honesty, I'm just... typical. I own a company. Arrange things. She took another sip of her drink and said, "It's a lot of responsibility, but someone has to do it, right? Deal with my mom's endless wedding suggestions.""

Although Jake grinned, there was a hint of something more profound in his eyes—a certain empathy, as though he recognised the burden she was bearing. Yes, I understand. But occasionally, you have to take a break, don't you? Take it easy a bit.”

Kate stopped. His words caused her shoulders to stiffen. He seemed to read her thoughts. She was expected to push back at this point, claiming that she was fine just the way she was and that she didn't need to relax. However, she didn't feel like fighting it for some reason. As an alternative, she gazed into her cup, where the froth of her latte reflected the chaos within her.

Kate said in a low voice, "I'm not sure if I can do that." "I'm not like you. I don't simply... Give up.

Jake's face became softer. You know, that's not a bad thing. However, it's acceptable to occasionally let your guard down. Control isn't the only factor.

The earnestness in his voice made Kate's heart race. She had always maintained control over her relationships, her family, and her job. However, she felt as like she was standing on the precipice, gazing down at the unknown, when she was around someone like Jake, who welcomed turmoil.

Kate shook her head and remarked, "I think you've got everything wrong." "Letting go doesn't worry me. I'm simply... I have obligations. Without a strategy, I can't just let things happen.

Jake leaned forward, staring straight ahead. And you believe that everything will go according to plan? Perhaps the disarray, not the beauty, is what makes things better.

Kate merely stared at him for a moment. Jake had an incredibly disarming quality that caused her to reevaluate all of her self-perceptions. She had always taken great satisfaction in maintaining control and being ready for any unexpected turn in life. Perhaps, though, he was correct. Perhaps flawless plans weren't the point of life. Perhaps it had to do with the chaotic, unpredictable, and uncontrollable situations.

Kate answered, "Maybe you're right," in a softer tone. However, I'm not sure how to just... Allow events to occur.

Jake grinned once more, but this time it was warm, and Kate felt oddly exposed. "You're not required to. Simply take each step as it comes.

Her phone buzzed in her bag before she could reply. When Kate took it out, she discovered it was a text message from her sister.

Charlotte: "Did you see the seating arrangement? The new arrangement bothers me. We must alter it. When you can, give me a call.

Kate's heart fell. She murmured, "Sorry," and cast an apologetic glance at Jake. "I must accept this."

Jake nodded, understanding. He didn’t press her. He just sat back, watching as Kate took the call.

It wasn't a good talk with her sister. Kate could feel her tolerance eroding at the edges of Charlotte's piercing, demanding voice.

Kate tried to maintain her composure as she stated, "Charlotte, I don't think changing the seating chart again is necessary." "This week, we've already made three changes."

"You're not getting it! Kate, this is my wedding. It's crucial.

Kate's fingers clenched around the phone as she moaned. "I understand, but you should quit worrying about every little thing. It won't improve the wedding in any way.

The phone ended with a click. "Kate, don't tell me how to plan my wedding."

With a familiar pang in her chest, Kate reluctantly put down the phone. She detested these exchanges with Charlotte. It seemed as though her efforts to assist were never sufficient.

Jake cleared his throat. "Is everything alright?"

Kate's grin felt forced as she glanced up at him. Indeed. Simply... household matters.” She shook her head. "I can handle anything."

However, as she sat across from Jake, her mind was already racing once more, juggling the demands of her profession, her family's turmoil, and the odd sensation that she was starting to lose control in unexpected ways.

And it all began with a straightforward coffee date.