Independence

Calvin knew Miranda didn’t want to owe Zach any favors, so he stepped in, making the decision for her. After all, he was only asking–there was no guarantee it would work out.

“Alright then, Miranda, get some rest. I’m hanging up now,” Calvin said and ended the call.

“Man, look at you, all eager and taking her call casually. What did she do for you to get you this whipped? It’s nauseating,” Zach teased, unable to resist.

Calvin shot back, “You don’t get it. My friendship is all about sincerity, unlike you.”

“Friendship?” Zach raised an eyebrow. “She and Hans broke up. Where’s this deep connection coming from between you two?”

Hansel also glanced at Calvin curiously.

But Calvin, taking on a more serious tone, straightened up and said, “It’s not like that. Miranda helped me out a lot in the past. Just because she’s not with Hans anymore doesn’t change my friendship with her.”

“Helped you? How?” Zach’s eyes flickered with curiosity.

Calvin coughed lightly, “Well, it’s a long story. Not something for today–let’s just have some drinks. By the way, Zach, I actually need your help with-”

“Ah, I really need to hit the restroom first,” Zach cut him off, darting out faster than a rabbit.

Calvin stared after him in confusion. “What’s up with him? I feel like he did that on purpose.”

And he did.

Once out of the private room, Zach didn’t head for the restroom but made his way to the terrace, lighting. a cigarette. He paced around and was occasionally pausing, visibly irritated. It was as if wrestling with some problem.

After finishing one cigarette, he lit another but mostly let it burn between his fingers, taking just the occasional puff. Suddenly, as if reaching a decision, he stubbed out the cigarette and pulled out his phone to dial a number.

Meanwhile, after hanging up with Calvin, Miranda left her phone on the coffee table and went to take a shower. When she came out with her hair dried, she noticed two missed calls from an unfamiliar number with a Jandersville area code.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

She hesitated but eventually called back, and the call was answered quickly.

“Hello, who is this?” Miranda asked.

Zach sighed in exasperation.

Zach chuckled softly, “Miranda, we’ve known each other for years, and you didn’t save my number? What’s worse, you saved Calvin’s but not mine! Are you playing favorites or what?

Hearing Zach’s voice, Miranda was initially surprised and then confused. “Zach, what’s going on?” she asked, wondering why he would call so late just to complain about this.

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Zach also realized how ridiculous he sounded and regretted how easily those words slipped out.

Damn it! Why was he even making a fuss?

Miranda asked, “What do you need from me?”

“Well, I was there when you called Calvin,” Zach said,

“So?”

“I mean… Calvin mentioned that I have the resources, and I could help you. Why didn’t you call me? I’ve got tons of editorial contacts!”

Miranda explained, “I didn’t have your number.”

Zach fell silent, feeling a bit defeated.

She continued, “Plus, Calvin said he’d ask you.”

There was another pause.

Zach pressed on, “Miranda, do you know the m

“What is it?” she asked.

Important thing when asking someone for a favor?”

“The most important thing is finding the right person! Getting Calvin to ask me is not the same as you asking me directly. There’s a fundamental difference, you get it?”

“Honestly, not really,” Miranda admitted. “So basically, you’re saying this call was to remind me to reach out to you directly?”

Zach tilted his chin slightly, “Of course! I don’t like owing favors, and you’ve helped me out before. I’ve never repaid the favor.”

Miranda felt a moment of confusion. She realized that she had almost forgotten about helping him in the past until he mentioned it.