The plane touched down with a smooth jolt, pulling Jacob from his thoughts. He had spent the flight revisiting the last few days, mentally replaying every word and moment with Diana. His notebook rested on the tray table in front of him, filled with scribbles and fragmented sentences that refused to form a coherent whole.
He sighed as the plane taxied to the gate. He knew he should be thinking about work, about the presentation waiting for him in the morning, but his mind stubbornly lingered elsewhere.
The terminal was busy as always—faces rushing past, announcements echoing overhead. Jacob moved through it mechanically, collecting his bag and stepping into the cold city air. The sharp wind bit at his face, a stark contrast to the warmth he'd felt just hours ago.
---
In his office the next morning, Jacob sat at his desk, scrolling through emails. He couldn't focus. His assistant, Laura, knocked lightly on the door before stepping in.
Laura: "Mr. Daniels, the team's ready for your presentation in Conference Room B."
Jacob nodded, closing his laptop.
Jacob: "Thanks, Laura. I'll be there in five."
Laura hesitated, glancing at him.
Laura: "Everything alright? You seem... distracted."
Jacob: (forcing a smile) "I'm fine. Just a lot on my plate."
Laura nodded, though her expression suggested she didn't quite believe him.
As she left, Jacob leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. He grabbed his phone, scrolling to Diana's name in his messages. His thumb hovered over the keyboard, but he didn't type anything. What would he even say? That he couldn't stop thinking about her? That her voice had somehow become a constant echo in his mind?
He shook his head, locking the phone and heading to the conference room.
---
Meanwhile, back in her city, Diana was at her gallery, overseeing the installation of a new exhibit. The artist, a wiry man in his late 30s, was fussing over the positioning of a large abstract piece.
Diana: (patiently) "It's perfect, Leo. Trust me. The light catches it just right here."
Leo: (nervously) "Are you sure? I feel like it needs to be a little more—"
Diana: "Leo. Breathe. It's perfect."
He nodded reluctantly, stepping back to admire the piece. Diana smiled, though her focus wasn't entirely on the exhibit. Her thoughts kept drifting to Jacob—his quick wit, his steady gaze, the way he made her feel like the only person in the room.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her attention. She glanced at the screen, her heart skipping when she saw Jacob's name.
Jacob: "Quick question: Are park coffees patented? Because I think I miss them already."
Diana laughed softly, her fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.
Diana: "Not patented, but they might be trademarked. Missing the coffee or the company?"
The reply came almost immediately.
Jacob: "Both. But I'll never admit that in person."
Diana smiled, shaking her head.
---
Over the next few weeks, their messages became a constant. Quick updates during the day, longer conversations at night. They found themselves sharing more—stories from their pasts, hopes for the future, even the occasional self-doubt.
One evening, Diana sat on her couch, her legs tucked beneath her, as she read a text from Jacob.
Jacob: "You ever think about how some people just... appear in your life at the exact right moment?"
She stared at the message for a long time before replying.
Diana: "I do now."
---
Jacob wasn't the only one noticing a change in himself. His colleagues commented on how he seemed lighter, more at ease. Laura, his assistant, even teased him about it.
Laura: "Whoever she is, she's good for you."
Jacob: (startled) "What are you talking about?"
Laura: (grinning) "Come on, Jacob. I've worked with you long enough to know when something—or someone—is on your mind."
Jacob: (chuckling) "You're imagining things, Laura."
But he wasn't fooling anyone, least of all himself.
---
The turning point came one Friday evening. Jacob was in his apartment, packing for yet another work trip, when his phone rang. It was Diana.
Diana: (playfully) "So, Mr. Daniels, are you ever going to visit again, or was that a one-time deal?"
Jacob: (smiling) "Depends. Are park coffees still on the table?"
Diana: "Always. But you might have to share them with someone else next time."
Jacob's heart sank slightly.
Jacob: "Oh?"
Diana: (laughing) "Relax. I'm talking about my niece. Claire just had her baby. I'm officially an aunt."
Jacob: (relieved) "Congratulations, Aunt Diana. I'll bring the coffee if you bring the stories."
The conversation flowed easily after that, but when the call ended, Jacob sat on his bed, staring at his suitcase.
He realized he couldn't keep skirting around the truth. It wasn't just the city he wanted to revisit. It was her.
Jacob picked up his phone, scrolling to Diana's name.
Jacob: "What's your weekend looking like? Asking for a friend."
Her reply came quickly.
Diana: "Wide open. Why?"
Jacob took a deep breath before typing.
Jacob: "Because I think it's time for another coffee tour."
As he hit send, a rare sense of certainty settled over him.
For the first time in a long time, he knew exactly where he wanted to be.
Jacob's weekend plan fell into place faster than he'd expected. By Saturday morning, he was on a plane back to Diana's city. The familiar hum of the engines and the slight turbulence did little to distract him from his anticipation. It wasn't just about coffee or the gallery anymore—he wanted to know where this connection could lead.
---
Diana was at the gallery early that day, preparing for an afternoon tour. Claire arrived unexpectedly, carrying a box of pastries and a knowing smile.
Claire: "So, are we still pretending this is casual?"
Diana: (raising an eyebrow) "What are you talking about?"
Claire: "Jacob. The guy who, let's face it, is probably halfway here as we speak."
Diana laughed, shaking her head.
Diana: "He's not coming. We've just been texting. It's nothing serious."
Claire: (grinning) "If you say so. But don't be surprised if he shows up with coffee in hand."
Diana rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile that crept onto her face.
---
By the time Jacob landed, he had already messaged Diana.
Jacob: "What's the best coffee shop near the gallery? Hypothetically, of course."
Her reply was immediate.
Diana: "Hypothetically, it's Bean & Brew. But you're not really here, are you?"
Jacob: "Guess you'll have to find out."
A mix of excitement and nerves coursed through Diana as she stared at her phone. She had no time to overthink, though—guests were beginning to arrive for the tour.
---
Jacob arrived at the gallery just as the tour was wrapping up. He lingered near the entrance, watching Diana from a distance. She was animated, gesturing toward a piece of modern art as she explained its significance.
She hadn't noticed him yet, and for a moment, he simply observed her. There was a warmth and confidence about her that drew him in, even in a crowded room.
When the tour ended, Diana turned toward the entrance and froze. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw him standing there, coffee cups in hand and a sheepish smile on his face.
Diana: (approaching) "You actually came."
Jacob: "You sound surprised. I thought I'd made it clear I was due for another coffee tour."
Diana laughed, taking one of the cups he offered her.
Diana: "Well, you've got good timing. The tour just ended."
Jacob: "Perfect. Now you're free to give me the VIP version."
---
They spent the afternoon wandering the gallery. Diana walked him through each exhibit, sharing stories about the artists and her own experiences curating the collection. Jacob listened intently, asking questions that showed he was genuinely interested.
At one point, they paused in front of a large abstract painting.
Jacob: "So, be honest—do you actually like this one, or is it just here to impress the modern art crowd?"
Diana: (laughing) "It's grown on me. Art isn't always about liking something immediately. Sometimes it's about the conversation it starts."
Jacob: "Fair point. Though I think I prefer the conversation we're having."
Diana glanced at him, her smile softening.
Diana: "You're surprisingly smooth for someone who spends most of his time in meetings."
Jacob: "Don't let the suit fool you. I've got layers."
Their laughter echoed through the quiet gallery, the moment feeling far more intimate than either had anticipated.
---
As evening approached, Diana suggested a walk through the nearby park. The crisp air was refreshing, and the golden light of the setting sun bathed the city in a warm glow.
They found a bench overlooking a small pond. Jacob set the coffee cups down, turning to Diana.
Jacob: "You know, this is the first time in months I've felt... unhurried."
Diana: "You're always rushing, aren't you?"
Jacob: "Usually. But today feels different. Being here feels different."
Diana looked at him, her expression unreadable.
Diana: "Jacob, why did you really come back?"
He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the pond before meeting hers again.
Jacob: "Because I couldn't stop thinking about you. And I didn't want to keep wondering 'what if.'"
Diana's breath hitched slightly. She hadn't expected him to be so direct.
Diana: "I... don't know what to say."
Jacob: (smiling softly) "You don't have to say anything. I just needed you to know."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Then Diana reached for his hand, her fingers brushing against his.
Diana: "I'm glad you came back."
Jacob's heart swelled at her words. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.