Mirabel was nervous. She'd been dreading this moment ever since her mom had mentioned that she was dating someone new. Beatrix had always been so careful about who she let into their lives, so when she told Mirabel about RJ, she'd tried to be as gentle as possible, explaining how important this relationship was to her. But that didn't make it easier. After all, this was a new chapter—one that she hadn't exactly been ready for. This was a lot, her mom was with someone who wasn't her dad and he was okay with it. 

She had facetimed her dad recently, she had tried to get a sense of how he felt about it all. She could see the faint tension in his eyes, even though he smiled and reassured her that it was fine. He told her he just wanted her to be happy and to keep an open mind. But Mirabel wasn't sure how to reconcile her own feelings with what her dad was saying. It wasn't that she didn't want her mom to be happy, but it was hard to imagine her mom with anyone else.

It felt like a betrayal to even think about her mom moving on, like it somehow erased the memory of the family they'd once been. But her dad had honestly assured her that RJ was a great guy and he truly was happy for her mom, and that wasn't replacing her dad, but instead just making her mom happy in a new way, in a way he couldn't anymore. 

Her dad, of course, still loved Beatrice, she did the same, but he explained they just love each other differently now. They had reached a point where they both knew their love wasn't the same as it had once been. It was hard for Mirabel to understand this. Her whole life she had looked up to her parents as the perfect example of love, the kind that was meant to last forever. But now, she had to face the reality that sometimes love changes, and that didn't mean it was any less real. 

It just meant it had transformed into something else—something softer, perhaps, but still meaningful. Sitting in the passenger seat of her mom's car, Mirabel tugged anxiously with a loose thread on her jeans as they pulled into a café parking lot. Her mom had chosen a casual place, something neutral and comfortable, but that didn't make Mirabel feel any less uneasy. Beatrix glanced over at her with a reassuring smile.

"You don't have to like him right away," Her mom said gently. "I just want you to meet him. Give him a chance."

Mirabel swallowed, nodding slightly, but she didn't look at her mom. She kept her eyes on her lap, still fiddling with the loose thread, as if pulling it just right would unravel all the tangled emotions inside her. Her mom sighed softly but didn't push her. Instead, she turned off the car and stepped out. Mirabel hesitated for a few seconds before finally unbuckling her seatbelt and following. 

The café was small and cozy, the kind of place that smelled like fresh coffee and warm pastries. It was the kind of place her parents used to take her on lazy Sunday mornings when she was a kid, back when things were simple—back when she didn't have to think about what it meant for her mom to love someone new. And then she saw him. RJ was already sitting at a table near the window, his fingers wrapped around a cup of coffee. 

He looked...Normal. Not intimidating, not overly eager. Just a guy. He had short, slightly graying hair, kind eyes, and a relaxed posture, like he knew this wasn't going to be easy for her and wasn't going to force it. She wasn't really sure what she was expecting but it definitely wasn't this. Mirabel had been bracing herself for something more awkward or forceful—someone trying too hard to make a good impression. But RJ was just sitting there, calm and patient, as though he wasn't in a rush for anything, least of all her approval. It was...Disarming.

When he noticed them walking in, his expression softened, and he stood up, pushing his chair back with a slight scrape on the floor. "Hey, Bea." 

Mirabel watches their interaction as he greets her mom with a casual warmth that Mirabel hadn't expected. He had leaned in to kiss her cheek, but after he had done she had pulled him in a hug, gaining a small fond chuckle from him. He returned the hug, being mindful of her baby bump. Mirabel's eyes lingered on them for a moment, watching the way her mom seemed to glow in his presence. It was strange, seeing her like this—so at ease, so happy. 

Mirabel wasn't sure how she felt about that. She wanted her mom to be happy, but it still felt weird and it seemed impossible to imagine anyone else in that role. The thought of her mom with someone else was like a crack in the foundation of everything she had known, and yet, she couldn't help but notice how right it seemed in a way. Mirabel felt a wave of conflicting emotions rush through her. There was a part of her that wanted to hate RJ for daring to replace her dad. 

"Mirabel," RJ's voice gains her attention. "It's great to finally meet you. Heard a lot of good things about you. I know your mom likes tea, but you're a coffee drinker right? I remember her telling me that one day."

Mirabel tried to keep the walls she'd built around herself intact, but RJ's small gestures were making it difficult. The way he remembered those details, the ones that seemed trivial but were so personal, made him seem less like an outsider and more like someone who truly cared about her mom—and, maybe in some small way, about her too. Beatrix suggested they should sit and she watched as RJ pulled out a chair for her. Mirabel's lips curved up slightly at the simple gesture, but she had to do a double take when he had pulled out one for her as well. Mirabel had to admit she was surprised when she realized RJ had pulled out a chair for her without hesitation, his actions as considerate as before. 

It wasn't a grand gesture, but it was kind. And the simple act made her pause, made her rethink some of the assumptions she had about him. He wasn't pushing—he wasn't forcing anything on her. He was just being...Thoughtful. She hesitated for a moment before taking the seat, feeling a little off balance. The way RJ was treating her, with so much care, was making it harder to stay angry or distant. It was almost like he was trying to prove that he wasn't trying to take her dad's place, that he wasn't there to replace anyone. He was just there, in a way that felt grounded and real.

Beatrix takes a seat next to RJ, her smile warm as she watched Mirabel settle in. "I'm glad you two are getting to know each other. I know it's not easy, but I appreciate you being open, Mirabel." Mirabel didn't respond right away, her mind still processing the small moments between them. Her mom was right—it wasn't easy. But it wasn't as hard as she'd expected either. As the minutes passed, the awkwardness didn't completely fade, but it also didn't seem as sharp.

"So, Bea also told me that you skateboard? That's pretty cool." RJ complimented while smiling at her. Mirabel blinked, momentarily taken off guard by RJ's casual segue into another personal detail. She hadn't expected him to pick up on something like that—let alone bring it up in conversation.

"Yeah," She said, her voice a little quieter than she'd intended. "I've been skating since I was, like, eight. It's kind of my thing."

RJ smiles, a genuine, easy smile that didn't seem forced at all. "I think that's awesome. I loved skating as a kid." 

Mirabel couldn't help but ask curiously, "You used to skate?"   

RJ nods. "Oh, yeah. Used to think I was as good as the pros, but I quickly realized I wasn't quite there," He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. "I could do a couple of tricks, but mostly, I was just in it for the rush. The feeling of gliding along the pavement, it's kind of addictive, you know?"

Mirabel's lips twitches up into a small smile. "I get that. It's like...Escaping, just you and the board."

RJ's smile softens as he nods. "Exactly. I think that's why it stuck with me, even after I stopped skating. There's something about the freedom of it. It's like the world slows down for a second."

"And that's why you have a motorcycle now." Beatrice added with a chuckle.

RJ nods in agreement, a small smile tugging on his lips as he nods. "Yeah, exactly. The bike's not quite the same, but it scratches that same itch. There's something about the wind in your face and the road ahead that makes everything else fade away. It's like a different kind of freedom."

Mirabel raises an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "Sounds pretty thrilling."

"It is," RJ agrees, nodding. "But it's also a bit more...Dangerous. You've gotta be cautious on the road, so I guess it's a different kind of challenge."

Beatrice, smiling fondly at him, chimes in with, "He's always been the adventurous type."

Mirabel could tell from the way RJ looked at Beatrice that there was a genuine affection there. It wasn't a forced connection, or one out of obligation. It was real. And despite herself, Mirabel felt a bit of that warmth start to seep through her walls. It didn't make everything easier, but it did make it harder to stay distant. "So, how's school going?" RJ asks, breaking through the silence that had settled around them. His tone was light, like he genuinely wanted to know. "I remember Bea saying you're pretty into the arts and that you're pretty good in school."

Mirabel hesitates, unsure how to respond. Part of her wanted to brush off the question, to remain distant and avoid engaging too much. But something about RJ's genuine interest made it harder to do that. "Yeah, I get good grades in school and I do some art," She said, her voice a little quieter than usual. "I sketch a lot."

"That's awesome," RJ said, leaning slightly forward, his smile encouraging. "Art's a great outlet. I bet you're really good at it." Mirabel couldn't help the small rush of warmth she felt at his words. It was simple praise, but it wasn't empty. She had always been used to people either not noticing her art or dismissing it as something trivial, but RJ's acknowledgment felt different. It felt like he saw her—really saw her.

Beatrix, watching the conversation unfold, seemed content, her smile soft and understanding. "RJ's always been a fan of the arts," She adds with a teasing tone. "He's got a good eye for things."

"Not as good as yours, Bea," RJ replies, chuckling and shaking his head. "But I do appreciate a good piece of work when I see it."

Mirabel sat back a little, her thoughts racing as she processed everything as her mom and RJ began to catch up. She had gone into the evening expecting to feel disconnected, cold, maybe even annoyed. But RJ wasn't forcing his way in; he was just being...Himself. His easy conversation, his genuine interest, and the small moments where he'd shown care had been disarming. She hadn't expected that.

Her mom seemed so at ease with him, so happy, and though Mirabel wanted to feel upset about that, it was hard to ignore the warmth between them, how much care they had for each other and how in love they seemed to be, and it made her feel a strange mix of emotions. She hadn't anticipated this kind of ease between them, and it unsettled her. The thought of her mom with someone else, laughing and joking so naturally, left her with a knot in her stomach. But at the same time, it was hard to ignore that her mom truly seemed happy. 

It wasn't just about RJ being "good enough" for her; it was about the connection they shared, how they treated each other. Mirabel shifted in her seat, her fingers tapping nervously on the armrest. She didn't want to admit it, but she was starting to like RJ. He could never be her dad, he could never replace him, but there was something undeniably genuine about him. He wasn't trying to fill anyone's shoes—he wasn't asking for that from her, or her mom. He was just being himself, and that made him hard to ignore. Mirabel found herself thinking that maybe, just maybe, she could start to accept RJ.

RJ's voice broke through her thoughts again, drawing her back to the moment. "If you ever want to show me some of your sketches, I'd love to see them," He said casually, as though it were the most natural thing to ask. "Really?" She questioned, not being able to hide her surprise.  

"Yeah," RJ replies, his tone light and genuine. "I mean, I'm no expert, but I've always appreciated art. It's cool that you have something you're passionate about."

Mirabel hesitates for a moment, still a bit unsure. She wasn't used to people being this interested in her art—most people either didn't notice or didn't care enough to ask. But RJ's voice, warm and unforced, made her reconsider. "Well, I'm not exactly a pro either," She said with a shrug, but there was a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "But yeah, I guess I could show you sometime."

RJ smiles back, a look of encouragement in his eyes. "Whenever you're ready. No rush." He added, as if to give her space to make her own decision.

Mirabel felt a shift, a small but noticeable one. She wasn't ready to let down all her walls, but maybe, just maybe, she could start with something small. "Thanks." She said, the word feeling genuine despite the cautiousness still hanging in the air.

"Bea also mentioned there's a boy in the picture." RJ adds somewhat teasingly with a raised eyebrow. "Should I be worried?" His playful tone made Mirabel blink, caught off guard by the direction of the conversation. 

"Oh, um, no he's great. Like really great." She admits, her cheeks heating up at the thought of Lucas. "His name is Lucas, we've been best friends since we were kids but a few months ago we got together and it's been amazing..." Mirabel's words trailed off as she felt her cheeks warm even more, but this time, it wasn't from discomfort. There was something about talking about Lucas, about sharing this part of her life with RJ, that felt strangely good. 

RJ's smile softens, his tone still teasing but with a hint of genuine curiosity. "That's awesome. Sounds like you two have something really special." 

Mirabel nods, her fingers tapping nervously on the edge of her cup. "Yeah, we do. It's like...Everything clicked, you know?" 

RJ nods, glancing at Beatrice and sharing a fond smile with her "Yeah, I know." 

Mirabel noticed the exchange and couldn't help the small smile tugging on her lips.  There was a softness to their connection that was hard to ignore, a silent comfort in the way they communicated without words. Mirabel watched RJ and Beatrix for a moment longer, a soft warmth blooming in her chest. There was something undeniably real about their connection, the way they didn't need to say much to understand each other. 

Breaking her gaze, Mirabel takes another sip of her drink, trying to refocus. She wasn't here to get lost in thoughts of RJ's bond with her mom. She was here to get to know him better, just as Beatrice had encouraged. RJ noticed Mirabel's gaze lingering on her cup, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. 

He takes a moment, then, with a playful grin, leans forward slightly. "Hey," He says, his voice a little lighter, "I think we've been so deep into this conversation that we almost forgot about the pastries." He gestures toward the display counter filled with tempting treats. "I mean, it wouldn't be right to just come here for the drinks, right? How about we grab a few of those?"

Mirabel looks over at the pastries and, despite herself, her stomach gives a small rumble. She had been so focused on their conversation, she hadn't even noticed the delicious array of croissants, tarts, and cakes tempting her from across the room. She chuckles softly, shaking her head a little. "I guess you're right. I didn't even notice how hungry I was until now." She glanced at Beatrix, who seems happy to indulge in the idea of something sweet.

"Perfect," RJ says, grinning. "I'm all about the chocolate croissants, but I think you're more of a scone kind of person."

Mirabel raises an eyebrow, a bit surprised at how easily he picked that out. "How do you figure that?"

RJ shrugs casually, still smiling. "I don't know, just a feeling. Plus," He adds with a knowing grin, "Don't think I didn't notice you eyeing them earlier."

Mirabel laughs, surprised by how observant he is. "Okay, you caught me. I do love a good scone."

"And I know Bea love sweets," RJ continues, following the girls over to the counter. "So I assume you'll get a fruit tart, right?" He added with a playful look at Beatrice, who nods eagerly.

"Definitely," Beatrix says, practically bouncing on her heels. "Those tarts are irresistible!"

Mirabel smiled at the exchange, enjoying the ease with which RJ and Beatrix interact. There's a certain lightness between them that makes her feel more comfortable. And it made her smile fondly at the way she noticed RJ looking at Beatrix fondly, the love he had for her evident in the way he spoke and looked at her. There was something special about the way they were in sync, understanding each other with just a glance or a word. Mirabel found herself feeling a little more at ease in the moment, the initial unease she felt about RJ slowly fading away.

The three of them sat back down, sharing their pastries and drinks, the conversation drifting to lighter topics. Mirabel hadn't realized how much time has went on. And she had realized she honestly likes RJ, she didn't expect to like him at all let alone like him this much. As they sat together, enjoying their pastries, Mirabel realized how much more comfortable she felt around RJ. She hadn't expected to like him, let alone like him this much. The conversation was easy, and his warmth made her feel at ease. Looking at Beatrix, she could see how naturally RJ fit into their dynamic. Mirabel smiled to herself, surprised by how much she'd warmed up to him in such a short time.

Later, as she and Beatrix drove home, the quiet hum of the car filled the space between them. Mirabel couldn't keep the thought to herself any longer.

"Mom," She said, hesitating for a moment. "I think I actually like RJ. Like...More than I thought I would."

Beatrix raises an eyebrow, glancing over at her with a smile. "Oh? What makes you say that?"

Mirabel shrugs, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I don't know. He's just...Different. And I think you two are really good together."

Beatrix's smile softens, her eyes glinting with affection. "I'm glad to hear that, sweetie. It's important to me that you're comfortable with him."

Mirabel nodded, feeling a sense of relief. For the first time, she genuinely felt good about RJ being part of their lives. Mirabel gazed out the window for a moment, her heart feeling lighter. For the first time, she felt truly comfortable with the idea of RJ in their lives. It was still new, but the uncertainty she had felt earlier was fading, replaced by a quiet excitement. She was ready for whatever came next, confident that things were falling into place in a way she hadn't expected.