- What do you think about modern painting? - Rachel winks at her sister.

-It's awful-Juliet sighs-Maybe I sound like an old woman, but I just don't understand how all these spots and blotches can be called art. And colors? I'm still dazzled by them.-

-But you'll remember it for a long time-Rachel laughs-At least, I'm sure I will. I can imagine my nightmares for the next couple of years – I'm being attacked by green and red blotches, which are shouting that they are flowers.-

Juliet laughs sonorously, and suddenly ... falls down. She can hear a loud sniff near her. Rachel's still laughing. Raising her eyes, Juliet sees a yellow Labrador, nuzzling up her side.

-My God, you can't take a step without meeting with someone new- Rachel chuckles.

-I'm afraid he is too young for me- Juliet snorts, getting up from the ground. - By the way, I wonder where his owner is. He is the one I'd want to talk. - She frowns, dusting off her clothes.

-Guess that's him- Rachel points out a panting man in a track suit and cap, who'd just appeared from behind the trees.

-Enos, there you are, you rogue. I'm not going to run after you through the whole park - The stranger growls, while the puppy rubs against his leg, faithfully looking into his eyes and wagging by his tail. - Okay, stop wheedling. - He pats the dog and looks up to Rachel and Juliet.

-Sorry if we troubled you ... - he stops, and then smiles widely. - Mrs. Shephard. Nice to see you. How are you feeling? -

Rachel is staring at Juliet, who stands, frozen, and looks like she isn't going to talk with the man. Rachel sighs and takes the initiative.

- Rachel O'Brien, Juliet's sister, and you? - She smiles charmingly.

-Oh, sorry, where are my manners.- The man checks himself.-Nice to meet you too - he casts a quick glance at her hand - Mrs. O'Brien, I 'm James Ford .-

- Call me Rachel-

-Do me the same favor - He breaks into a smile, which reveals his dimples.

-Deal- Rachel nods.-So where did you meet my silent - she emphasizes this word, throwing a reproachful look at Juliet - sister? I thought I knew all the men she knows.-

-Mmmm. It's not that we talk often. I'm not a friend. I met Mrs Shephard through my work. I'm a cop.-

It's Rachel's turn to freeze because now she understands Juliet's strange behavior.

James takes their silence differently.

-Well. Guess you have your own plans and all-he mumbles. - Once again, excuse me for what Enos did. I am ready to make up for him, just tell me how. -

Receiving no answer, he says. –You know how to get in touch with me, - and runs away, this time following Enos on a leash.

Only after he leaves, does Juliet find the strength to breathe normally.

Rachel is still looking at the man with the dog.

-He is as charming, as you said- she says. - I'd want to talk to him once more.-

She turns to Juliet.

-What's wrong with you? You seem to go into a stupor only at the sight of him. Though from my perspective, he was happy to see you. I'd say, very happy. - She winks.

-He was just being polite, nothing more.-

-And what do you think about his proposal for redemption? It was just a polite gesture, too? – She teases her.-Don't be naive Jules, he likes you. It's obvious.-

-What are you talking about?-Juliet exclaims.-Anyone in his position would say the same thing.-

-My Lord, why are you so stubborn?-Rachel sighs -Well, let's look at it from another point of view. What are the chances that you'd meet him in the park?-
-Just a coincidence. Do you really think that he followed us all this time?-

-Interesting idea-Rachel laughs, but then says more seriously –No. I'm sure this meeting was accidental. But that makes it even more important. It's fate, Sis.-

-Don't jump to conclusions by only one incident. - Juliet warns her.

-Alright. Isn't it strange to you that the day you remembered ... - whatever it was - So, on that day, Jack asked you to go to the police station, where you met James?-

-He's working on our rubbery, nothing special.-

-Maybe not. Maybe you are supposed to be together!-

A/N: My special thanks to Eyeon, my dear beta-reader, and to Kaylost - your revies are very important for me. As I promised you girls, this is the beginning of the happy part.