Robbery in Progress

Eighteen

The next day, I could not help but think of Derek and his sister. I was hoping that they were enjoying their day, but I was worried about the next time I talked to him. I was worried because I had no idea how to talk to him. He hurt me. He made me feel like he did not care about me. I went through that feeling so many times in my past and I did not ever want to go through that again...but I cared about him.

"Jen? Jen?" I blinked out of my daze and when I came to, I saw Paul waving his hand in my face.

"Oh. Hey, Paul. What's up?"

"What's up? Really? Where is your head at today, Jen? You are definitely not being yourself." I shrugged my shoulders and turned my head slightly, hoping to get him to change the subject. That did not work though. "Jen, what is going on with you today?"

"I just have a lot on my mind." Paul stood up and came to my desk, propping himself against it, gently crossing his feet and folding his arms.

"Tell me about it."

"Paul..."

"Nope, no buts. I want to know."

"Okay, fine, but I'm not happy that you're forcing me to talk to you right now."

"Are you ever happy when you have to share your feelings with someone?" I shook my head at him. He really knew how to push my buttons.

"I talked to Derek yesterday." Paul raised his eyebrows; a surprised look came over his face. He did not speak so I continued. "I told him how I felt and how he made me feel by doing what he did, and he apologized." I paused to take a deep breath and to see if Paul was going to say anything. "He said he cared about me and he knows this isn't going to be easy, but he wants to work on us." I stopped talking, hoping he was going to say something now, so I did not have to continue.

"Okay. What did you say to him after that?"

"I told him that I cared about him, too."

"Do you?" I nodded yes. "Then why do you not seem happy right now, Jen?"

"I don't know." Paul gave me one of those looks like he could tell I was lying. "It's just...I know I'm hard to deal with. I am not going to lie about that. But I do want someone to...I guess...I don't know how to say it."

"You want someone to overlook your insecurities and flaws and want to be with you despite them. Am I right?" I nodded. Why could Paul read my mind? "Do you think Derek could ever do that?"

"I'm not sure."

"I think you need to really think about that Jen." I knew he was right.

"Excuse me?" We both looked up to see a tall, handsome man with a beard standing beside us.

"Can we help you?" Paul spoke up.

"I need to file a complaint."

"Okay. Have a seat." Paul sat at his desk beside mine.

"What is your complaint about?" Paul continued discussing the situation with the man."Someone stole my wallet."

"When did this happen?"

"About 20 minutes ago."

"Did you get a good look at the person who robbed you?"

"Yes, I did."

"Would you be able to pick him out of a line-up?" The man nodded. "Okay, can you describe him to me?" The man went on to paint a description of the person who stole his wallet. "We will be in touch with you." The man got up from his seat and smiled at me.

"I think I'm going to drive around and see if anything is going on Paul. Do you want a coffee or anything?"

"Nah, I'm good. Thanks though." I got up and went to my police car.

"Hey." I had the door to my car open and was about to sit in it when I heard the man's voice again.

"Yes? Did you forget something?"

"Oh, no, I didn't forget anything." I gave him a confused look as to why he decided to talk to me. "Okay? Well, I am headed out for a drive and coffee."

"Can I join?" He was so forward. I was in total shock at this point. The nerve of this man was unreal.

"A little forward, aren't we?"

"Maybe."

"You can join me for coffee, but not long because I have to go drive." Did I really just say that?

"Sweet."

"And you can't ride with me."

"Alright. I'll just follow you then." What is wrong with me? I am dealing with so much with Derek right now, yet I decided to say yes to coffee with some guy. I do not even know his name.