Robbery in Progress

Twenty-Nine

I had insisted that we stay in two separate rooms but there was only one available. There were two beds in it, though, so we each had our own bed for the night. The next morning, John ran out to get us some coffee after he showered. I got up and took a shower while he was gone, trying to wash away all the nerves I had about today being the day I meet his parents. I looked through my clothes for what to wear. John wouldn't tell me where we were going when we left San Francisco so I had nothing suitable enough to wear to meet his parents. I rummaged through my bag to find a pair of jeans and a nice orange top. I slipped on my black flats- the only pair I own. I found some silver studs and added them to finish the outfit. I walked over and looked in the mirror and immediately began to think this was not good enough. Is orange even my color? What color does one wear to meet their significant other's parents? I was completely overthinking this whole thing and so in my head that I didn't hear John come in.

"Here's your coffee." I looked in the mirror and saw John's face brighten. He had the biggest smile displayed on his face and he looked me up and down, leaning to the side a little bit and turning his head, gently biting his lip. I turned to face him, propping myself up against the bathroom sink.

"What? Do I need to change?" I look down, fidgeting with my shirt.

"Oh, no. You look...you look great. That's perfect for you to wear."

"Are you sure? I want to make a good first impression on your parents." John sat our coffee's on the table, making his way closer to me. He grabbed my hand.

"I'm sure. You look great, Jen. You don't have to overthink everything, you know?" I turned to look in the mirror one last time and then grabbed my coffee. John was dressed in jeans and a black button-up that he had rolled the sleeves of up to his elbows. He had on a pair of black shoes that were tied. His muscles were showing through his shirt, especially since he had rolled the sleeves on it.

"Trying to show off?" John looked slightly confused.

"Huh?"

"You have your sleeves rolled up on your shirt..."

"I didn't want to get too hot in it. Does it look bad or something?"

"I'm not saying that...It's just..." John looked at me with a smile and I could tell he knew exactly what I was talking about. He just wanted to give me a hard time. "You know what I mean, John." I playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"Are you ready?" I nodded and we left the hotel, headed to his parents. When we arrived, the nerves started to kick in again and I felt all sweaty. My hands were shaking. We got out of the truck and I just stood there like a statue. John was walking towards the door until he turned to see me stopped in my tracks. He came close and placed an arm on my shoulder.

"Jen, are you alright?"

"John, I...I don't..." He grabbed my hand.

"Come with me for a minute." He held my hand, leading me towards some trees. "I can tell how nervous you are. Do you want to talk about it?" I turned my head, not wanting to answer. "Why are you so nervous? Have you always been like this?"