Green Table

TEN

Renae gulped nervously. Cooper Day the serious detective wanted to take her out. Nodding her head she agreed to the outing. His words were sweet, helping calm her suspicion that he was just using her. In fact this made it seem like he was extremely interested in her and her alone. And if she was being honest she wanted to be a bit conceited herself and see a new side of him.
She could hear him excel in relief, like he was fearful of what her answer might be. "I'd like to take you to one of my favorite places if that's okay." Renae nodded to agree, after that the ride was awkward and silent, and it gave her time to think as she stared out into the star filled night sky. They were beautiful, just like she knew her and Cooper could be if she wasn't directly involved, or if he wasn't the one who was in charge of the investigation. Yet that made her think, would the two of them even met without all the corruption looming around them? Would the two of them even be able to have a normal relationship after the trauma they have been going though. Or would it only make them stronger? Renae was envious of the thought of others being able to lead such normal lives, to have such pure and emotional love for their partner and their work. Yet she wasn't able to have any of that. None of this felt fair to her, why should they have to ask to share their personal lives together. They were people just like everyone else, they should be able to do whatever the hell they wanted to do. And yet it just wasn't the case. Unlike the stars they couldn't be beautiful yet, but maybe they could catch a glimpse of it tonight; showing it would all be worth while.

The cruiser rolled up to a shack on the side of the busy road, hordes of people surrounded the window. The noise of people laughing and having fun, brought the atmosphere to life. Outside around the shack were tables with benches and umbrellas that matched the yellow roof of the building. In banners all round advertised the foods, burgers, sandwiches, fries, and shakes. "Did you know I love a good shake? Is that why you brought us here?" Renae beamed. "I suppose I should have thought of that originally." He grinned, and then did his trademark tick, "I actually brought us here to share a piece of my childhood with you." Renae smiled brightly, "I guess you can say I am trying to open up." Cooper shrugged. "Well I like it, I can't wait to see all it is you have to offer" Her face turned bright red as she quickly covered her mouth. Oh God, she thought to herself. I sounded like a pervert. Cooper only chuckled at her embarrassment. "At least you are getting a good laugh from my miswording." Her face still like a beat.

Ordering was a breeze Renae ordering a buffet of food. Cooper staying on the more moderate side. "I didn't know you liked food this much." Cooper laughed, the atmosphere felt natural and smooth. "I really love food, wait until it comes out. If its super yummy I might just do my happy tummy dance." His eyes gave a smile and his mouth a light chuckle, she knew he was having just as great of a time as she was. "So, how did you find this place?" Renae spoke with interest, Cooper had mentioned it had something to do with his childhood and she was curious to get to know more about his life. "After my dad solved a big case we would come here and celebrate. Mom would get a everyone large shakes and the biggest sized burgers and we would congratulate dad. It was also a way for us all to get together since he was always so busy when he worked." You could see the sadness pang in his forest eyes. "Is that why you became a detective? To be like your father?" Renae questioned, she didn't like seeing him sad. But if things were to work out in the future she needed to know everything, even the not so great things. "Actually because of him I told myself I would never be in law enforcement." He exhaled loudly, "My father was a good man, he loved his family. But he loved his job more, it gave him a thrill that we just couldn't give him. Father from the minute I was born was always working on a case, he was amazing at it too. And the force recognized it and worked him harder. Sending him undercover and away for weeks, sometimes months at a time. When he came home, he would put on a smile and pretend to be happy. But both my mom and I knew he was struggling. He saw things people never see in their whole lifetime, and he would keep it to himself. He wouldn't sleep or hardly ate, he used to say "if I close my eyes it's like it's happening again". That's when he started to pick up a bottle and drink it till it was nothing but polished glass." Coopers eyes stayed on Renae the whole time he spoke, "After a few mishaps due to his drinking problem at work, they let him go discretely.
Afterwards I was "destined" to be a screw up. Someone who wouldn't be able to make up for my father's mistakes.
I was the kid who didn't want to be damned for his faults. The rest is simple I wanted to redeem our family's name. I started the academy right out of highschool, attended college and got my bachelor's. I scored the highest in the academy, they couldn't pass me up because of it." He shrugged casually as if he hadn't beat the destiny society chose for him.
"I think you're amazing. I'm proud of you." Gently she reached her hand out and grabbed his hand pulling it into hers, giving it a slight squeeze.