It Started With a Heist

Chapter 11

EMMA

After putting in hours of work, we finally laid down our paintbrushes and stood back to admire our handiwork. But the growling sounds coming out of our stomachs reminded us that we had skipped dinner in our eagerness to finish the project.

We both looked at each other, our clothes splattered with paint, realizing that no restaurant would allow us in. So we made our way to a nearby food truck and grabbed two hot dog sandwiches.

With our hunger satiated, we decided to take a drive to Central Park. I quickly grabbed some napkins, and we placed them on the leather seats of Jake's car, not wanting to ruin them with our stained clothes.

When we arrived, we strolled through the park until we finally reached my favorite spot, a bench overlooking the iconic Bow Bridge, the stunning piece of architecture that spanned across the tranquil waters of the lake. The city's skyline at night looked like a million stars reflected in the water, and I couldn't help but stare in wonder.

We sat down and began digging into our sandwiches. Jake suggested we play a game of 20 questions to learn more about each other. I agreed, hoping it would allow me to bring up the case and get him to open up.

The combination of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and engaging conversation made for a perfect evening. We laughed until our bellies hurt, teased each other with lighthearted jokes, and even shared a few touching moments.

"So you've been to lots of museums. Which one's your favorite?"

Wiping my mouth with a napkin, I placed my finger on my lips, considering my response.

"Hmm.. definitely not the Louvre," I said. "It's so crowded you can barely move without bumping into someone. And don't even get me started on the crowds around the Mona Lisa."

Jake chuckled. "Alright. What else?"

"The British Museum is so diverse, but you know, the vibes just don't feel so... British," I added. "And well, Egypt's museums are great, but unless you're visiting in winter, you must plan to carry a fan with you in all places."

"You're picky."

"Guilty as charged." I grinned. "Okay, my turn. What's your biggest regret in life?"

Jake furrowed his eyebrows and pursed his lips, appearing to be racking his brain for an answer. He finally shook his head and mumbled, "I don't think I've lived through it yet."

As I studied his features, I noticed that his eyes were full of confidence, one that expanded from so deep within. It made me question my own confidence for a moment.

To the eye of the world, everybody who interacted with me immediately believed that I was the epitome of confidence. What they never realized was that most of it was built through layers and layers of masks, for deep within, I knew that by the end of the day, I was a con artist. My trade was making people believe in whatever the hell I wanted them to.

I wondered what it felt like to go to bed and wake with a clear conscience every day. What it felt to realize that you were good to the core and know your real self-worth...

"From Earth to Emma."

I snapped back to the present moment when I heard Jake's voice. I gave him a small smile and apologized for dozing out.

"I was saying it's my turn," he said. "So, what's yours?"

I blinked. "My biggest regret?"

Jake nodded, and I felt the urge to slap myself mentally for asking that question.