Robbery in Progress

Ten

I felt a lot better knowing that Christina was okay. Seeing her helped a lot and I was going to call Paul later to check on her.

Work was slow and not having Paul there to bug me every five minutes really did feel lonely. After work, I went home, took a shower, and put on some pajamas. My evening went by fast. I did call Paul and asked about Christina and he said she was resting and doing okay. I told him if he needed anything to let me know, which I knew he wouldn't if he did need something.

The next several days went by and it was the same, old, daily routine. Paul and I had such busy days and I was just too tired to do anything in the evenings when I got home that most of the time I ate something, took a shower, and went to bed. One night I even fell asleep on the couch trying to watch a movie.

It hadn't crossed my mind I hadn't heard from Derek until my phone rang one evening while I was getting ready for bed.

"Derek?"

"Jen, I'm sorry I haven't called. I knew you wanted to take things slow and I agreed to do that, but I wasn't sure how long I should wait before calling. I have been busy, too." He was talking so fast that it was kind of hard to keep up.

"Me, too."

"I actually got a new job a couple days ago."

"Oh."

"Well, aren't you going to ask where?" The excitement in his voice was undeniable.

"Where?"

"It's at the restaurant Gary Danko downtown."

"That's a nice restaurant. You need a reservation to get in there."

"Yeah, you do. There's even a dress code of business casual."

"How could anyone afford that place?"

"Well, I get a discount for working there as a waiter, so maybe you will let me take you there sometime when we both aren't working?" I changed the subject.

"Why are you a waiter there? I thought you liked to cook."

"I do. It's just, like I said...it's hard to be back cooking when it just reminds me of my mom all the time." He paused briefly. "Speaking of family, though, my sister is coming down tomorrow from Sonoma. I'd like for the two of you to meet."

"Derek..."

"She's really nice. I know she'll like you."

"Derek..."

"She will probably talk your head off and I just know we'll end up cooking something together. We always do. Even though we only live an hour apart, it's hard to find time to spend time together."

"Derek...

"You can come over for dinner tomorrow around 6:30."

"No, Derek! No! I don't want to do that! I don't want to meet your sister!"

"Jen, why not?" He sounded so disappointed.

"It's too much for me right now."

"Oh. Yeah...yeah...I understand."

"Derek, I'm sorry."

"There's no way I can change your mind? We can just have coffee together?"

"Derek..."

"No, you're right. She said she'd be back down in two weeks anyway and maybe you two can meet then. She is excited to meet you. It's been a while since I've dated anyone."

"Okay. I'll think about it when the time comes."

"Okay. I'll talk to you soon, alright?"

"Sure." I felt terrible for yelling at Derek and telling him I didn't want to meet his sister. It's not that I didn't want to meet her, it's just that it's a big step and I didn't know if I was ready. I didn't know if two weeks was enough time for me to change my mind either. Once again, I am screwing up this relationship. Before long, Derek and I will be history.

A/N: I hope you all are enjoying! Remember to vote <3 and comment! :) Also, I wanted to let you all know that this story is based in San Francisco, California. I am making everything realistic, like including names of real places there, like Gary Danko (restaurant) and Derco Fine Jewelers. All pictures are from San Francisco as well. I am going to write in something dramatic/traumatizing in case you all have suggestions for what that should be, please feel free to comment them! XOXO