Robbery in Progress

Sixteen

...

"Sweetheart, how is everything? How's work? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. I want to hear all about it." He was sitting on the couch, my head lying in his lap. He ran his fingers softly through my hair, gently grazing the top of my forehead. "Sweetheart? Jen?" I could hear him speak but I could not get any words to come out. I couldn't speak. I couldn't say anything.

Then, I woke up. I jumped into an upright position in the bed, my hand on my chest to try to slow my breathing.

It was all a dream.

...

I had the day off and had absolutely nothing to do. I was still mad and frustrated with Derek...and myself. I decided to go grab a coffee and a muffin after my shower. I sat quietly at the table, staring out the window as people and cars passed by.

"Oh..." I looked up when I heard that voice. Why did he have to be here, out of all places? Why couldn't I have one day of peace? We just broke up and I did not want to go off on him...at least not in public. I glanced up at him and turned my head to stare back out the window. "Can we talk?"

"I don't want to." I have no idea what possessed him to do it but he pulled out the chair in front of me and sat down. It was like the first time that we talked at this very spot. "Can you just leave? Please?" I knew there was hurt in my eyes but I held back the tears and anger, making fists with my hands under the table.

"Jen, please, I want to talk. That's it."

"I said I don't want to." Just then, another voice broke through the conversation, and what a delight it was to hear that friendly voice.

"I believe she wants you to leave her alone." I knew Derek recognized Paul.

"I just want to talk to her. Mind your own business." I placed my hand on the top of Paul's leg, trying to get his attention. He looked at me and I gave him a look, letting him know I did not want him to make a scene. He grabbed my hand and we walked out the door together. I had never been so happy to see Paul's face at that very moment.

"Thank you for helping me back there, Paul, and thank you for not causing a scene." He smiled.

"No problem, Jen. That guy just can't take a hint." I could tell he was angry.

"I know, but I just wanted to say thank you." We hugged and then shook it off because neither of us are very affectionate people.

"Well, what are your plans today?"

"I don't know honestly. I just came down here, hoping something would come to me that I could do today."

"Well, I took the day off if you want to come with me."

"Where are you headed?"

"I was going to the shooting range if you want to tag along." I thought about it for a minute and honestly, what better way to release anger and frustration than firing a gun at a target?

"I'm in."

Author's Note: Thank you all so much for reading! I really hope you are enjoying this book so far. This chapter just came to me and I knew I could not wait any longer to write it. Please vote and comment! I love hearing what you all think about the characters, plot, and storyline! If you have any suggestions for new characters to come or ideas to incorporate, just comment them!