Chapter Thirteen Continued

Jen sipped her water as Thomas walked toward her. Her head hurt from the Jack and Coke rush she tried to use to solidify her nerves. Her stomach was doing somersaults thanks to her emotions all fighting for control over what was or was not about to happen.

            Thomas smiled as he put his beer bottle on the table next to her water. He leaned down to her ear keeping eye contact with her until his lips were equal with her ear lobe.

                        “Is there any chance we could talk privately somewhere?” he asked her.

            Jen got up from her chair, grabbing her water as she did so.

                        “There’s a patio in the back,” she answered. “We should be able to find a quiet spot somewhere out there.”

                        “Sounds good,” Thomas said as he picked up his beer and waved toward the back indicating he would follow her out.

            They found a spot in the back corner away from bar patrons and far enough away from the live band, they wouldn’t have to yell at one another to talk. Thomas pulled out Jen’s chair for her as she started to sit down. Once she was seated, Thomas took the seat beside her.

            After a couple moments of awkward silence, Thomas decided to start a conversation.

                        “Wow, Jen,” he said. “I really don’t know where to start.”

                        “Twenty years is a long time to play catch up.” Jen answered.

            Thomas sipped his beer while he looked at Jen. She was as stunning as ever. Life had been good to her, the curves of her body embracing her frame perfectly.

                        “You look wonderful, Jen,” Thomas told her, “more beautiful than I can remember.”

            Jen picked up her water and took a sip, hoping to hide her eye roll.

                        “Thanks,” she answered shortly.

            Thomas smirked at her tone.

                        “I guess I deserved that.”

                        “Yeah, that’s only a smidge of what you deserve Thomas,” Jen found herself saying. “I’m not even sure why we’re talking right now. Twenty years ago, I wasn’t good enough for you and the “new world” of finance you were entering. Now, twenty years and apparently one failed marriage later, you decide you want to see me again.”

            Jen was shocked at herself. She had no idea where the ability to say these words was coming from, but decided she needed to keep it going. Standing up, Jen seemed to find her voice.

                        “I loved you, Thomas. I thought you were proposing marriage to me that night, not telling me I wasn’t good enough for you. Not good enough for you! How could you! I gave you all of me that I had to give then and I…I was ready to give you my heart for life and you freaking dumped me, you asshole!”

            Thomas’s eyes were wide with shock. Jen could tell she had shocked him almost as much as she shocked herself with this response. She decided now was a good time to end the conversation.

                        “Twenty years, Thomas. Twenty damn years it took you to try to talk to me again,” she said. “Your attempt sucked, but I’m glad it happened because I discovered something. I too good for you and I always have been.”

            Jen walked away as quickly as she could before she lost her confidence.