Is It Revenge Or Love?

Plan Activated

~Monroe~

I watch many emotions filter through her eyes. Ok, so I lied. I already knew where she worked, but I did ask Amber just to keep up appearances. It’s been rough waiting for her to come to me, but two days was all I could spare. Once I remembered that she had no way to contact me, I had to make a move.

Stunned was all I could feel when she turned me down in her kitchen. I’m not full of myself by any means, but I don’t usually have to work too hard to get a woman interested. She truly turned me down and didn’t hesitate to do so. I would have left it alone, but the surprise I bet she didn’t realize was showing on her face was enough for me to decide to try again. I figured that giving her some time to come to terms with the idea of me would be the best way to go.

Two days was all I could manage, and now I’m here, at her job, waiting for her to respond. I see how she responds to me, the way her body gravitates toward me. I don’t know why she’s trying to fight it, but it’s a bit of a waste of time. “Well? Go to dinner with me. Put me out of my misery.” Her head tips back, and a beautiful laugh leaves her lips.

“Misery? Are you trying to tell me that you’re miserable? And what exactly put you in that position?” I lean back, letting my eyes roam her body. She’s playing with me, and that’s a good sign. I’m worming my way in, which is exactly what I want.

“Jaylene, you are even more beautiful than when we were in school. I recently found you again, and we don’t even get much time alone, spending that time with Amber instead. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but I wanted more time with just you. Then I’m brutally shot down when I suggest we get that time. Um, yeah, misery is the best description.” She chuckles softly, and I guess it’s warranted. I did lay it on a bit thick, but what can I say? I wanted to make a point.

“Fine. I’ll have dinner with you.” Jaylene sighs, and the grin on my face grows. I take her bag from her and place it on my shoulder. I grab her wrist and lead her toward my car. I decided to do away with the driver for today. There’s no need to flaunt my new self. Learning everything I have learned about her, she’d be turned off with all of that.

I open the passenger door to my Lincoln Navigator and help her in. My phone rings just as I'm closing her door. ‘Confirmed. He'll be there.’ A smile breaks out on my face. Things are starting to move into place very nicely.

~Deon~

I've been in a mood since that disastrous dinner, but I'm sure no one would blame me. She was supposed to be there, and we were supposed to solidify our engagement. What's worse, I haven't been able to find her since, and her parents have been of no help.

When I first heard of their plan, a part of me thought it was stupid. I didn't voice my concerns because I wanted their plan to work. It would have simplified things if she ended up in her family home.

The limo stops, and the partition is lowered. “Sir, we're here.” I lean my head back and sigh. I don't want to attend this meeting. It's with a potential investor, and they picked this spot. I'd much rather continue my search for my future bride. She’s got to be in this city somewhere.

My door opens, and I step out, adjusting my suit. I just have to get through this dinner, and then I can do what I truly want to do. The hostess recognizes me immediately and takes me to our table. I sit down and order my drink, letting my mind wander as I wait. “Mr. Gage! It’s a pleasure to meet with you.” I look up and try to restrain my eye roll. I hate people like this: those who are always so chipper and expect everyone to be excited to see them. I slowly stand and grip his hand, exerting my dominance.

“I’m glad we could make this happen, Mr. Bronson. Please have a seat.” He nods and sits across from me. I get my mind into game mode and begin with my pitch. His investment won’t make or break us, but I never want to start something and fail at it. Our drinks are delivered, and we sip as we discuss some of his questions.

“What can I get for you two?” I sit back and watch Mr. Bronson browse the menu. This is one of my go-to places, so I already know what I want. He gives his order, and the waiter looks at me. I open my mouth to speak, and my voice disappears. What the fu.ck is going on?

~Jaylene~

We pull up to a fancy restaurant, one that I’m sure my parents would frequent. I look around before my eyes land on Monroe. I wonder how he can afford to eat at a place like this, but then again, it isn’t my business. “Is there a problem?”

“Uh, well, it’s just that I can’t afford a place like this,” Monroe smirks at me, and I’m instantly taken back to high school when we were working together on that project.

“I guess it’s a good idea that I’m paying then.” Before I can respond, my door opens, and a hand appears. I unbuckle my belt and allow the person to help me out of the car. Monroe is next to me in no time, handing the keys over. Yes, this is one of those types of places.

We are escorted inside, and my original assessment was correct; this is one of those really expensive places that my parents would love. The inside is white marble with sparse decorations, especially what you’d expect in a very expensive place. I look down at my outfit, and I frown. “Monroe, I’m not really dressed for a place like this. Maybe we can go somewhere else.” I feel very out of place wearing jeans and a long, button-up shirt. I’m cute but in no way elegant enough for this place.

Monroe pulls my arm to stop me. I turn and look into his hazel eyes. “I want to spend time with you. This place has a really good menu. I wouldn’t care if you came here in a garbage bag; just you being here with me is more than enough.” I hate the flutter in my heart at his words. I take a deep breath and let it out while nodding at him. He smiles softly at me, and we continue to walk.

I take in my surroundings, and when I look ahead, my blood runs cold. It would figure that of all the places I could run into him; it would be here when I’m out with Monroe. We walk further, and I feel uncomfortable. I feel Deon’s eyes on me, and I can almost feel the anger pouring off him.

We enter a private room that is set up with candles and soft classical music. “Do you like it?” I do, but my mind’s occupied by the disaster that’s outside this room. “Jaylene? Are you okay?” I close my eyes briefly, trying to ground myself. I’m here to have a good time and not be hung up on my ex. I open my eyes and smile at Monroe.

“I’m fine. This is amazing; I can’t wait.” He nods and helps me into my seat. I need to focus on Monroe and the evening he set up for us. Deon can go to hell!