The Other Side of the Coin
Copyright© 2023 by The Story Teller
Chapter 24
When Cooper returned home, Jennifer’s eyes were filled with excitement. “Thanks again for the information on James’ arrest. It helped make my story perfect. The readership count on my blog is already in the thousands and still growing. Now, everybody will respect me as a journalist, and that’s all I wanted. Hopefully, The Journal will give me a permanent job.”
Cooper smiled. “I don’t see why not. I’ve read the story, and you did a great job on it.”
Jennifer stole a glance at him. Did he really mean it? Or was just he being nice to her? The expression on his face appeared sincere. Coupled with the earlier apology, it was quite confusing because it felt like he was trying to make amends for his bad attitude.
Cooper waited for Jennifer to reply. When the silence felt strained, he changed the topic.
“I have more good news for you. It’s safe for you to return home.”
“Really!” Jennifer replied.
Cooper nodded. “It’s true. We believe the mafia lost interest in you, because with Nick James arrested, there’s very little likelihood of them recovering their money.”
“Well, it’ll be a relief not to have those goons chasing me the minute I step outside. I’ll grab my stuff and be out of your hair in no time. All I need is a ride back to my apartment.”
“You don’t have to leave right away. I didn’t have time for breakfast this morning, so I’m starved. How about you?”
Jennifer’s stomach rumbled, reminding her the only thing she’d eaten all morning was peanut butter and toast. She nodded. “Sure, that sounds like a good idea.”
“Okay,” Cooper replied. “I’ll whip up a ham and cheese omelet, which, by the way, is my specialty.”
They ate in silence, each with their own thoughts. Jennifer discovered his cooking skills were almost equal to Momma’s Kitchen. She finished the meal and smiled at Cooper when he refilled her coffee mug. “Thanks, that meal was fantastic. Did anybody ever tell you that you’re a pretty good cook?”
Cooper thought her smile was devastating “Not lately.” He sat the half-full coffee pot on the burner and studied her. “Do you know something? Last night I had visions of an angry boyfriend busting down my door.”
Jennifer blushed and almost choked on her coffee. “No need to worry about that,” she sputtered. “I split with my boyfriend months ago.”
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