CHAPTER 14 - MONDAY, MONDAY

Bobby looked at the clock. 6:30 AM. It was Monday morning. He rolled on to his back and stared at the ceiling. Monday. THE Monday after Louise’s designed encounter. He rubbed his eyes; he had not slept well. His dread growing, he knew the meeting Louise had planned was going to be unpleasant at the very least. Finally, he heaved himself out of bed and padded to the kitchen to start the coffee. As it brewed, he took a quick shower. He pulled on boxers and a tee then returned to the kitchen for his first cup. He sat down on the couch and sipped his coffee and his thoughts returned to the events that was fueling his growing dread. However, at the same time, he had a good chuckle when he thought about how Alex handled Louise. Alex could hold her own, that was one of her endearing qualities. He glanced at the clock and realized he could not stall any longer; he was going to have to get a move on to get to work. He poured another cup and returned to the bedroom to get dressed. When he was ready, he grabbed his briefcase, keys and headed to the car. He was already in a mood, a dark mood.

The commute to work was a nightmare. Construction, stalls, fender benders had travel time down to a crawl. Bobby’s mind kept replaying the encounter. Louise had shown her true colors, her actions speaking louder than words. His mood was darkening by the minute. By the time he reached the center, his sense of dread was practically overwhelming. However he was itching to get this whole thing over with, he just wasn’t sure how it was going to play out. Since he was a little late, the halls of the center were empty as all sessions were already in progress. He entered his office and checked his voice mail. There was only one-from Louise, reminding him that they needed to meet. As if he could forget.

Suddenly his cell phone rang. Bobby checked the caller ID and did not recognize the number. He was about to let it go to voice mail but curiosity prevailed and he answered. The call was a complete surprise. As he listened to the caller, he walked to the window and watched the morning hustle and bustle of the city. He was so engrossed that he did not hear Louise slip in to his office. She took a seat, quietly observing Bobby. His body language spoke volumes. Then she heard him laugh and say, “I look forward to it,” and clicked off. He was staring at the phone and smiling when he turned around. Louise realized he was very happy-no! excited about the call. Bobby still had not realized he was not alone. Louise broke the silence, “Well now, that must have been a happy call. I haven’t seen that bright of smile from you in a while.” Louise never took her eyes off him and she noticed his smile faded when she made her presence known. Bobby pocketed his phone and took his place behind his desk. “I didn’t hear you come in,” he explained. “I don’t imagine you did. You were pretty engrossed in that call,” Louise responded. Bobby recognized her comments for what they were-a fishing expedition. Moreover, he was not going to take the bait. He maintained a calm, almost aloof demeanor. Louise realized it was going to take more in order to get what she wanted from him. She took another swipe at him, “That phone call, judging by your level of enthusiasm of you reply- Oh, how did you put it? Oh, yes, that you were “looking forward to it.” I just bet it was your, um, lady friend.” Bobby chuckled softly but said nothing. Louise moved to his side as she regrouped then waded back in, “Bobby, please be careful. I just can’t bear the thought of you getting hurt.” Bobby choking on laughter answered, “Thank you but I don’t believe your concern is warranted.” Louise never gave up, “Women have a sixth sense about-”. Bobby stopped her by slamming his hand down on the desk, “Oh, please! You really know how to lay it on thick.” His intensity had Louise backing up a couple of steps. Bobby was on his feet now, “You know what you are Louise? Do you know? You are so full of yourself. You have to be the center of attention, the main attraction. The very center of the universe. They have a name for people like you-”. Louise’s next move silenced Bobby. Quick as a snake, Louise’s arm shot forward as she slapped him on his cheek. Hard.

The slap resonated through out the office. The anger was palpable. Louise stood shaking with rage. “How dare you analyze me?” she choked. As Louise paced back and forth, Bobby stood quietly with his hands in his pockets. The muscles in his jaws were twitching. That was Bobby’s tell. Louise caught it and went in for the kill. “Ohhh, I forgot. You were ONCE a hot shot profiler,” Louise said smugly. Bobby shook his head and laughed aloud. “Please! That is so lame, Louise!” he replied. He picked up his briefcase and dumped the contents on his desk. To top it off, he took his nametag off and dropped it. Louise held her head high and taunted, “You can’t leave. What will you do?” Bobby walked around his desk, slowly moving up behind her. Louise was rooted to the spot. Bobby stood quietly behind her for a moment then leaned in whispering in her ear, “I’m going to be-” he hesitated then slowly moved to the other side and whispered, “a hot shot profiler.” He stood absolutely still allowing Louise to absorb his words. Never looking back, Bobby walked out.

By Lynn.