"The shopping spree was a total success, as our camera guy hid at different points in the mall," Helen told Mike at the meeting the next day in his office.
Mike tapped his pen on his desk. "You're sure no one suspected a thing?"
"Absolutely not," Helen scoffed. "I was very discreet about it. Trust me, Mike, this will go viral when I upload the final clip on my page."
"Good," Mike replied. He did not like using Christine as some sort of charity case, but his hotel and employees were counting on him to make the right decisions.
"So, you and Christine used to date," Helen remarked. "I can't say the whole middle class struggling den mother is really your type."
He glared at Helen. Helen wouldn't know the first thing about kids. "That's none of your business, Helen. I'd say her mother's instincts tops yours."
Helen lifted her hands in surrender. "Fine, don't be so territorial."
Mike's expression softened as he thought about Christine. Their lunch meeting at a café downtown was scheduled for later that day with Elijah about the home renovation. Mike also looked forward to seeing her.
As he arrived at the café, Christine was already seated, sipping on a cup of coffee. Her smile was warm but guarded. Before Elijah arrived, they exchanged small talk, discussing the kids' adjustment to going back to school.
"They're settling in nicely," Christine said, her eyes lighting up. "Millie texted me a while ago; her classmates left some cards in her locker, along with Daphne and the boys."
Mike nodded, taking her hand in his. "You're doing an amazing job, Christine. I don't know how you manage with them."
Christine gently pulled her hand back, her expression firm. "Mike, I'm serious; we need to keep things formal between us. For the kids sake."
Mike's face fell. "So, they don't know about us?"
Christine shrugged. "Of course not. It's not a subject I would bring up in a conversation."
Mike narrowed his eyes at her, but he understood; he'd lost her trust a long time ago. "And if I told them?"
Christine scoffed. "Don't you dare."
He chuckled, reaching for her hand again. "I know, I know. I just... I miss you, Christine. You're sleeping right across my room; I can't sleep knowing how we used to be."
Christine's gaze softened, but her voice remained firm. "We can't go back. Not after what happened. You cheated on me."
Mike drew his hand away in anger. "Listen, I don't want to repeat myself when I say—"
Just as Mike was about to remind her of her mistake, a loud crash echoed through the café, followed by gunfire. Patrons screamed, ducking for cover. Mike instinctively shielded Christine, pulling her close.
"What's happening?" Christine cried.
Mike's eyes scanned the chaos. A group of men had stormed into the café.
The masked man demanded, "Everyone, hand over your wallets and jewelry! Don't try anything stupid, or I'll shoot!" His voice was menacing, and his eyes scanned the room.
The first thing that came to Mike's mind was, What kind of moron robs a café in broad daylight?
"Nobody moves; nobody gets hurt." The robber growled, his gun sweeping across the café.
Mike gripped Christine's hand tightly.
The masked man took a step closer; his gun pointed directly at Mike. "You, asshole with the watch, hand it over!"
Mike's eyes moved to his Rolex. Damn, it had been his father's favorite watch.
"Do it, Richie Rich!" The robber snarled, grabbing Mike's shirt and yanking him off his chair.
"Mike!" Christine cried.
"Shut up!" The robber snapped at her, then his cold blue eyes trailed to Mike. It was like staring into death himself.
"Take it easy, pal," Mike said.
"I ain't your pal!" The robber replied.
"I'll give you the watch," Mike started to remove the buckle.
"Throw a punch," the robber whispered to Mike.
Mike thought he was dreaming. "What?" He whispered.
"Do it, man, I got a thousand bucks on the line here!" The Robber whispered back.
Without thinking twice, Mike threw an uppercut, the customers screamed, and the robber stumbled back and tried to fight Mike.
They rolled on the floor until Mike heard a loud crash, then the robber went limp.
He looked up to see Christine holding a broken plate, and her eyes wide in horror, she stood frozen.
Mike quickly got up, taking the plate from Christine, and drew her into a hug. "You okay?"
Christine nodded, still shaken.
The customers applauded, cheering.
"Wow, nice shot!" someone shouted.
Christine's face flushed as she looked at Mike. "Are you out of your mind?!" She yelled. "Fighting an armed man?"
Mike was speechless. "Uh…he…"
"My God, even Kimiko's got a lot more common sense to know that!" She flicked his forehead.
Pain shot through him. "Ow!" He cried as he rubbed the spot. "Geez, what was that for?"
"For being an idiot!" She replied, reaching to hug him again.
The police burst into the café, surrounding the area. "Everyone, stay calm! We have the situation under control."
Mike rolled his eyes.
"Let's get out of here," Mike said, taking her hand.
Outside, Elijah waited with concern and shock on his face. "What the hell happened?"
Mike filled him in on the robbery.
Elijah's eyes widened. "And Christine took down the robber?"
Mike chuckled. "With a plate."
Elijah turned to Christine. "You're amazing."
Christine blushed.
Mike turned to Christine.
"You were incredible back there."
Christine smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Try that again; I'm going to use a toaster on you next."
Their eyes held for a moment before Elijah broke the silence.
"Want to reschedule our meeting for another time?"
Christine nodded. "Yeah, that would be best."
Mike nodded.
The police approached them.
"We need your statement," the officer said.
As Mike gave his statement, Christine stood beside him.
When they finished, Mike turned to Christine.
"Want me to drive you home?"
Christine nodded.
The robber's words about being paid to do this remained in Mike's mind. Was this incident connected to his hotel's PR stunt?