Scared Silent

Chapter 2

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Once Reba arrived home she quickly thought about the handsome guy she'd just seen. Since she was a realtor, it was common for her to work with handsome guys. But, he was different, maybe it was his eyes or the slight dimples in his cheeks. Whatever it was Reba liked it and secretly hoped she would meet someone like him someday. A few weeks had passed since her little encounter with the hunky mystery man. She didn't brag about him to anyone like she did when she seen cute guys, maybe because she knew that talking about him wouldn't bring him into her world; she thought it would've been useless to harbor on something she would never have, let alone see again. Or so she thought.

Reba was having an ordinary day at work. She met with perspective clients and discussed upcoming open-house events with fellow work companions. Lunch time had crept around and she was becoming a little starved so she went to the employee lounge and ate lunch. A lot of her fellow co-workers would make fun of the way she packed her own lunch for work, they thought it was a little old-fashioned. As she ate her salad and read her Home and Garden magazine, her boss approached her. She didn't bother to look up at him.

"Reba, I'd like you to meet my son" he said so proudly. Reba looked up and practically spit up her food when she seen the man standing next to her boss. Mr. Benson's son was equally shocked and surprised. Mr. Benson caught the awkwardness between the two.

"Um, is there something wrong?" he asked as he looked at the two suspiciously. Reba was lost for words so his son spoke up.

"Oh well dad I've met Reba before. She was at a restaurant and dropped her wallet, I went after her and gave it back." She nodded in agreement.

"Wow, what a small world this is," she was finally able to muster up.

"Since this is our first time formally meeting each other, my name is Chris, nice to meet" he said as he extended his hand to hers.

Reba gave him one of her best smiles. Exposing her dimples. "Hi, I'm Reba, Reba Hart." They stood in front of each other shaking hands for what seemed like an eternity. So when Mr. Benson called out to them they both jumped a little, allowing reality to set back in.

"Well this is just great. It'll definitely make things a lot easier." Mr. Benson said in a relieved tone.

"What do you mean?" Reba asked.

"Well Reba, Chris is going to be working for me now. And since I have too much going on I was hoping to find someone to help him learn the ropes. And since you two already know each other it'll be much easier." She was stunned that he asked this task of her. She didn't know whether or not she should object I mean she didn't have a reason not to since it wasn't like they had some past or history together. Chris could see her uneasiness and quickly intervened.

"Um Dad it's okay I don't need anyone to show me the ropes. I'll do fine on my own." He said in a reassuring tone.

"Oh nonsense. Reba is one of the best realtors I have on my team and she's tough as nails. There is no one that can help you out more than her. And I am sure she doesn't mind, do you Reba?" all eyes were on her. It took about half a second but she finally answered.

"Uh no, not at all." She tried hard to sound convincing but believe you me it took a lot. She really didn't want to but she didn't want to cause a problem so she agreed.

"Alright then it's all settled. I have one o'clock appointment so Chris I must get going. Have fun and take it easy on him Reba." With that he left out of sight. Reba and Chris just stood there for what seemed like forever but the awkwardness wouldn't last long.

"Um…how about we take a seat. I'm almost done with my lunch. Would you like some?" Reba asked showing her southern hospitality.

"No thanks. I'm really not a salad person."

"Well this is certainly weird. I never expected to see you again." Reba said as she became a bit more comfortable. As the hours passed they became more comfortable with each other. They talked about a lot things. They didn't go into too much details about their personal life. By the time the conversation subsided Reba realized that they had talked for the remainder of the day, not moving an inch since they sat down. Funny how time flies. Reba reluctantly dismissed herself so she could go home for the day.

"Well nice seeing you again I guess. Tomorrow we can go over the ends and outs of working for your father."

"Okay". But before she walked past him, he gently grabbed her wrist. She turned around a little confused as to what was happening. He let her go as he began to speak.

"You know Reba since were going to be working together how about lunch tomorrow?" Reba was screaming joyfully inside her head.

"That'll be fine. Well I really must be going. Bye." She gave him a smile and walked away. If it hadn't been for the fact that he was standing there she would've done a happy dance. Chris watched her walk away, smiling to himself.