It was almost 4 am when they made it to the lake house. It didn't look like much from the outside, but it was sufficient on the inside. It had electricity, but lacked internet and cable. An antenna sat atop the Tv to get what few tv channels it offered. It definitely was not modern, and didn't have much connection to the outside world, except for the old rotary dial phone in the corner. It was like they had stepped into a time machine to the 70's, before cell phones and internet connection was a thing. As they surveyed the house Reba noticed one small detail.

"Why is there only one bed?"

"It was all we had on such short notice."

"Well, short notice or not. I can not sleep with him. "

"Ma'am, I don't see how it's a problem when.." she interrupted him.

"Hold up. Sex is one thing, but sharing a bed with the person is another. " Brock looked to Reba.

" What she means to say is she is very thankful that you have went through all this trouble." He stared at Reba and met her gaze. She sighed realizing he was right. God knows what kind of danger she would have been in had she been left at her house.

"Brock is right. I am sorry for the way I acted. Thank you officers, truly. There is food at least, right?"

"Yes ma'am. We have supplied groceries and snacks to last a week. If you need anything before then, you will call this number using the landline, do not call your family. Before I go, Ma'am I have to confiscate your cell phones. You never know what can happen if he tracks you."

" I can't just give you..." Brocks hand clamped over her mouth and his other hand took the cell phone from her hands He hurriedly gave the officer her phone, as she elbowed him in the rib, releasing herself from his grip. "I swear to god Brock Hart. With god as my witness, if you ever do that again I will smother you in your sleep!" He turned to the officer.

"She doesn't mean it. We were married 25 years and I heard that line at least 5 times a week. I'm still here ain't I."

"Not for long. "

Brock handed the officer his cell phone and laughed.The officer by this time was very amused." I have to leave, but like I said, if you need anything call. If anyone ask your names just give them first names only and don't tell them anything about the case. "

"We won't officer.."

"Lewis. The name is James Lewis."

"Officer Lewis. Thank you. Is there any means of protection here before you leave?"

"Glock 45. In the desk drawer, a 38. Under the mattress, and a shotgun in the closet. This is Texas after all." He shrugged his shoulders and shared a laugh with Brock. Reba was intrigued. At least she wouldn't be a complete damsel in distress.

"Thank you Officer Lewis.I do appreciate it."

" Remember, my number is on the table , and I'll be back in a week. You two be safe."

He turned and showed himself out the door. Brock and Reba just stared at one another. They hadn't been alone together like this since they were married. Sure he had slept on her couch and they had done movie night, but not like this.

" I'm going to fix the bed, and change. We need to get some sleep. We haven't slept much, and it is really late."

"Yeah. I'll get the bags from the living room and bring them into the bedroom."

"I'm sorry about what I said earlier.."

"It's ok Reba. I will sleep on the floor."

"No. We are both adults.You will take one side, and I will take the other. No funny business though. " she pointed her finger at him and he held his hands up.

"I promise. I'll be a good little boy and stay on my side." He laughed as he walked away. It was going to be a long night. After he finished cutting the lights out, he retrieved their bags and brought them into the bedroom. He found the pajama pants he wanted and began to undress as Reba was fixing the bed. She turned around just as he dropped his pants to the floor.

"Couldn't you have changed in the bathroom?"

"Reba. You've seen me naked before. Besides, when we were married we always changed in front of each other."

"Yeah well, we are divorced."

"Divorced with benefits. Need I remind you."

"I remember our little trysts. No need to mention it every five seconds."

"Why don't you mention it. You would rather act as though we have never slept together."

"Well. I shouldn't be sleeping with my ex husband."

"Why not?"

"It's not right."

"For who?"

"Me. I don't want to discuss this Brock. In fact, I don't want to continue whatever the fuck we have been doing these past couple of days. We have been playing house. "

"Reba..."

"No. I'm not done. We act as though everything is good between us. It's not. You broke me. Then we fall into this routine after your divorce from Barbara Jean, and after she moved away. We start spending time together. Watching movies. Reliving old Brock and Reba. I don't want to be old Brock and Reba because look how good that turned out."

"What are you saying Reba?"

"I'm saying that this thing of us getting comfortable with each other has to stop. If we're going to continue playing house, mommy and daddy can't love each other. " Her voice broke at the last statement. " if we're going to fuck, fine. I just don't want the intimacy on an emotional level."

" You are afraid Reba."

"Oh please. Of what?"

" You are afraid to feel anything for me. You are afraid you might fall in love with me. Is that it. Don't worry Reba. There is no chance in hell that I'd ever fall back in love with you. You think you have all the answers. Gets mad because I ask someone out, when she's going out with someone too. If I hadn't have been at Sambuca, tell me. Would you have fucked the good Dr? Let him in your panties just as you did me?" He knew he fucked up as soon as the words were out of his mouth. The shock came when her hand made contact with his face. She was crying. He hadn't meant to hurt her, but he was so angry. This is what always happened in their nasty fights. They always intended to hurt the other, but never had either laid a hand on the other. He felt his face, hot from the slap he received.

"Fuck you Brock."

"I deserved that. I give you that. I just don't know what's going on with you. One minute you want me, then the next you don't. I'm tired Reba. I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is a new day, maybe when we wake up you'll have figured out what's going on with you."