Reba clenched her hands around the edges of the music stand as the instrumental played on. Her eyes struggled to focus on the sheet music in front of her rather than the three people just on the other side of the glass window. Launching into the second verse she made the mistake of looking up, her heart nearly stopping as she watched Bobby slip into the room. She watched him exchange a few words with Joey, before looking over at her and grinning. She quickly adverted her eyes back to the music, a blush creeping it's way across her face. Her cheeks grew redder as she stumbled over the words; her voice cracking.

The music stopped and she hung her head in embarrassment. "You ok Reba?" Joey's voice came through the speaker.

"Yeah." She looked up and gave him a weak smile. "Sorry, i just got a little tongue tied."

"Just keep going sweet heart." She nodded, taking a deep breath as the music started playing again.

She finished the song with shaky hands, looking up when the final chords faded out. "Was that good?"

"That was fantastic. Reba why don't you just give me and Mr. Stein a minute to talk.

"Ok." She nodded, nervously fidgeting with the music stand. She looked up as Bobby entered the booth, shutting the door behind him.

"Hey." He smiled at her. "You sounded great."

"I did?"

Bobby laughed. "Of course you did. Are you ok?" He questioned, seeing her nervously looking back and forth at the two men on the other side of the glass window.

"I'm so nervous." Reba admitted.

He laughed again. "Relax Red."

Reba glared at him. "I'm not gonna relax, Bobby. This guy practically has my whole music career in his hands, if i even have one. If he doesn't sign me on i'm done for."

"Hey, calm down." he gently grabbed her shoulders, sensing she was on the verge of panicking. "You sounded great. They both loved you, you shoulda heard the things Mr. Stein was sayin."

"Were they good?"

"Of course they were good." He could still sense her doubt. "Reba." He looked her in the eyes. "You're amazin. The guy would be an idiot not to sign you on."

"Reba?"

Bobby let go of her and they both turned towards the window as Joey spoke into the speaker. "You're in."

Reba gasped, wrapping her arms around Bobby's neck as he engulfed her into a hug. She quickly pulled away and straightened out her hair, trying to look professional. "I mean thank you, for the opportunity.

"We'll sign all the papers on Friday. Welcome aboard Red." Joey flashed her a smile before turning back to the producer and leading him out of the room.

She waited until the door was completely shut before squealing. Bobby pulled her into another hug, wrapping his arms around her tight. "I told you you'd get it." He squeezed her tight, pulling her closer.

Reba patted his back as he squeezed her. "Bobby." She gasped out, running out of air.

"Oh!" He let go of her. "Sorry. Are you ok?"

She smiled up at him, nodding. "I'm great. God, i can't believe this is happenin."

Bobby smiled back at her. "We're celebratin. Tonight there's a bonfire, the whole band will be there. You're goin, no exceptions."

Reba's smile grew bigger. "That sounds like fun."

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven."

...

"So they signed you on?"

Reba smiled hearing her mama's voice fill with excitement. "Yes. I am now officially a recording artist at Mercury records. I sign everythin on Friday."

"Baby I am so proud of you."

"Thank you mama."

"So how's everythin in the big city?"

The redhead rolled her eyes. "Mama it's Nashville."

"Compared to the farm it's practically New York. How is it there?"

"It's different. It's been busy around here lately. But i've been gettin more tips down at Earl's."

She heard her mama sigh. "Reba Nell we can send you money."

Reba leaned against the counter, twirling the phone chord around her fingers. "By we you mean you?"

"Reba-"

"It's ok mama, I know how daddy feels."

"I can still send you some."

"I don't want your money, i'm doin just fine on my own."

"Reba you are going to kill yourself workin at that diner."

"Mama this is just a starter job! Just somethin to get me by, it's not permanent." There was a moment of silence. "How are you and daddy?"

"We're doin alright."

She chewed on her bottom lip. "Has daddy said anything else?"

"No. But he's coming around to it."

Reba scoffed. "He's not gonna 'come around to it' until i'm back workin on the farm."

"Reba that's not true."

"It's ok mama." She heard her sigh.

Someone knocked on the door and Reba smiled. "Mama I have got to go, i'll call you tomorrow alright?"

"Alright. I'll get that money out to you soon."

"Mama I don't-

"Bye baby, I love you." Her mama hung up before she could say anything else.

"Love you too." Reba mumbled in disbelief, putting the phone back on it's cradle and opening the door.

Bobby's breath caught in his throat when she opened the door. "Hey."

"Hi." His heart pounded when she smiled at him.

"You look great." He managed to stutter out, subtly looking her over. She'd changed into a casual, short-sleeved, white dress. The hem hit just above her knees, the scoop neck showing a glimpse of her cleavage.

She smiled. "Thanks." They stood silent for a moment. Reba cleared her throat, making Bobby tear his eyes away from her body, blushing. "Should we get goin?"

"Oh, yeah. Let's go." He chuckled out nervously.

Reba grinned and stepped out of her apartment, shutting the door behind her and locking it. They started down the hall and she held back a laugh when he glanced over his shoulder at her, tripping over the carpet.

...

"Never have I ever ridden a motorcycle."

Reba rolled her eyes as they both took a drink. "You're makin em' to easy!" At this rate we'll probably be hammered within ten minutes." Her and Bobby sat in the bed of his truck, waiting for everyone else to show up.

"Then you do one." Bobby nudged her.

She pursed her lips, wracking her brain. "I got one. Never have I ever gone skinny dipping." She took a drink, laughing as she watched his eyes go wide. "What?"

"I don't believe it."

"What do ya mean you don't believe it?"

Bobby snorted. "Innocent little Reba? Skinny dippin? Nah."

Reba raised an eyebrow, biting her tongue. "Who ever said I was innocent?"

"Well...no one, you just give off that vibe."

She laughed. "Bobby there's a lot about me that you don't know."

"Really?"

"Yup."

"Well I can handle anythin you throw my way."

"Can you now?"

"Yup." He took a sip, grinning at her. "Just you wait and see."

Reba opened her mouth to talk, only to be cut off by a car honking. They glanced over their shoulders and Bobby grinned, hoping off the tailgate. "Look who finally showed up. What took you so long?"

"I had to pick up a couple things. Hey Reba." Jack flashed her a smile, opening the back doors to his van.

"Hey." She slid down off the tailgate, joining them.

"I heard you got signed on today, good goin little missy." Jack ruffled her hair and she swatted his hand away.

"Thanks, big mister." She exaggerated.

He laughed. "Point taken, I won't call you that."

"Thank you."

"Where's everyone else?"

"Well, Toby is picking up Katie Ann and a couple of his friends. Davis is out gettin more beer last I checked, and Keith is probably still hungover from last night, I wouldn't count on him showin up."

Bobby rolled his eyes. "No surprise there."

"Give me a hand would ya."

Bobby stepped forward, helping Jack unload the heavy cooler. "Is there anythin I could do?" Reba shifted from foot to foot.

"Umm, yeah." Jack stood up straight, already starting to unload the next thing. "I got a radio in the front seat, if you could bring it out here and put somethin on so I don't have to listen to Bobby bitch the entire time we set up."

She laughed as Bobby punched his shoulder, heading towards the front of the van. She opened the passenger door, quickly spotting the portable radio , bringing it around the back. She set it down on Bobby's tailgate, switching it to a classic rock station before turning back to the guys. "Need help with anythin else?"

"Nope, we got it Red, just sit back."

Reba sighed, leaning against the tailgate as she watched them set up the grill and chairs. She hummed along to the radio, picking at a lose thread on her dress. She looked around the beach, sighing in content as she watched the sun begin to fade. She jumped feeling the bed shift, looking over at Bobby. "You're already done?"

He shrugged. "It doesn't take that long, we just have the campin chairs left, Jack's got those." He wiped the sweat from his forehead, slightly panting.

Reba got up and went over to the cooler, picking out two water bottles. "Here." She handed one to Bobby, sitting next to him.

"Thanks." He took it, twisting the cap off. Reba flinched when water flicked onto her arm. "Sorry."

"It's ok." Bobby grinned as she opened her own bottle. She glared at him when he flicked water right at her face. "That one was on purpose!"

He smirked. "What are you gonna do about it?" She flicked water at him and he scoffed, doing the same back. They began continuously flicking water at each other, Reba's eyes widening when Bobby held his open bottle above her head.

"Don't you dare."

He chuckled, tipping the bottle just enough for the water to dribble onto her head. She squealed, shoving his arm away, causing him to drop the bottle and spill all over himself. Reba covered her mouth with her hand, holding back a laugh. "I didn't mean to do that."

"Uh-huh." He jumped off the tailgate, pulling her with him.

"What are you... BOBBY!" Reba gasped as he threw her over his shoulder, heading down the beach. "Bobby put me down!" She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes widening seeing he was headed towards the water. "Bobby!" She pounded on his shoulder. "Put me down right now!"

"Ok." They reached the shore and he pretended to let go and drop her, making her screech and wrap her arms around his neck, clinging to him. He laughed, setting her down on her feet.

"You jerk!" She punched his shoulder. "Why would you do that!" He smirked, quickly picking her back up bridal style. Reba squealed when he tilted her back, the ends of her hair touching the water. "Bobby stop! I'm sorry!" She pleaded. "Please, i'm sorry!" She screeched as he tilted her back further, making her almost completely upside down. "BOBBY!"

He laughed, bringing her up right. "Oh come on, a little water never hurt nobody."

"That's not nice!"

"Neither is dumpin water all over someone."

"It was an accident!"

"Sure it was." He pretended to drop her again, making her gasp and cling to his neck.

"Ok i'm sorry, i'm sorry!" She quickly apologized, keeping her arms wrapped tight around his neck. "Just please put me down... away from the water."

Bobby grinned. "Apology accepted." He carried her away, from the shore, setting her on her feet. "What? You don't wanna go swimmin?"

"Ha, ha." She laughed dryly, making Bobby smile. "That wasn't funny."

"Relax Red." He slung an arm over her shoulders as they started back up the beach. "I wouldn't hurt you."

Reba's breath caught in her throat. She looked over at him. "What?"

Bobby chuckled. "Do you actually think i'd throw you in the water, in this weather? You'd freeze to death."

"Well... thanks for not droppin me I guess."

He laughed. "Of course." Reba bit her lips, trying to hide the smile that was very evident on her face, subconsciously scooting closer to him as they continued to walk.

...

"Damn it!" Jack and Davis both groaned as Reba sunk the ball into the last cup.

"Woo!"

"We win!" Bobby picked Reba up by the waist, lifting her up while she laughed. "We are the beer pong champions!" He gloated, pumping his fist in the air once he set her down.

"I don't like playin with you two anymore." Jack rolled his eyes as they cheered obnoxiously.

"Why? Tired of loosin?" Bobby teased. Reba laughed. He threw his arm around her shoulders and hers instinctively wrapped around his waist.

"No, but every time you win you're obnoxious about it."

"Oh you're just a sore loser." Reba drawled out, giggling.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Get a room you two."

Bobby chuckled, taking Reba's hand. "Come on, let's get another beer." He pulled her away from the table so the next group of people could play. They made their way to one of the coolers. He let go of her hand, fishing two beers out of the cooler.

"Thanks." Reba gave him a small grin, looking down at her can and picking at the edges as a strained silence fell between them. Her face flushed when his hand made it's way to the small of her back. He leaned in close, his voice hushed as he spoke below all the commotion around them. "Do you wanna go somewhere less crowded?"

She knew it was more of a suggestion than it was a question, and her pulse raced when she looked up at him; his eyes burning into hers. She opened her mouth to talk but nothing came out.

Bobby grinned when she gave him a short nod, giving a quick look around them before sliding his hand off of her waist and taking her hand. Intertwining their fingers, he took the lead and pulled her through the crowd of people.

She stayed close behind him, following as he made a path to a more open area. They continued going until they could barely hear the chaotic chatter and the lights had begun to fade. He took her a little closer to the shore, letting his hand slip from hers as he sat down in the sand.

Reba sat down next to him, shifting uncomfortably in the sand as she tried to fix the skirt of her dress. She moved to sitting on her knees, wincing as the sharp grains pressed into her skin. Bobby chuckled. "Come here." He gently grabbed her waist, pulling her down until she was sitting on his lap sideways.

Reba's heart pounded and her cheeks grew warm. She flashed him a nervous smile and he grinned back. He popped the top of her beer open before doing the same to his. "Thanks."

"No problem." His arm moved around her waist, his hand resting on his hip. He watched her for a reaction, grinning when she smiled down at him.

"It sure is pretty out tonight." She turned her gaze, looking out at the water. The moon reflecting off of the surface, and the small breeze gave off such a relaxed vibe. She sighed contently, subconsciously leaning into him.

"It's not the only pretty thing around here." Reba turned her head back to look at him, slightly blushing. He held back a grin, clearing his throat. She looked back at the water, breathing along with the tide as her heart continued to hammer on.

Bobby took a drink of his beer, setting it down in the sand. He rested his chin on her shoulder, sliding his arm around the front of her waist, intertwining his own hands as they rested on the side of her hip. He felt her tense up before hesitantly laying her head on top of his.

"I love this song." Reba commented softly, focusing on the music off in the distance.

Bobby grinned. "I met Garth Brooks."

Reba lifted her head, looking down at him in disbelief. "When?"

He chuckled, lifting his head up as well. "At the state fair. It was a couple years ago. They usually have local bands open up. He was pretty cool."

Reba let out a small laugh. "Lucky you." He smiled, watching as she closed her eyes and slightly swayed, humming along.

"You wanna dance?"

She opened her eyes, glancing down at him. "Right here?"

"Why not?"

Reba smiled. "Sure." She set her beer down, standing up with him. He took her hands, placing them on his shoulders, running his own down her arms and sides, settling at her waist.

Bobby pulled her closer, swaying along with the music. "Just so you know, I'm a shit dancer."

Reba laughed out loud, letting her head fall against his chest before looking up at him. "Then why'd ya offer!"

Bobby shrugged. "Caught up in the moment."

She laughed again. "Well, I think you're doin great."

"So far so good."

Reba rolled her eyes. "Didn't you ever dance at prom? Or somethin like that?"

"I never went to prom."

"You're kiddin, why not?"

Bobby shrugged. "I don't know, I guess i was more focused on my band than I was becoming prom king."

"Makes sense."

"What about you?"

"What?"

"Oh come on." He grinned. "I bet you were prom queen."

Reba shook her head. "I was not."

"Liar."

"I wasn't! I was homecomin queen, not prom."

Bobby scoffed. "What's the difference?"

Reba shrugged, laughing. "Who knows, does it really matter?"

"Nah. It's all high school bull shit anyways." Reba laughed. "What's this song called again?"

"The Dance."

"I like it." He glanced down at her as she laid her head on his shoulder. He let out a shaky breath, mentally kicking himself. "I like it a lot."

"It's a great song." She felt him tense up and she pulled away. "Are you ok? You seem kind of..." She trailed off.

Bobby nodded his head quickly. "Yeah, i'm good." She grinned, pulling away to pick up her drink. He sighed at the loss of contact, his hands falling from her waist. "Reba?"

"Yeah?"

"What are you-"

"BOBBY!"

He turned around confused, freezing when the blonde pulled him into a not so subtle kiss. Reba's eyebrows shot up and she stood there stunned. The blonde finally pulled away, leaving both of them speechless.

"T-Tiffany." Bobby managed to stutter out. "What are you doin here?"

"I came home early to surprise you silly!" Her eyes drifted to the redhead in front of them and her face quickly fell. "Who is this?"

"I'm Reba."

"I'm Tiffany." She looped her arm through Bobby's, flashing a wide smile. "Bobby's girlfriend."