Unexpected Temptations
Chapter: 4
Pairing: Reba/Brock
Rating: PG
Brock had spent ten minutes explaining to Reba that the only thing he wanted from her was friendship. He wanted them to build the kind of relationship where they were completely comfortable with each other. He wanted support and comfort and someone to tell him when he was out of line. A marriage without all the baggage.
And after seeing his point of view Reba agreed that that's what she wanted too. What she didn't want was long pauses of awkwardness and uncomfortableness because they were falling into old, familiar patterns with each other. She wanted something new, not something salvaged from a broken marriage.
He proceeded to order dessert telling her that they could share. Because that's what friends did, they shared things with one another. Chocolate cheesecake that was smooth and silky with just the right amount of creaminess. His fork glided through the dessert, using a bit more force to get through the crust.
"When do you expect the kids back?"
"Not until tomorrow evening." she said, taking a bite of cheesecake. "I love our children but I really enjoy time alone too. It's so quiet and relaxing."
"Maybe you should take a little me time more often." he suggested. "You might be a little more happier."
"Happier?" she arched an eyebrow. "You don't think I'm happy?"
Brock took another bite of cheesecake. "I've seen you happier." he said. "And sadder."
"Yeah, well I'm working on it." she told him honestly. "I've come to terms with a lot of things in the past that I was unwilling to face. I realize that it takes two to make a marriage and that it takes two to break a marriage."
He was silent for several long seconds. "I did the most damage."
Reba nodded. "I'll agree with that." she said. "But look how far we've come. We're at a better place now than we were the past three years of our marriage."
"Yeah." he sighed, lifting his fork for another bite. "I just can't help wondering what if sometimes."
"What if's don't get you anywhere, Brock." she said, softly. "They sure as heck didn't get me anywhere. Sometimes you just have to let go and move on with your life."
"I know." he replied. "And I am moving on with my life, Reba, I really am."
"So you're going to work things out with Barbra Jean?"
"No." he answered. "Barbra Jean and I have tried and that's all we can do is try. It's not working out. I want a divorce."
Reba was completely still for what felt like an eternity. "That's why Barbra Jean went to visit her family."
"Yeah."
Reba took the napkin off her lap and placed in on the table. "I see where this is going." she told him. "And I don't think I like it."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm not about to be your rebound."
tbc...