Maybe I Deserve

Chapter 3

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After a couple months went by, Barbra Jean and Brock became immersed in her pregnancy. Reba watched from the sidelines as the two became closer, she felt as if slowly she was falling out of the picture. I guess she couldn't blame them for being excited, a new baby is always a blessing no matter how it was conceived. If someone had asked Reba a year ago that she would be in this position, she would've laughed and said no.

Brock felt overwhelming guilty and sad because he knew Reba was hurting and there was nothing he could do to make her feel better. He was sure he wanted to be with her, but he wasn't too sure about how he would compromise his time between Barbra Jean and Reba. He couldn't abandon Barbra Jean, though he thought about it, but his heart wouldn't let him reject his unborn child. Every day he kicked himself for making the fatal mistake of cheating on Reba. All it took was one time, one moment of passion turned not only his world but the world of his wife and family's upside down. When he looked into the faces of his children, a sharp pain would soar through his body, reminding him of his irresponsibility and the people effected.

Barbra Jean was excited for so many reasons. The birth of her child and the relationship between Brock and herself. Though the relationship was now strictly platonic, she secretly wanted to be with him. The night of passion they shared meant more to her than just a one-night stand. She knew it was wrong because he was married with a family, but she didn't care. She was in love with him and wanted to be with him. Barbra Jean did every thing in her power to keep Brock close. Calling him on the phone and dropping by unannounced.

Something inside of Reba began to stir. Her emotions were becoming harder and harder to control. Every time she saw them together, she felt like apart of herself was being ripped away. Reba started to feel anger, an anger that had never flowed through her veins before. She loved Brock, God knew how she loved that man, but she hated him at the same time.

One night Reba could no longer stay in the house so she grabbed her purse and left.

"Brock, I'm going out, don't wait up." she said before leaving. Brock didn't have a chance to respond before Reba walked out the door. He was surprised to say the least but figured she needed her space and he was happy to give her all the time and space she needed.

Reba drove around for a minute, not knowing where she was going. After driving a few miles out she stopped at what look to be a bar. Not a typical bar, it was more contemporary and modern. Reba walked in and sat at the bar.

"What can I get for you Miss?" the bartender asked.

"Dry martini, please." Reba replied politely.

While she sat and drank her martini, she observed the many people coming in and out of the bar. They were all different; young and old. As she continued to stare, when her eyes spotted a lovely young couple sitting at a table. Reba smiled to herself because strangely enough the couple reminded her of Brock and herself. The young lady covered her eyes and the guy slowly pulled a small box out of his pocket. Once she removed her hands, her facial expression turned into that of someone surprised and happy. Reba smiled at the now newly engaged couple. She remembered when Brock first proposed to her. As she looked down at her own 20-year old wedding ring, a single-tear drop fell down her face.

As she became engulfed in her thoughts a man walked toward her table.

"Are you okay?" he asked. Reba quickly looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"I don't mean to get in your business but you can't be fine if your crying."

"It's nothing okay. Thanks for your concern." Reba grabbed her drink and was about to walk away when he gently grabbed her wrist. Out of instinct, Reba pulled away and eyed him suspiciously.

"Sorry if I scared you but, I've been watching you all night and I have to say that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Do you mind sitting and having a drink with me?"

Reba didn't know what to say. He wasn't a creepy guy, actually he was quite handsome but she thought maybe it was inappropriate for her to engage in his offer. But it was just drinking and talking, how much trouble could she get in for something that was seemingly innocent. She surely wasn't ready to go home yet, so she agreed.

"Umm, I guess that's fine."

They grabbed a table and sat, at first they were silent but he eventually made the first move.

"Well my name's Tim, Tim Roberts."

"Nice to meet you Tim, I'm Reba."

"So, what brings you here all alone?"

"I just needed to get away for a little while."

"Do you mind me asking what for?"

"A lot of things, my marriage, my life."

"Your married?"

"Yeah, but I don't know for how long. My husband and I are going through a rough time right now."

"Whatever it is, it can't be so bad that you'd cry."

"To be perfectly honest I didn't know I would ever be in this position. I've never been more confused than now. The man I've loved for half my life has broken my heart in more ways than one."

Tim felt sympathy for her. You didn't have to know her long to know that she was hurting.

"But enough about me, what about you?"

"Well I'm not married or even seeing anyone. I was a little down myself and then I saw you crying and felt like my problems were minor."

"Why were you down?"

"No particular reason. I'm tired of being lonely. I don't have many friends and no woman seems to be interested in me."

"That's surprising. You're very handsome and seem to be a nice guy."

"Yeah well I guess it's true what they say, nice guys finish last."

Tim and Reba talked for a while longer, allowing time to pass them by. After a few glasses of wine, they both loosened up.

"Hey Reba how about hitting the dance floor with me?"

"Oh no I have two left feet."

"Just follow my lead." Reba looked at him and saw the eagerness in his eyes. She happily accepted his offer. He lead her out on to the dance floor, taking her into his arms.

For a moment, they danced in slow motion, listening to the beat. As time passed Reba became more relaxed and leaned closer to his chest. Tim felt her relaxing and loosening up. As she became more comfortable, Tim turned her around, leaving them no longer face to face. Reba was stunned and confused but surprisingly she didn't object.

"Follow my lead" Tim whispered into her ear.

He gently but firmly held onto her waist and began moving and grinding with the music. As the music flowed, she allowed herself to match his movements until they were in harmony with each other. It felt as if they were the only ones in the room. As the music intensified, so did the heat between the two. Taking it a step further, Tim leaned in closer so she could feel his breath on her neck and ear. Reba closed her eyes and allowed herself to become consumed in the moment. But as his hands moved further down her body, she immediately opened her eyes and pulled away, grabbing her purse and walking out of the bar. Tim chased after her.

"Reba, Reba I'm sorry I was a jerk, I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry" Tim pleaded.

"No it's my fault. I let the alcohol and myself get caught up in the moment. Thanks for a nice time but I really should be going."

As she reached for the door, he took her hand, startling her a bit.

"Reba, please don't leave. Come with me tonight."

"Tim I can't. I'm a married woman with three children."

"But you said yourself you aren't happy."

"I know that. But regardless I could never do such a thing to my husband. I can't hurt him like he hurt me."

"It would be just one night. A night that you could forget once its over and never remember me again. Please just give me one night."

"Sorry Tim but I can't."

As she was proceeding to leave, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen, and began writing down his phone number.

"At least take my phone number. If you ever change your mind or just want to talk, please call me."

Though hesitant, Reba took his number. She took one last glance at him and then climbed into the car and left. Tim stood as the headlights faded away, wondering if he'd ever see her again.