Chapter 36
Sorry for the horrid delay. A touch of writer's block and a crazy busy schedule. Confrontation is coming very soon. Funny thing, I know EXACTLY how this ends, it's just these damn in between chapters that are killing me.
Good News (maybe) I have an idea for a quick one off. But it will be a one chapter hit it and quit it story. I will most likely write it after I finish this one unless it keeps calling to me. In the meantime if you are not reading "Another Ramblin Story" or "The Devil You Know", you are missing some seriously good Robson fiction.
They lingered in the swing, finishing the bottle of wine. There wasn't much conversation just two people letting comforting silence heal their wounds. As Robbie placed the empty bottle on the table he asked a question that had been lingering at the back of his mind, "What did Jean say to you when you talked with her earlier?"
Laura shrugged as she snuggled closer to him, "Nothing that will make you happy."
"Why, because she's on your side?"
She sat up and turned to him, "With Jean it's never about sides, she cares for us both."
Robbie nodded acknowledging the truth of the statement. He thought back to his conversation with her, she really had been neutral if somewhat brutal, "What did she say to you?"
With a single deep breath Laura told him, "She thinks I have to confront Malcolm. And I have to do it alone." She paused before whispering, "I agree with her."
Robbie closed his eyes, anger filling every inch of his body. The idea of Laura being alone with the man was outrageous. As he opened his eyes, he saw something on Laura's face he'd never seen reflected toward him: fear. All traces of anger vanished, he reached for her only to have her pull away. He pulled his hand back, taking a deep calming breath, "Laura, please don't be scared. I'm not angry with you. I am a little annoyed Jean would even suggest it."
Laura relaxed a bit but he could still see the remnants of fear on her face, "Do you distrust me that much?"
"Oh God no, Laura, it's not that at all. I don't trust him, I don't want you hurt. I saw you yesterday when you came home. Have you forgotten that not 24 hours ago you were screaming at me, in our bed, to get away from you? That was after spending what 10 minutes with him?"
The last of her fear slipped away, she understood his anger now. She reached for him, touching his face lightly, "Robbie, I'm no longer scared of Malcolm. There is nothing he can do to me anymore because I have you." Robbie turned his face into her palm craving her touch. "Malcolm won't just go away. He will stay here until he gets what he wants. Slowly he will come after everyone I care for. I can't let it happen."
The anguish on his face almost made her cry, "Am I supposed to let you just go to him?"
She nodded, "Yes, I'm the only who can do this. Just promise me you'll be here when I come back."
"Always." He dropped his head, afraid to look at her, afraid to ask the question he desperately needed an answer to.
Her soft hand lifting his chin startled him. As he finally met her eyes she brushed her thumb across his lips and smiled, "Last night was not about you. You did nothing wrong." He stared at her, astonished that she had read his mind, "Malcolm's nickname for me was kitten."
Robbie shook his head, not understanding the meaning. He replayed the events of the night before in his head. Laura saw the moment comprehension dawned, "Oh, OH!"
She fought a smile, "It wasn't you Robbie. As a matter of fact, I was quite enjoying what you were doing. It was just one of those unfortunate connections and I panicked. It wasn't rational and I'm sorry."
"I was scared I had hurt you somehow."
Laura pulled him to her, "I know." He wrapped his arms around her, breathing her in. Silence lingered between them for a moment. It was broken by Robbie's shoulder shaking. Laura pushed back worried he was crying, "Robbie, what is it?"
Covering his mouth he tried to hide the laughter that was threatening to erupt. He saw the concern on her face and gave in to the laughter, "I'm just seeing Jean's face when she asked me what happened last night. She wanted to know if things had gotten rambunctious."
A giggle escaped Laura, she could picture Jean's face but it was how she imagined Robbie responding which really made her laugh, "How exactly did you answer her?"
Robbie straightened in the swing, smugly proud of himself, "I told her there was nothing rambunctious going on. Not that I wasn't equal to the task if necessary."
Laura's laughter deepened, tears began to form in her eyes. "I would have paid money to have seen her face."
He nodded, "It was priceless. She told me I spend too much time with James. I informed her my response was all you."
"Glad to know I've had some positive influence over you."
Robbie smiled at her. He knew she was teasing but he needed her to know more, "More than you can ever know Laura. I had given up on ever really being happy again. Little by little, you changed me. You made me want to live again, not just exist. I'd say that's pretty positive Laura."
"I love you Robbie."
He kissed her, saying more with his kiss than his words could ever convey. When the kiss ended he pressed his forehead to hers, "When do you plan on seeing Malcolm?"
Dazed by his kiss, Laura shook her head, "You're comfortable with this."
"I'll never be comfortable with it Laura. But I figure you know him better than anyone. So if this is what you think is best then I support you."
She closed her eyes, tears forming as she was overwhelmed by his words, "I'm going to let him wait for a few days. He sent James running, tail between his legs, earlier today. He'll be happy to savor his victory. Just about the time he starts to get anxious I will go see him."
"How did he come into contact with James?"
"James sought him out."
"Cocky sod."
Laura laughed, "My thought exactly. Jean repaired the damage and I talked with James earlier. I think he will be OK." Robbie tried to hide a yawn. Laura smiled and took his hand as she stood, "Come on, it's been a long day, let's get you to bed."
Robbie pulled back slightly, "It's OK Laura, I'll sleep in the spare room."
"Robbie Lewis, my ex-husband might have come between us last night but I have no intention of letting him come between us ever again."
"Laura, I don't want to push things. I want you to be comfortable."
She rolled her eyes as she picked up the glasses and the empty bottle, "I wasn't suggesting a quick shag. I meant to bed, to sleep. But if you would rather sleep alone, in the spare room, then be my guest." She walked quickly to the door before turning to smile at him, "I thought it might be nice to sleep in each other's arms tonight. Tomorrow night, you can tell me all about your rambunctious plans."
Laura disappeared into the house leaving Robbie staring at the empty doorway. As he stood, he cast one quick glance to the heavens saying a silent thanks to whatever force was watching over them. Most people never find love like this once. Somehow, lightning had struck him twice.