A failing marriage, a caring man, and a new life.

In 4 parts, by  r a wallace. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.

Chapter 9:

Wendy

I was lost in my thoughts as I waited on the park bench. Despite all that had happened here I found the park offered me a glimpse of what could be- parents with children, people walking dogs, laughter, and couples holding hands. When I saw Robb approach I felt the weight of the world come off my shoulders. His off-beat question made me laugh, it was the perfect introduction.

“This may be your lucky day, Sir. It just so happens I require coffee frequently, though if anything, I’m addicted to weird men. Weird mind you, not strange.”

“That does seem peculiar, weird, rather than strange. I’m not sure I know the difference.”

 “I think it would be worth discussing over a hot cup of coffee,” I quipped.

“Indeed.”

We started walking toward the coffee shop two blocks away.

“So, how has your day gone?” he inquired pleasantly.

“It’s been pretty good. I’m caught up on my files, and the new one they gave me looks interesting. So, work is good. I called my lawyer and told him I want action, no more waiting for something to happen.”

“Sounds like a good day,” he offered.

I smiled. “The best part was finding a man who would buy me coffee and keep me company for a while.”

“Hmmm, sounds as if it has been a productive day, does the guy know you favor your coffee black?”

“Yes, I wonder what else he knows about me?” I giggled, which wasn’t like me.

“Oh, I think he loves your smile and that little dimple that shows up when you do- it makes his day. He likes your wavy black hair that frames your beautiful brown eyes. He knows you’re smart and vulnerable, but you’re willing to advocate for yourself, those kinds of things. He also thinks you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

“Does he think I’m emotionally unstable?” I asked cautiously.

He stopped walking, gently took my arm, and looked at me, “He thinks you’re brave, resilient, angry, in pain, and want to be treated with respect and dignity. He thinks you’re capable and willing to move your life forward at your own pace. He knows it takes time to get over some things and will give you all the time needed to find your way. He knows you’re honest and that he can trust you. Unstable no, in transition, yes.”

We started walking again and I felt tears come to my eyes. It felt good knowing someone actually understood me and the uncertainty that surrounded me. Clara had tried to console me, but some of the things she said, though well intended, told me she really didn’t appreciate my circumstances.

We stopped to cross the street and I glanced at Robb, he took my arm and pulled me onto the grass.

“I think you can use a hug.”

His arms came around me and I fell into him and closed my eyes. It felt so wonderful simply to be held. The affection warming me, after a minute he asked if I wanted to keep going. I nodded my head and mumbled I was. When we parted he was looking at me, his eyes were so caring.

He took his hand and moved a few stray hairs from my cheek. “Where’s the smile I came to see? A smile makes you glow, it brings out the wonderful woman I know is hiding behind those teary eyes.”

I couldn’t help but laugh a little, he made me feel good about myself.

“It’s here for you,” I said smiling.

_

Wendy

Two weeks later my lawyer called to say my husband had signed the divorce papers and he was filing them at the courthouse.

“So, I’m free?”

“Your marriage is dissolved and you are free to lead your life as you wish,” he replied.

Only the financial dealings had to be completed and I would receive half of our marital assets. It was done, I was single again.

I thanked him and told him to send me the final bill. That way the ordeal was over once and for all. I hung up and felt a weight come off my shoulders. I can’t say I was euphoric at the news, but it was liberating. That part of my life was history and now I could look to the future. The next thing I did was pick up my phone and send a text to Robb. I was buying us dinner tonight. We had talked several times and gone for coffee once each week, all the while I felt a little apprehensive despite my best efforts not to be.

I knew what they said about rebound relationships and I was leery of making a commitment of some kind. If there was one thing I wanted, and needed it was what I had gotten the first time I was with Robb. I know women aren’t expected to want to have sex for the sole purpose of enjoying it. The stereotype had always bothered me, and the church women swore it belonged only within the confines of marriage as the good Lord intended.

Well, I wasn’t married anymore and my body told me in no uncertain terms what it wanted. I had squirmed in my seat both times as we sat having coffee together. Both times I wanted to reach across the table and kiss him until he took me on the floor. That fantasy had played out in my mind more than once over the last month.

Robb

When Wendy called and told me her marriage was over, the papers signed, I felt a sense of what? I wasn’t sure other than I was happy her struggle to be free of her husband was over. But, what did it mean for me? After having coffee together the past two weeks we both knew she would be free soon and though we didn’t come right out and say it, we knew it would change the way we saw one another.

She had been relaxed more than ever and her sense of humor and demeanor made her even more attractive. Our first, and only, night together, came to me again and again. It would never be the same, at least the motivations wouldn’t be. She had shown signs of confidence and independence once she had moved out of the house with her husband. She had the maturity that comes with being married and of dealing with all the emotions that such a breakup creates.

Wendy had become far more willing to touch me and she flirted more than ever. We kept our boundaries intact based upon her married status. Now, she wasn’t married and she could do whatever she wanted with her life. For the first time I wondered if my utility to her was at an end. I had to admit to myself I didn’t want it to be. I knew that I should be patient and not to rush into anything. She might be single now, but I was sure her husband had caused emotional damage she had yet to recognize and deal with. It was best I tread carefully for both our sakes.

Wendy

I got off of work and hurried home to freshen up. I had texted Clara and gave her the news my divorce was finalized. When she walked in the door as I came out of the bathroom she looked at me with a broad smile.

“You look pretty chipper I must say. I’m sure it feels good to be free of that bastard.”

“I do feel good. I’m taking Robb out to dinner tonight to celebrate. I’m wouldn’t have made it this far without his help, or yours other. But, I don’t want to even think about Cecil… err… ex husband now. He’s history and I want to move on.”

“Okay, no more about ‘him’. You know it will be different with Robb now that you’re single again. I mean you haven’t slept with him yet. I hope he doesn’t expect you’ll want to hop right into bed with him now that you can.”

My mind froze. I had slept with him, but I… oh my god! I knew I wanted to again. Was it a good idea? It would be different. What was I thinking?

“I don’t think it will be a problem. He hasn’t given me any indication he’s looking for that.”

“He does like you doesn’t he? I mean you keep seeing one another and it suggests to me there’s something more between the two of you.”

I felt my stomach tighten as my mind raced to formulate a response that didn’t reveal my infidelity while I was married. I’d never been a good liar.

“I think there is a special bond between us. He helped me over the toughest part of my divorce. I guess I can honestly