Commodities by Dawkinsblog@gmail.com

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 say I

wouldn’t have seen it through to the end without him.”

I looked at my watch and told her I had to get going if I

were to be on time. I heard her tell me she hoped I would have a good time

tonight. I hoped so too now that she had pointed out the basis of our

relationship would change. It hadn’t occurred to me that it would, though

I should have known better.

I walked out to my car and drove to the park after I decided

I should tell my parents the divorce was completed. They had always thought my

husband was a good match for me and when I told them I wanted out they were

unhappy. It was one of the reasons I had stayed in the marriage and tried to

work things out as long as I had.

I could tell my mother was resigned to the reality as I hung

up. I had my life back and I was going to make it my own. I’d been too

immature to ignore their feelings in the past and I was determined I would be

my own person from here on out.

I left the park and headed to the restaurant to meet Robb. I

was a little late, the conversation with my mother took longer than expected.

When I walked to the entrance and saw Robb’s smile as I approached I felt

fluttery inside. Damn he looked handsome as my eyes swept over him. I felt a

little awkward once I stopped in front of him, not knowing exactly what I

should say, or do. I could hug and kiss him now if I wanted and not feel

guilty, or ashamed. I was trying to wrap my head around the concept when he

held out his hand for mine.

“You look wonderful. I like the necklace, especially

where it enters your cleavage,” he said with a mischievous expression.

I felt my face flush red, something I wasn’t prone to

do.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“Thank you,” I stammered, “I mean for

noticing the necklace, not the other things.”

“I’ll try to be more considerate,” he

replied quietly as he held my hand.

I was flustered, feeling like my first date in high school.

“You’re considerate enough.”

We sat down at a table and ordered our food. I avoided any

mention of my ex-husband, saying only this dinner was in celebration of the

start of a new life. Our conversation was light, refreshing, and he told me his

parents would be visiting him in a few weeks. When I asked if he were on good

terms with them he smiled.

“I’m still the apple of my mother’s eyes

and dad is proud of the work I do, even though he doesn’t understand much

about computers. So, I would say I’m doing pretty well.”

“Do they say anything about not being married?”

“No, not really. I mean they were disappointed when I

stopped seeing my last girlfriend as they hoped I would propose to her.”

“Why didn’t you?” I asked cautiously, not

sure I should ask. But, he had brought it up, not me.

“She was unfaithful,” his voice with a hint of

sadness.

“I’m sorry.” I said honestly.

“I wanted you to know at least that much in case it

comes up in the future.”

Maybe I was making more out of his statement then he

intended, but it seemed as if he expected we would have a future relationship

of some kind. It made me feel good thinking it could happen. We finished our

meal after having decided we would take a walk afterward, dropping my car at

his apartment as he would drive to the river walk not far away.

There wasn’t any indication Robb felt out of sorts as

I paid the bill before we left, though he did ask if he could leave the tip and

I agreed. It was very generous and I was sure it was because the young lady

that waited on us was quite attractive. It made me feel like an old married

lady at 26. He saw my expression as he placed the money in the middle of the

table, and gave me a shy smile.

“She did a good job and deserves it. In terms of what

you’re thinking, you would have gotten a larger tip.”

I chuckled, “You don’t know exactly what

I’m thinking.”

“Oh, men are simple enough. We like good looking women

and don’t hide it very well when we do. In your case, I don’t

intend to hide it.”

Again, I felt myself blush. My ex had seldom ever said

something so bold, or truthful when it came to the way he viewed me, or any

other woman. Robb’s ability and willingness to be open was refreshing.

“You know you surprise me with your honesty, but then

I think you know I’m attracted to you.”

He smiled, but didn’t say anything, so I continued.

“Men are just as different as any woman. I’m not

blind, I see the way you look at me and know you find me attractive. What makes

you different is that you’re open about it. I’m not into playing

games and I don’t think you are either.”

Chapter 10: I Have A Past

After dropping my car off I got into his car and we were on

our way to the park along the river. I was so satisfied with how the evening

had gone. We arrived at the park and started our walk following the path along

the river. It was about twenty minutes later when I saw one of the church women

approaching us as we walked hand in hand. She gave me a strange look, then

stopped, indicating she wanted to speak to me.

“Hi Sarah. Wonderful evening isn’t it?” I

said pleasantly.

She looked Robb up and down, then looked back to me, and

snarled. “I heard you got divorced. Didn’t take long to find

someone else to ride you did it?”

I was shocked at her words. I was about to reply when Robb

spoke.

“If you’re insinuating we’ve been having

sex since her divorce you would be wrong. We haven’t. Not that it’s

really any of your business. Now, if you’re interested in being ridden we

can talk about it. I may be able to fit you in, though there would be a small

charge.”

I felt a laugh start to form in my throat and did my best to

stifle it. The look on her face went so red it seemed to glow. No words escaped

her mouth though her jaw was working, her face agonized.

“It would only be twenty dollars and I’m sure it

wouldn’t take long,” Robb added, his face serious.

Sarah turned and walked away at a rapid pace without

uttering another word. I looked at Robb and saw a smile cross his face.

“Guess she wasn’t interested,” he deadpanned.

“Robb! She probably thinks I’m paying for it.

You know that don’t you?” I said half laughing.

He looked at me, his smile even broader. “You Ms.

Cummins will never have to pay a cent.”

I took his arm and smiled. “I’m not Cummins

anymore, I’m Brown, Wendy Brown.”

“Well Ms. Brown, shall we continue our walk?”

“I’d be delighted.”

Wendy

It was a month later and I saw Robb once or twice a week for

coffee, though we talked on the phone at least five days a week. One night

double-date. I wasn’t sure, but after a few minutes decided I should do

it to show my appreciation for what she and Kevin had done for me in the past.

Kevin was a really nice guy and I got along with him well. I thought Clara had

done well for herself.

The night we went out was warm and I was wearing a tank top,

shorts, and sandals. Tony was damn good looking and I was thrilled with the

idea I’d be seen with such a good looking man. He was pleasant enough,

though as we talked I found he was… well… shallow. He had no

problem undressing me with his eyes. After all these past few months I was used

to it, accepting it as the price I paid to dress as I chose now that I could be

myself.

He was kind of like my ex in a way. When he started asking

about my religious views my hackles went up. It made me uncomfortable as that

was how things had gone with my ex. Religion was never far away, even on our

first few dates. I steered our conversation to other topics whenever it came

up. He seemed to continue to jabber away about his faith group regardless.

I finally mentioned to him I was helping out at the food

bank on weekends and he seemed to take some interest in that. I breathed a sigh

of relief.

“Really, you work at the food bank? I hear those

people simply don’t want to work and take handouts.”

I told him about the variety of people I met and how life

had put them in rough straights for a while and they needed some help. He went

on about how his church served food to the needy after they attended church

service. Suggesting it was a small price to pay for what the Lord provided. I

shut my mouth and didn’t say another word. It was turning into a long

night.

Robb had gotten me involved in the food bank and I found the

experience enjoyable. At the time it took me away from my own problems and made

me appreciate other people had problems too. It was something I continued to do

after my divorce. Robb and I would spend time together with people who had

become friends. I noticed how several of the single women took an interest in

Robb while he was there. He flirted a little with them, but he did with me too.

It made me feel good to have his attention.

I knew Clara was disappointed our date hadn’t resulted

in something better. But as time passed I discovered my friends always seemed

to want to help me out. This took the form of trying to fix me up with a

friend, or a relative. I knew they were well meaning, but after almost three

months I was exhausted by their interest.

I related this to Robb and he told me he had gone through

the same thing after his breakup. That was a topic he didn’t say much

about. I was sure it was because he didn’t want to burden me with what

had been, or was, his problem. I had met his parents briefly months ago and he

called one night to say they were coming the next day.

“Wendy, would you be my date for dinner?”

“You mean a real date?” I asked surprised as he

had never used that term with me before.

“Yes, a real date. I’ll pay for your dinner and

you can try to be nice to me the entire evening.”

I laughed. “I’m always nice to you.”

“Yeah, come to think of it you are. Well, you’ll

get a free meal out of the deal.”

It was if he were asking me for a favor, as if I

wouldn’t be interested in dating him without his having an excuse.

“I would be delighted. Where are we going?”

I hung the up phone with a smile, it was one of the best

restaurants in town. I was thrilled. Did I have something nice to wear? I would

need a manicure for sure, pedicure? No, it was too cold for open-toed shoes, or

sandals. I looked at what I had in my closet and decided I needed a new blouse

that I could match with either a dress, or a pair of dress slacks.

I had lost pounds over the past two months thanks to simply

walking to the park and back to Clara’s apartment. I heard Clara come in

and told her Robb had asked me out.

“I thought the two of you had a disagreement last

week.”

“We did, but we worked it out, neither of us can be

right all of the time and… well… he was right this time.”

“If this is a real date will this change your

'platonic’ relationship? I know you have the hots for him, so don’t

deny it. Every guy you’ve gone out with you compare with him. Why

don’t you just admit it and get it over with? Girl it might help if you

got some sack time with him. You know you’re allowed to have sex with any

man you want now.”

“I don’t know, maybe it will our

relationship,” I replied thinking if she could see it others could too.

I had kept it to hugs and a few kisses trying to avoid the

rebound thing. But, she was right about the sex, I could really use a roll in

the

...more

Share Commodities

Sign up to save your podcasts

Commodities

FAQs about Commodities:

How many episodes does Commodities have?

Commodities episodes:

FAQs about Commodities:

How many episodes does Commodities have?