Free Silver Lining by Wanda B. Campbell Page B

what?” Marlissa didn’t know anything.
    â€œThat this whole rehabilitation act was just that, an act.”
    She followed his eyes to the crystal glass. “Kevin, this is peach cider, not alcohol.” Marlissa picked up the glass and held it to his nose. “Does this smell like alcohol to you?”
    He sniffed, then shook his head from side to side, indicating no for an answer.
    Marlissa lowered the glass to his lips. “Now taste it.”
    Kevin hesitantly, but obediently, took a sip. “That’s pretty good.”
    â€œSo am I,” Marlissa said after taking a sip, and then placed the glass back on the table.
    â€œKevin, I told you before, I’m not the same person I was when we married. I don’t practice destructive behavior anymore and I don’t lie.”
    Kevin admitted his error. “Marlissa, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”
    Marlissa smiled. “Apology accepted.” She leaned back into the corner groove of the couch. “So, what brings you knocking on my door on a Sunday night?”
    Kevin leaned back on the opposite end, resting his arm on the back of the couch. “We need to discuss what you said yesterday,” Kevin answered, then ran his hand over his fade. That’s what he did when he was nervous: he rubbed his head. He’d done that very thing right before he proposed.
    â€œWhy are you nervous, Kevin?” Marlissa moved closer to him.
    â€œMarlissa, what you said changes things.”
    â€œWhat changes things? The fact that I don’t want a divorce or that I love you?” Kevin rubbed his head again; she wasn’t making this easy for him. Marlissa turned his chin so he would face her. “Kevin, I do love you. I’ll always love you. I will understand if you continue with the divorce, but I wanted you to know how I really feel.”
    â€œMarlissa, I hear you, really I do. But so much has happened, and, I have to be honest with you, I don’t trust you.”
    Marlissa nodded her understanding. “You have every right not to, but can you at least give me a fair chance?”
    Kevin’s hot gaze burned through her. She could only imagine the debate going on in his mind. Inwardly, she prayed that he believed she’d changed, and would give their marriage another chance.
    â€œLet’s work on reacquainting ourselves and being friends first, and see what happens. It has only been two months since you were served. We have four months before the divorce is final.”
    â€œThank you,” she whispered, and wiped the lone tear that trickled down her cheek.
    â€œIt’s going to take some time for me to get used to you being so soft and sensitive,” Kevin commented, and casually placed his arm around her.
    â€œKevin, I have always been soft and sensitive, on the inside anyway. I just didn’t know how to let you inside.” She rested her head against his shoulder, relishing his essence. Aside from the rhythmic sound of their breathing, the apartment was completely quiet. Marlissa was just about to doze off when Kevin announced it was time for him to leave.
    â€œI have two corneal transplants in the morning.” He gently removed his arm and maneuvered to his full height.
    â€œWouldn’t want you to blind anyone on my account.” Marlissa stood and straightened the part of his shirt she’d wrinkled.
    Kevin handed her his business card. “Here’s my cell. The house number is still the same.”
    â€œI’ve been meaning to ask you, how did you get my cell number?” Marlissa inquired.
    â€œLeon gave it to me about a week ago when I saw him at a gas station near the hospital.”
    Marlissa laughed. “You and Leon are becoming pretty close.”
    â€œYou could say that.” Kevin hesitated before opening the door, like he wanted to say something. Marlissa wondered what was on his mind, but before she could ask, Kevin