For Him, I Would

Chapter Three - Dinner was hell but dessert was hopeful.

Oakley had never had a more awkward dinner in her life. She had maybe said four words the whole time, Kayce's words were too busy filling up her entire brain capacity. He had not only thought about her during this time period but he had wished it was her he was with? It's like she was a teenager all over again, falling for the stupid Dutton boy with the cute smile. Oakley told herself, remember when you felt this towards him before he ripped her heart out?

"Anything else?" Gator asked reaching over to start taking some of the plates away.

"Oakley?" John asked.

"No thank you," Oakley shook her head. "It was delicious, Gator."

"You barely ate three bites?" Gator laughed, eyeing her plate, making Oakley blush.

"So tell me about this Grimes person," John said, eyeing Oakley.

"Nothing to tell," Oakley shrugged. "He's a low life who made a fool of himself in front of the Governor last year and now wants back in her graces for some unknown reason. Taking you down is something he thinks will do that."

"But he doesn't know about the governor and me?" John chuckled.

"No," Oakley smirked. "He's not the brightest bulb."

She was glad John commanded most of the conversation because she could focus her attention on him. Kayce had made glances towards her all evening but she never returned them.

"Well, I think you can handle him," John stood up from his seat. "Thank you for staying for supper...drive safe back."

"Thank you," Oakley nodded, standing herself and seeing Kayce follow. John walked out of the dining room, leaving the two alone again.

"Watch out for construction off Thompson when you get into town," Kayce said pushing his chair in. "They don't have it lit well at night."

"I know," Oakley quipped. "But I'm headed to my parent's place."

One thing different this time around was that Oakley had put up so many walls, she was quick to guard herself. Her demeanor had been straight and rigid all night on purpose.

"Do you still live there?" Kayce asked.

"I have a small cabin there," Oakley walked back through the kitchen towards the back porch with Kayce following her. She really wished he'd leave her alone.

"How long have you been there?" Kayce asked once they were outside.

Oakley turned around and stared at him.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"What do you mean?" Kayce looked confused.

"Why are you asking where I live?" Oakley crossed her arms. "Why are you asking me anything at all? Kayce, the last time we talked was through a phone and we were yelling and crying and the last ten years have been-"

"Horrible?" Kayce finished with a deep frown on his lips. "You think you're the only one who's had a shitty life lately?"

"And that's my fault?" Oakley raised her voice. John had been right, seeing Kayce was like ripping a bandaid off and now she could let all her pent-up anger out. "You did this Kayce."

"I know!" He snapped. "I know I fucked up, Oakley! I know I did a terrible thing. I know I broke your heart and fucked up everything we had going for us. I know I hurt you, I hurt myself...but if you'd just talk to me then-"

"Then what?" Oakley looked shocked. "Then it's all forgiven? Are you fucking stupid?"

"Nice," Kayce rolled his eyes.