Second chances

7

Over the next few weeks, Katie managed to keep her word, giving you the space you needed. She didn't push, didn't make big gestures—just the occasional text every few days, a little check-in that was warm but not overbearing. You answered with short responses, always polite, but she could tell you weren't ready to open up completely yet.

One evening, as she lay on her couch, scrolling through old photos of you both laughing, arms slung around each other, Katie felt the ache of missing you settle deep in her chest. Against her better judgment, she picked up her phone and sent you a text she didn't expect much of a reply to.

Katie: Hey darlin'. Just... missin' ya, is all. Hope yer doin' alright. X

She set her phone down, half-expecting silence in response. But a few moments later, her screen lit up with your name.

You: I miss you too, Katie.

Katie's heart leapt as she read your reply, relief and hope threading through her in equal measure. She didn't waste a moment before responding.

Katie: Really? Means a lot, darlin'. Fancy grabbin' a drink sometime, maybe? Just to catch up, I mean.

There was a pause before your response came through, longer than she'd hoped for, and her heart sank a little as she read your reply.

You: I don't know if that's a good idea, Katie. Not with alcohol. I'm just... not sure I trust myself around you right now.

Katie took a breath, trying not to let the disappointment swallow her. But then, just as she was about to let it go, another message from you appeared on her screen.

You: Maybe... we could do something else though? Like the arcade?

Katie's lips tugged up into a grin, surprised but delighted at the suggestion.

Katie: The arcade, huh? Thought ya didn't fancy crowds.

You: I don't. But maybe that's a good thing. Fewer boundaries to cross with people around.

Katie chuckled softly, fingers hovering over the keys before she sent another message.

Katie: Boundaries, eh? I can behave, ya know. Just don't ask me t' hold back in beatin' ya at every game there. 😏

You: Oh, is that a challenge? Because I accept.

When Katie arrived at the arcade the next day, she spotted you almost instantly. You looked nervous, your hands fidgeting as you glanced around the busy, colorful room. Katie felt a swell of affection as she walked over, giving you a little wave and a grin that was just as reassuring as it was playful.

"Hey, darlin'," she greeted, her tone light but warm. "Ready t' lose?"

"Oh, please," you scoffed, rolling your eyes but unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips. "I'll have you know I'm a champion at skee-ball."

"Champion, eh?" Katie raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as she grinned down at you. "Guess we'll see about that."

The next hour was filled with laughter, playful shoves, and some truly terrible arcade skills. Katie made a show of celebrating every small win with exaggerated whoops, while you rolled your eyes, refusing to let her get under your skin. When she "accidentally" nudged you a little too hard during air hockey, you retaliated by grabbing a handful of tickets she'd won and stashing them in your pocket, grinning at her indignant protests.

By the end of it, the two of you were laughing so hard that your cheeks hurt, and it felt almost like old times. But when the laughter faded, and the reality of the moment settled in, Katie caught your gaze, her smile softening.

"Thanks fer this, darlin'," she said quietly, the sincerity in her voice evident. "I... really missed ya. More than I can say."

You looked away, feeling your own resolve waver. "I missed you too, Katie. I just... I don't know where this goes from here."

Katie nodded, understanding etched in her eyes. "Wherever ya want it t' go. I'll be here, even if it's just this. I just... I'm grateful fer any time I get."

A silence lingered between you, gentle but heavy. You offered her a small smile, feeling the warmth in her gaze that spoke of promises and patience. For now, this was enough—enough to know that you were both willing to try, one small step at a time.