Page 17 of Coming for His Second Chance
"Yes."
I lean in and kiss her, because there are no words to describe how happy she just made me.
"What are your plans for today?" I ask her, when I pull back.
"I guess, I need to go talk to my stepsister and get this over with, so my dad will leave it be. I want to get done with it, so it's not hanging over me, and I can enjoy the rest of my time here."
"You don't have to, you know. But if she’s changed and is ready to talk, it might be good to clear the air."
"As much as I don't want to do this, that's what I keep thinking. Though, I don't think she has, but my dad insists she has."
We finish up dinner, and I take her plate.
"Bathroom is in there, but before you go, I was wondering if you would help me decorate my tree? It's set up and the lights are on. I know the last time it didn't end well, but it’s my favorite part of the holiday."
"I’ll be right down."
"Take a right at the bottom of the stairs and follow the Christmas music."
After I take care of the dishes, I get started on the tree.
We have a good time decorating, and I show off the ornaments my family has collected over the years.
"I didn't decorate the first Christmas after they died. Every Christmas since, I have the staff do it, because I couldn't bear to dig out each ornament. But with you here, I want to show them off to you. Thank you for doing this."
"Oh, Grayson." She says and reaches up to kiss my cheek.
Everything is easier with her around. The hard part is trying to convince her to stay.
Chapter 7
Kaitlyn
I pull into my dad's driveway. I know he's at work, and he said Helen is out shopping, so it's just Linda and her little spawn of Satan here right now. Sitting in the pit of my stomach, is a big knot of dread.
Maybe, I should have listened to Dana and Gray and just not done this. What is the point?
Even though this is more my house than hers, I was born and lived here my whole childhood, but I still feel like a stranger. So, I knock, and she opens the door, as her face goes cold. She steps aside for me to come in.
"Your dad isn't here," she says.
"I know he's at work. I'm here to see you."
"Why?"
"I want to take you to lunch."
"I have no interest in going to lunch with you," she snaps.
Taking a deep breath, I try not to lose my cool. I'm doing this for Dad.
"Why not?" I ask her.
She laughs, but it's more of an I can't fucking believe you laugh than a ha ha funny laugh.
"You are unbelievable," she says.
"Listen, you and your mom moved into my house, and I was nothing but nice to you, even after all these years of you treating me like shit. Now, I’ll ask you again. Why don’t you want to go to lunch with me?"
