Author's Note: Sorry for the delay; I've been busy celebrating my birthday, but I wanted to get this right. I haven't finished this small arc and it needs to be polished, but I'm working to maintain my schedule of 1-2 chapters per week. Thanks for your patience!
Kayla paced back and forth, waiting for Deeks to drop Andy off. It was 7 PM, his bedtime. She forced herself to excuse the lateness. After all, this was her chance to make amends. As darkness fell, she wondered if she should call.
No. He's with Marty. I have to trust Marty.
Sure enough, a knock came at the door. 7:05. She rushed to the door only to find Andy alone on the other side.
"Hey, mom." Andy dropped his bag next to the door, heading for the fridge.
"Hey, sweetie. Where's Marty?"
"Oh, he dropped me off at the stairway."
Kayla ran to the window just in time to see Marty's car drive off into the night.
Damn it.
"Did he say when he'll be back?"
"He said he'd be gone for a few days."
"Okay."
"Hey—did you fight with him?"
"Why?"
Heaven help Deeks if he mentioned the fight.
"He told me that he wouldn't be coming up to see you anymore."
"Oh." Kayla whispered, mentally slapping herself.
You've made a real mess of it this time.
Days passed. Kayla stopped trying to call Marty; he wasn't answering. She would receive a text on the days he picked Andy up from school, but other than that, they had no communication. Kayla forced herself back into her single mom routine. It was harder than she remembered.
The knowledge that he was right made it that much more difficult. Marty would have loved to know that she had been wrong. After all, he loved to lord over people's mistakes. Just thinking about it made her laugh. She could easily picture his facial expression; she could hear the teasing tone of his voice.
Damn it.
This time, Kayla had screwed it up…and she knew that she didn't deserve a second chance.
Pat helped her in the C4K kitchen, and Kayla was glad for the return to normalcy. The prepped the meals without a word; Pat knew better to bring up Deeks. As Marty was the only thing on Kayla's mind, it made conversation difficult.
"Can I turn on the music?" Pat asked, breaking the silence.
"Sure."
Great, Kayla thought as the music filled the room. Adele.
She rolled her eyes, smiling softly. There was something so wonderful when sad music matched a sad mood. She let her hips sway to the beat, slicing the peppers in cadence with the, music. Swaying became humming. Soon enough, she was singing along. Quietly at first, but as Pat joined in, the spoon became her microphone.
I'll be waiting for you
When you're ready to love me again
I'll put my hands up
I'll do
Everything different; I'll be better to you
Kayla stopped. She hadn't paid attention to the words before now. Unable to listen to Adele's raw truths, she ejected the CD. Putting her makeshift microphone down, she leaned against the counter and examined the disc in her hand.
"What are you thinking, hon?" Pat asked, noticing her companion's posture.
"I really fucked this up, didn't I?"
Pat inhaled thoughtfully. "I wouldn't take it that far, but you're right. This is a pickle."
"How do I fix this?" Kayla pleaded desperately.
"If it's meant to be, you'll find a way."
"Ugh," Kayla laughed. "This is not the right time for your riddles. I just want my man back."
Pat smiled knowingly and returned to the vegetables at hand.
The phone rang suddenly, echoing in the kitchen. The caller ID read 'Kensi', much to Kayla's surprise. Answering the phone, she barely got her greeting out before Kensi got to the point.
"What the hell did you do to my partner?"
Kayla opted for the oblivious response. "What?"
"You heard me. What did you do to Deeks?"
"We had a disagreement and went our separate ways," Kayla said diplomatically.
"A disagreement? You sucked his personality away!"
"How so?"
"He doesn't laugh, he doesn't talk back—he doesn't talk at all!"
"Wouldn't that be considered an improvement?" Kayla immediately regretted her words.
"In theory, yes, but he is seriously messed up!"
"He's the one who chose to leave."
"And you're the one who broke his heart."
Kayla sighed miserably. "I know I messed up. I miss him like crazy. I tried to apologize, but he won't talk to me."
"Well, he's not talking to me either, and as his partner, I shouldn't be talking to you."
She fiddled with the album as an idea began to form.
"I know this goes against everything you stand for, but I need your help."
"What for?"
"I have an idea."
"You look gorgeous," Jocelyn breathed, admiring her handiwork.
Jocelyn and Kayla stood in the bathroom of Stella and Jake's karaoke bar. Kayla stepped in front of the mirror and gasped. She was dressed in a black strapless bodycon dress that fit her like a glove. Her hair fell in natural-looking waves, framing her face effortlessly. Her naked shoulders prickled in the cool room. Matte red lips accentuated her cheekbones, leading to subtly smoky eyes. Red high heels added the final touch. The look was noticeable, but not overly bold, just enough to give her the confidence she needed.
"Okay, let's review," Jocelyn dictated. "Kensi's in charge of getting Deeks here, and I'm in charge of making sure you don't run away. The music's with the deejay, the stage is set. You okay?"
Butterflies were wreaking havoc on her stomach. Her face felt hot. She tugged at the dress, but Jocelyn slapped her hand away.
"I'll survive."
Kensi joined them in the bathroom. "He's here. I told him we were going to a karaoke bar...and he invited the rest of the team. Even Hetty insisted on coming."
"What?" Kayla shrieked. "Now I really can't go on!"
Jocelyn shook Kayla's shoulders. "Pull yourself together, woman! Do you want your man back or not?"
Kayla gulped, nodding.
"Then get your butt on that stage." Jocelyn smacked the aforementioned derrière.
Kayla took a deep breath as she exited the ladies' room. The walk to the stage was torturous. It felt as though every eye was on her. Stella smiled encouragingly as she passed, but Deeks didn't notice her until Sam pointed her out.
"Isn't that your baby mama?"
Deeks didn't look, tired of the games his coworkers kept playing on him.
The music started, a lively blues trumpet. The sound was a bit out of place in the bar, but he really wasn't paying attention.
Then came the vocals.
Hold me closer, one more time
Say that you love me, like your last goodbye
The voice was familiar; he dared to see if his friends were right. He couldn't believe his eyes. There stood Kayla, dolled up like the bombshell he knew she could be. He could tell she was nervous, but her voice remained strong.
Please forgive me for my sins
Yes, I swam dirty waters, but you pushed me in
Marty ducked his head, trying to figure out what to do. He was a mixture of surprise, anger, and love, all rolled into one.
You know my heart more than I do
We were the greatest; me and you
Kayla's frightened eyes found Marty's for a split second, but she lacked the courage to hold his gaze.
But we had time against us
Miles between us
The heaves cried
I know I left you speechless
But now the sky is clear and it's blue
And I see my future in you
Daring to look back, she found his face staring back at her. It was dim in the bar; she couldn't tell if he was scared or pleased.
I'll be waiting for you when you're ready to love me again
I'll put my hands up, I'll do everything different
I'll be better to you
A glimmer of understanding appeared in Marty's eyes as he realized that she wasn't just singing to him; she was apologizing.
Let me stay here for just one more night
Build your world around me and pull me to the light
So I can tell you I was wrong
I was a child then, but now I'm willing to learn
Eye contact reengaged, Kayla projected to the rest of the bar.
I'll be waiting for you when you're ready to love me again
I'll put my hands up, I'll do everything different
I'll be better to you
Jocelyn watched from the sidelines, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Marty was entranced and Kayla was finally stepping out of her comfort zone for the right cause. The spotlight shone down on her, accentuating her body's every curve. The light caught her eyes, and they sparkled down at Deeks.
I'll be waiting for you when you're ready to love me again
I'll put my hands up, I'll be somebody different
I'll be better to you…
The song ended. As the music cut off, Kayla found herself stranded onstage. She had no idea what to do or where to go. How did this happen in the movies? Does the girl step down and apologize right then and there? Does the guy come up and gush that all is forgiven? The questions spun in her head. She was so confused that she stepped of the stage without a glance at Marty, and bolted out the door.
The night was pitch black, the stars clouded over. Kayla trusted the light of streetlamps to guide her back to the parking lot.
"Kayla!"
She turned around to see Marty sprinting up to her. No grand speech came to her, so she stood there silently.
"You can't do something like that and then walk away!"
Lacking the courage to respond, she searched his face. Was he pleased? Upset? Forgiving?
"You sang for me."
She nodded, blushing.
"You said you'd never sing for me."
"I said I wouldn't sing for you because my voice is crap."
"Your voice is far from crap."
"I beg to differ."
"Shit, woman, I'm trying to pay you a compliment!" He waved his hands in frustration. "Why'd you do it now?"
"I was wrong," she whispered. His face softened, and she continued her little speech. "When you walked out that door, I felt so justified, but then Jocelyn stepped outside the box and called me on my bullshit. I've been going out of my mind trying to apologize. I wanted to prove to you that I don't take you for granted and, though I am still working on my controlling nature, I want to be vulnerable with you. You make me feel safe and, despite my efforts to the contrary, I fell hopelessly in love with you."
"Kayla," Deeks replied, his tone giving nothing away. "I loved you from the moment you socked me in the jaw."
Kayla laughed, her blush growing. "Which time?"
"I understand that you're a strong, independent woman, and I fell in love with the defenseless, vulnerable you from eight years ago. I love you because you've taken life's hard knocks and adapted. I know your insecure, shy side is behind your defenses. All I'm asking is for you to let me in."
"That's what I'm offering."
She lifted her head hesitantly. Marty stepped closer to study her face, and was overjoyed to find her eyes clear, unsure, but still trusting. Their breath mingled in the cool California night. Kayla didn't move. This was Deeks' choice, his decision. His hand made its way to her cheek.
"You're a selfish, overprotective idiot," he whispered.
"I know it." She owned her flaws.
Her words were all it took. Marty's lips claimed hers and they were lost in the passionate kiss of lovers parted. As they pulled away, Kayla smiled suggestively.
"You know, Pat's watching Andy for the whole night."
"Are you propositioning me?" Deeks teased back, caressing her cheek.
"Maybe…" her voice was husky as she stood on her tiptoes, her lips centimeters from his. "Are you accepting?"
He lifted her off the ground, kissing and spinning at the same time. "Oh, yes."