“Like a genie, exactly.” Malachai chuckled. He was already having so much fun talking to Brady while getting to know her. Which was bittersweet because he missed out on so many good years and fond memories. It broke his heart to see her staring at him like she couldn’t believe that after all this time he was more than just a picture. Brady even reached out to touch his wrist and hand a few times, admiring the black-flame tattoos on his skin. “I could see you more than just Fridays. Wherever’s a good time for you and mama, is a good time for me.” Kai didn’t want to put any pressure on Catherine, but she was the one in charge. He couldn’t promise Brady certain days or times because Catherine might not agree with them. She still thought he was untrustworthy and a flake. It bothered Kai but he knew it was fair. If he had been a better fiancé, they never would have broken up. She wasn’t the bag guy here for leaving, he was the bad guy for giving her a reason to leave.
“Okay good.” Malachai smiled after Brady told him her mama didn’t have a boyfriend. Then laughed when she said her mama actually has a crush on a tv guy. Now, Malachai needed to know what show and which person. He was still possessive, even after all these years. Because of course she would like some fancy-pants actor. He was probably a pretty boy with nice, flowing hair, a clean shave, and clear skin. The complete opposite of Malachai and his scruffy beard and marked flesh. He made a mental note to shave the next time he shows up.
Kai was about to ask Brady what this guy looked like before Catherine peaked in and wondered what they were talking about before asking Brady to clean up for supper. “Well, we were talking about you – and your HUGE crush on some famous TV guy?” Malachai laughed while Brady ran off giggling. She sold her mama out. Everything was light and fun until Brady went upstairs and then there was this tension that stretched on between Kai and Cat. How was it easier talking to their five year old daughter, who he barely knew, than to Catherine, who he dated for years and was engaged to? Thankfully, Brady was quick and returned to the table before small-talk could ensue. “Mind if I say grace with you?” Kai asked, reaching for Brady’s hand on the table. Like Catherine, he wasn’t religious but if Brady was taught to be thankful and wholesome, then Kai wanted to encourage it.
“What do you mean?” Kai turned in his chair to face Brady after finishing most of his pasta. Catherine’s cooking put every restaurant in Las Vegas to shame. Or maybe that was just his love talking. But he always enjoyed her meals, even when she’d add too much or too little of this or that. Kai’s stomach then felt a little uneasy as Brady wondered what to call him. He was her dad, but not really as she so kindly put it. He wasn’t in her life long enough to be called dad. It made sense. Which is why Kai smiled at Catherine before reassuring her it was fine. “Well, Brady, you can call me whatever feels right. You know, I know I missed out on a lot of time with you and so I don’t expect you to just be all right with it. You’re entitled to how you feel. Those feelings are very much valid because I know this is confusing. So take all the time you need, sweetheart. Just know I’m not going anywhere.” Kai knew Catherine hated when he made promises like that, but they weren’t empty. Now that he knew Brady existed, he’d never leave her.
"Some TV guy?" Cat was drawing blanks, unaware of who Brady might've been talking about. But then it dawned on her, McDreamy. This attraction of hers was more so off and on than anything. Catherine liked bad boys, at the end of the day. Cue, Malachai in all of his bad boy glory. In all actuality, Catherine wouldn't know what to do with a seemingly "good guy" if she met one. She'd probably grow bored of them in under five minutes. If there was no adventure or mystery or excitement, then there was no attraction. Simple as that. "She's … silly," Cat laughed. That's the best way she could put it before the silence stretched on and the tension between them grew thick. Cat could hardly breathe normally as she felt the heat of Kai's eyes on her. He seemed to observe her the same way Brady was observing him; like he was getting to know her all over again after 5 years spent apart.
On the one hand... it made sense? A lot has changed. Catherine by no means, was a completely different person, but she had to become a maturer one in order to take care of and provide for their daughter. Once, at the dinner table Cat laid a napkin to rest over her lap while she took a sip of her water, hoping to swallow the tension (or at least a little bit of it) that continued to pile up. Brady's question however, only seemed to add to it. Granted, Catherine had to give Kai a few props. He could have easily thrown her under the bus and told little Brady that the reason he wasn't her dad was because Cat kept her from him. Never intentionally. It wasn't a malicious decision or act but, on some level that's one way he couple explain his absence from Brady's life. He didn't though. He took the high road. Which was not only admirable but surprising. Perhaps, Kai was making strides or at least attempting to. Cat could appreciate that and give credit where credit was due.
"Brady, let's finish your pasta." The more Brady talked, the quicker her food got cold. As expected, Kai finished his plate first, then Catherine and lastly Brady. When it was time to clear off the table and do the dishes, the three of them... somehow managed to form an assembly line. Kai washed, as he offered to do. Catherine dried dishes next to him, and little Brady sat on the counter as she put the dishes away. For a few minutes, the three of them looked like a perfectly normal and domestic family and unless it was said, no one would know this was their first time all together. Kai was the missing piece that strangely just clicked. However, Cat wasn't ready to just accept the past and move on from it. There was a lot that both, her and Kai needed to talk about and discuss. And some of those things, Catherine wasn't ready for or she didn't feel comfortable doing so in front of Brady. "Kai," Brady tugged on the back of Kai's shirt after Catherine helped her down off the counter. "Would you like to see my room? I have a princess bed and lots of books. Maybe we could read one? Mama always reads to me before bed." Cat could see the pleading look in Brady's eyes and nodded at the two of them to show she was okay with it, "You should go ahead. I trust you. I'll wait out here." After giving Kai permission (not that he really needed it) Catherine turned to Brady and brushed her fingers under her chin, "After the story, it's bedtime little miss. You've got school in the morning."
