I'll Always be There For You // Rudy Pankow

Brunch Date part 2

*No ones POV*

The waiter walked up to them and asked them if they were ready to order, so they both ordered and went back to talking, "So, I have a question and you don't have to ask if you don't want to" Tyler said looking at Rudy

He swallowed his food, "Ask away haha"

"How come things ended with you and your ex?" She asked

Rudy took a deep breath, "Um for starters, we were working together and I think mixing work and personal relationships is tough. Like it's definitely do-able, Chase and Mads do it and make it work really well. But it has to be both sides willing to make it work. I'm not going to be the guy that sits here and says, 'oh she was crazy' because she wasn't, but she was very controlling almost like... I don't know how to explain it, she would kept me from hanging out with the rest of the cast and when fans came around she'd pull me away from them. I just wasn't happy in the relationship anymore and I felt it was best for personally and professional to just be cordial with one another"

She half smiled at him, "I'm sorry to hear that, that's a tough situation. Has it made working awkward at all?"

"It was at first, but I've learned to just be as patient as possible and not let it get in the way of work" he said, "Do you mind me asking you the same thing about you and your ex?"

She took a sip of water, "Not at all no, it's honestly a pretty short story. We were freshman in high school and grew up being super close friends, tried the whole dating thing and I happened to get pregnant. I told him about it and a few days after I told him, I never saw or heard from him again..."

He looked at her shocked, "So he's never seen his own son?" 

She shook her head no, "Nope, I reached out to his family after Kyson was born to see if they wanted to be in their grandchilds' life and they refused to believe that it was Dylans' kid" 

"That's so sad, I'm so sorry Tyler" He said reaching for her hand to hold 

She smiled at him holding his hand, "It's okay, I got an amazing son out of it" 

"Do you think if his dad were to come around that you'd let him in Kysons' life?" He asked her playing with her fingers  

She hesitated, "Umm I mean, I've thought about this. Like a lot, in a perfect world my son would have both of his parents in his life and we can be cordial with one another for the sake of Kyson. But also at the same time, I worry that if Dylan does come back that he'll eventually just up and leave. And I, like just myself, wouldn't be hurt by that but Kyson is a sensitive kid and the last thing I ever want to do is see him hurt. Kind of why I'm careful who I bring around him..." 

Rudy nodded his head, "I completely understand that and I don't want to pressure you to introduce me to him, if and when you're ready, I'll be ready too" 

"Thank you" She said smiling

He looked at her confused, "Thank you for what?" 

"For being caring and okay with me waiting" She said 

He smiled at her, "Of course, you don't need to say thank you though. That's your boy and I could only imagine how protective I'd be over my kid" 

"Yeah he's my whole world. I get mom guilt for going out and doing stuff and him not being there. Like when we met the other night, Jake had to literally drag me out of the house so he could watch Kyson while I went out" She laughed 

"Well I'm glad that Jake got you out of the house haha you two seem like you're close?" Rudy asked 

"Oh yeah, he's like my big brother and Kysons' uncle. They do everything together, he actually used to coach Kysons' soccer team when they were still allowed to play" She said smiling 

Rudy got excited, "No way Kyson plays soccer? Me too! I used to play in high school and still play with some rec teams sometimes" 

"Aww yeah he loves it and I do too because it actually tires the kid out haha he's tried a few different sports but he always seems to go back to soccer and gymnastics" Tyler said 

Rudy just smiled at Tyler, "You seem like a really great mom" 

She smiled and teared up a little, "Awww no don't cry. I didn't mean to make you tear up" Rudy said getting closer to her 

Tyler wiped her tears, "They're happy tears lol I promise. I just, thank you. That means a lot. You have no idea" 

The waiter came by, "Here you guys go, whenever you're ready to pay. No rush!" 

They both reached for their wallets, "I got this" Rudy said grabbing the bill 

She looked at him, "No no no I can pay, please?" 

"I'm the one who asked you to get food, my treat. Thank you for offering though, that's really sweet of you" Rudy said putting his card in the holder and leaving it hanging off the table

"Thank you for brunch, it was really good" She said playing with his fingers 

"Do you need to get home soon or?" Rudy asked 

She looked at him, "Do you mind if I check my phone and text Jake and see how Kyson is? And depending on what he says I can maybe stay longer?" 

He laughed, "You don't need to ask haha you can definitely check your phone and call them if you need to! I'm just going to finish up paying, if it's quieter outside, I can meet you out there?" 

Tyler excused herself from the table and walked outside to call Jake while Rudy finished up paying. 

*On the Phone* 

J: Jake
T: Tyler

J: Hey Ty! How's the date going??
T: It's going really good! How're things over there? 
J: You didn't deny it being a date!!!! Ohhhhhh
T: Shut up Jake lol how's Kyson doing?
J: He's good, he had math, art, music and english already. I'm about to make some pasta for his lunch, per his request, and then he has science, social studies and reading then he's finished up!
T: Does he need me home or do you need me home or can I stay out a little bit longer?
J: You can stay as long as you need Ty, I was just going to take him to the park after to play soccer with some of his friends. If that's ok with you?
T: Yeah, I think that'd be good for him. Are you sure you're good over there Jake?
J: I promise you, Kyson and I are both more than ok. If he wasn't in class right now I'd let him say hey but he's focused haha 
T: Thank you Jake, I really appreciate you 
J: Of course, have fun. If we need anything I'll call! Love you Ty 
T: Love you too Jake, give Kyson a hug and kiss for me and tell him I love him and will be home soon
J: Will do, Bye!

Rudy walked up to Tyler and gently put his hand on her lower back, "Everything good?" 

She smiled at him, "Everything is good" 

"Soooooo I was thinking, we can go back to the apartment and you can meet everyone, if you're up for it? Or we could go walk around downtown by the beach? I just know that'll take longer and I don't want to keep you from home for too long" He asked her opening the door for her 

She waited until Rudy got into the car to answer, "We can go back to your place. Already introducing me to the friends huh" She laughed 

He blushed a little, "Well you're bound to meet them eventually" 

Rudy reached for her hand and they headed back to his place 

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Authors Note: Sorry this chapter is shorter, I just wanted to keep it to the brunch date but I'll try and upload the next chapter tonight!