New Rules

12

Over the next week, Alex has been doing very well with her sessions. Both of you have found ways to communicate better and find other outlets for Alex to try. She hasn't snapped at you all week. Which in your book is progress. However, Alex is expected to go back to work tomorrow and her nerves are showing. She's been extremely quiet all day and you can see her wheels spinning. "Alex," you called out to her. She looks up from her spot at the kitchen table. "Yeah?" she asked. "Do you want to take a walk with me?" you asked her calmly. She smiles nodding her head "Of course my love."

The two of you head out the back door hand in hand as you walk through the garden. "I've always loved this garden." you smiled breathing in deeply. Alex smiles "Me too. My mom used to have a huge garden in our summer home in the Hamptons. I loved it. I would hide out in there for hours." she says. You smile as you listen to her story but also wonder what exactly she was hiding from.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" you asked.  She sighs "Yes." You nod your head as you watch her look over the rows of flowers. "That's okay, it's normal to be nervous," you tell her. "I know my therapist said the same thing. And she gave me some exercises to do if I needed to calm myself down," she explains.  "You know if you need me I'll be there in a heartbeat," you tell her.  She laughs "Yes I know. But don't you think I should handle him on my own?" she asked. You shrugged your shoulders "I don't know. I mean I guess if you feel like you can or that you want to then yes. But if by some chance you need support I'm there." you tell her.

She smiles stopping in the middle of the aisle as she tugs your body into hers. She leans in to kiss you. You smile into the kiss moaning when it became heated. Pulling back slightly she smiles "Thank you." "Anytime." you chuckled as she grabs your hand to resume your walk.

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Alex's POV:

Today's the day I have to return to work and I am not looking forward to it. Dad has called me nonstop since I asked for two weeks off. He wants answers and today I have to give them to him. Of course, I have gone over this conversation in my mind hundreds of times and with my therapist. However, I still feel like I'm going to pass out.

Walking towards the office I see him sitting at his desk. Knocking softly on the door I wait for him to look up. "Well look who finally decided to come back to work," he says. I roll my eyes as I shut the door behind me. "Hi. I wanted to talk to you for a minute." I tell him. "Alright." he nods to the chair. I sit down taking a deep breath before I begin. "I have been going through a hard time. I'm sorry that I called out last minute that wasn't my intention. But it was recommended by my therapist."  "Therapist?!" he asked cutting me off. Nodding my head I sigh " Yes my therapist. I've been going for two straight weeks. And I plan to continue. But I'm back and I'm ready to go. All I ask is that you work with me." I tell him.

He sits back in his chair eying me closely " I'm assuming this was y/n's idea. As a means to "fix you." he asked with a sarcastic tone. "We both decided to attend therapy for different reasons," I explain. "Hmm. Whatever floats your boat, Allie. Just don't bring it to this firm. Here is for business and business only." he says. "I know. Just like my relationship is mine and I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of it." I spit back. He chuckles "Of course. Now can we resume to our jobs or is there more?" he asked. "That's all for now," I tell him. He nods going back to his work. I get up walking towards my office with a smile on my face. That went better than I expected it to.

Over the next few days, things were going well. My sessions were getting easier even though I was talking about some hard stuff. The firm is up and running smoothly. Jim and I are working well together. My home life is happier and I haven't hurt myself in almost three weeks. everything seemed to finally be falling into place but of course, he'd ruin it. He always does.

I was sitting at my desk when he came barling into the door. "We have an important meeting tonight so I'll need you to attend dinner with me," he states. "What? No. I have a session tonight." I try to tell him. "This is more important than your silly session. These clients are important and we need their name to boost this firm. I expect to see you there at 6. I'll text you the details." he says walking out of the office. I groaned as I called my therapist explaining I needed to reschedule. Then I called you asking you to drop off a dress, shoes, and a few other items.  You showed up an hour later.

Walking in the door with a smile on your face you hand over the items. "What do you need all of this for?" you asked. "Dad needs me to go to dinner with him tonight for a meeting with a client," I explained looking over the dress. "Tonight? But don't you have a session?" you asked. I groaned "yes I do. I already called and rescheduled."  "Okay. But are you sure that's a good idea?" you asked. "Jesus! I rescheduled the session. What's the problem? You're not my keeper y/n!" I snapped. You nodded your head "Right. Well just call me if you need me." you mumbled reaching for the door. I quickly move to stand in front of you. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped. I called her and explained the situation and I'm going tomorrow instead." I explained. "That was all you had to say," you tell me. I chuckled "I know. I'm sorry my love. As much as I try to not let him get to me he does. And I shouldn't take it out on you."

You nod your head still not looking at me. I sigh lifting your chin with my finger "thank you for bringing my things. I love you." I tell you. You smile "Your welcome. I love you too." you whispered. Leaning down I give you a small kiss. Moving to the side I open the door for you. You smile giving me a small wave as you leave.  "Good job Alex," I say to myself as I shut the door. Rolling my eyes I look over to the clock to see what time it is. I only have an hour to get ready and meet dad.

An hour later I am in the car headed to the location dad sent me. Saying goodbye to grey I get out walking into the restaurant. "Party for Cabot," I tell the young girl. She smiles "Yes Ma'am follow me." she says. Following behind the host I see my father sitting with a man. When I reach the table he looks up stopping me in my tracks. "Robert?"