When LOVE is not Enough

Chapter 7 - Axel

I know Blake is going to make me pay for not introducing him to Angel or mentioning her before but it is something that I have to live with.

It's been a month of us being gym partners and honestly, I have grown accustomed to our little routine. 

Alice is growing impatient because I haven't told her if Angel and I were going to her birthday or not. To say the truth I want to go there with Angel because all Rachel ever did was rub it on my face as to how amazing her life with Madden turned out.

I wanted to tell her how accomplished I was but didn't see the point, she was already married to the dude. Max and I never had any issues, we kind of stayed out of each other's way and we have been able to keep things on the calm side that way despite Rachel wanting to make ridiculous demands when it came to me spending time with Alice. I thank Max for that.

Rachel was always power-hungry and I never seemed to mind because I would see how she demanded attention when we went places but I figured that was just how she was but with Max, it was different, he questioned it at times and put her in line which was good.

You're wondering how I know all this? Just give a teenager a mobile phone and she will do wonders.

"Dad, I know this is a new relationship and you don't want to mess things up for you but this is my only chance to meet her otherwise I have to wait until summer, that's not fair", Alice whined for the fifth time this week.

"Fine. I'm going to text her now and tell you what she says ok?", "No can do... I want you to use your charm and make her say yes, pleaseee", "You're so annoying", "I know Dad. I love you and I'm waiting by the phone, literally", she finished and hung up.

To say the truth I was scared of asking her. I didn't want to push her away. I released a breath and searched for her number, and she answered on a third ring.

"Hey partner", I said nervously. "Hi there, is everything ok?", she asked cheerfully making my heart beat fast in anticipation. "Yes, why wouldn't it be?", "You have never called in the middle of the day before. Are you bailing on me?", oh she was so off rails.

"No, It's just that Alice called and I didn't know what to tell her", "Oh my god! I'm so sorry, please tell her that we'll be going. I totally thought I already told you that I was in", she said in a hurry, something that she did when she was nervous. "It's ok Angel, Thank you for this", I said hanging up.

Me: She's in, see you on Saturday.

Bff💖: Amazing this is going to be the best birthday ever.

Me: Please behave.

Bff💖: Dad I'm not two anymore. I know you like her.

Me: I do, like a whole lot so, please.

Bff💖: I got you.

"Do you mind telling me why I am the last one to know about Angel?", Blake said walking into my office. "Well for starters you could knock before coming into my office that way I remember you next time", I said with a smile that made him smile too.

"You have hit the jackpot with this one", he said sitting in his usual spot, I wonder when he actually sits in his office and works because most of the time he is in mine unless, he was travelling and he did that on very rare occasions too.

"I sure hope I did Blake, she is just amazing and I really really like her", "I can see that already, the way you smile man, it's like a kid in a candy store, not to mention how you don't want anyone to touch her. Yeah, I noticed your little act of holding hands when we walked into the restaurant. Mr. Lu did too", I rolled my eyes.

Blake knew me since we were in high school there was no point in denying what he was saying. I did tend to be possessive with my things. "Whatever man", I said turning my attention back to my laptop to finish up the work I had remaining before Nara walked in.

She hated when I didn't finish my work on the day that I was supposed to, it was both annoying and satisfying at times.

When I was done I took my bag and left for the gym. 

To my surprise I found Angel waiting for me, she looked nervous and before I could ask her what was wrong I saw Anthony making out with some woman. I cleared my throat making him pull away.

"Baby, this is Axel. Angel's partner. Axel this is my woman her name is Iris", she gave me a look from head to toe then turned to look at Angel who was rolling her eyes at Iris indicating that the two knew each other.

"Pleasure to meet you future in-law", she said offering her hand, I shook it and walked to Angel who whispered 'I'm sorry' making me smile and head to the locker room to change. 

"Now this is going to be fun", the voice made me turn so fast that I bumped my head on the locker door. What in the world was Blake doing here? he didn't even like to exercise. What the fuck.

I know he has been protective of me ever since the Rachel situation but coming to the gym was just something else. "What are you doing here?", "Isn't it obvious? I'm here to lift some weights", he said gesturing to his abs.

"You hate the gym, the only thing you enjoy lifting is women, please get out of here", "Why? You scared she'll like what she sees?", he said wiggling his brows and making me release a breathe, it was obvious that he was not going anywhere.

I found Angel telling Iris the same thing, it made me laugh, yap, I was too loud. Angel pulled me to the aerobics room fast. I complied to make it easier for her to lead me where she wanted me to go.

We went on with our routine trying our best to pretend that no one was looking at us. Which was hard as hell, Iris had this glare that made me look away every time our eyes met, i noticed Blake doing the same to Angel.