When LOVE is not Enough

Chapter 39 - Axel

I feel bad considering how the day ended. I didn't think about it until I saw us laughing together at the gym. It felt good but it also made me realise that Angel deserved better.

She needed the complete package, not just the parts that made us smile when our friends were around or when it was just me and her. She needed me to be able to remain positive even when other men were ogling at her.

I saw the guys who were looking at her bouncy ass when were in the aerobics session and the first thing I thought of was, would she agree if they approach her. It was the complete opposite of what Marianne said. I need to concentrate if this was going to work.

I can't unsee the hurt I saw in her eyes when I told her we needed a break. It was like I broke her and, to be honest, I thought she would be happy for me but now I'm not so sure. Women are very complex. When we reached the penthouse Alice went straight to her room. She seemed very quiet but I figured she was tired so I let her be.

I was woken up by a loud knock on my door and when I went to open it was a panting Alice. "What did you do to Angel?", she asked looking upset. "Not even a good morning Dad?", I asked sarcastically. She just looked at me. She was pissed.

"Alice, I just asked her for some time off so that I can focus on therapy", I explained. "You've started therapy? When?", she asked looking surprised. "Yesterday. The therapist made me realise that I had to do this for me and not my relationship so I figured for me to be better, I need some space", I said stepping aside so she could walk in my bedroom.

She sat on the bed looking deep in thought. "That's not what I expected... but Dad, why would you want a break from Angel? I mean, aren't you supposed to do this with your family?", she asked looking confused.

"You're right and I will... Alice, you're the one that opened my eyes and I was hoping that you'd support me in this journey", I explained kneeling in front of her.

"Dad... Angel is family too. Don't you think she'll feel left out now that you've told her you needed a break? Don't you think that she wanted to do this with you? Be there for you? I mean, she's part of this too", she said sadly.

It made me smile.

"Alice, I know what I'm doing, can you just support me and we see how this goes?", I pleaded not ready to revisit the Angel situation. "I do Dad, I support you... always", she said then hugged me.

"Good, let me freshen up then I'll come make breakfast", I said then kissed her temple before she left my bedroom.

1 Month Later...

Month one of therapy and I must admit I feel great. I'm on my way to dinner. Alice thought it would be good to have a family dinner with her, Max, and Rachel.

I think it's the best way to test myself considering Rachel always knew how to push my buttons. I arrived at the restaurant and found them waiting for me. "You're late", Alice said making me smile. "I know, I'm sorry, you know Blake and his last-minute clients", I said shaking Max's hand. Then Rachel's. I sat next to Alice facing Max.

"You look good. Still at the gym?", Max asked making me smile. "Yeah, you should come sometime", I said honestly. "Really?", he looked surprised by my comment considering we never talked. "Yeah, I know the owner, I can introduce you to him", "That will be great. Thanks", he looked excited.

We ordered drinks and food. The drinks came before, giving us time to chat a bit or should I say Alice to lead the conversations.

"Where's Angel?", Rachel asked looking genuinely surprised. "She's at her apartment?", I answered the question because I didn't expect Rachel to bring her up. "Oh... ok I just thought she would join us today, she being part of the family and all", she said then sipped her wine while studying me.

"Well no, we're on a break. I'm doing some therapy and I needed to do it without any... distractions", I explained. "Therapy for what? You look fine to me", she commented. "I appreciate that but I have some personal things that I'm dealing with so yeah", I said and I was thankful when the waiter brought our food.

We ate in comfortable silence with Alice taking some food from my plate a couple of times.

"Dad is that Angel?", Alice whispered with her eyes at the door. I looked ahead and there was my baby wearing a beige dress that was hugging her in all the right places. She looked incredible.

She was with Mr. Monroe and two other men who were eating her with their eyes. I felt someone hold my trembling hand and when I turned it was Alice.

She had an encouraging smile that made me release a breath and bring my attention back to the table. When my eyes met Rachel she had a smirk on her face. I ignored her. I made sure to pay for dinner, something that surprised Rachel.

"Can I go say hi to her Dad?", Alice asked nervously. I'd been ignoring Angel's attempts to talk to me. Ignoring her calls and texts for a whole month so I get why Alice was nervous.

"Yeah sure, see you at the entrance", i said then went to the front of the restaurant to wait for my car. It was brought to me the moment Alice got back. She looked very happy.

"Dad, Mother's Day is coming up and I wanted to order some flowers for Mum and Angel", Alice said when we were heading home. "Alice, I'm ok with buying flowers for your Mum but Angel... really?", I asked making her furrow her brows.

"Why not?", "I just don't think that sends the right message", "What do you mean? You said you're taking a break to focus on therapy not breaking up. Am I missing something?", she asked looking angry.

"I know what I said. Seeing her today with those men and the way they're looking at her... you saw that I was on the verge of losing control. Not even one month of therapy was able to fix how I felt about other men wanting her. I think its best that we keep our distance", I explained.

"You're unbelievable!", she said angrily then took her phone out and sent a text to someone. I had no idea who it was until we found Max and Rachel in the parking lot. "I'm gonna spend time at Mum's", she said as a statement and not a request. I nod.

I need to be with someone that didn't attract attention. Yes, I needed that but the first thing is first. I have to talk to Angel.