CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO #2
I can’t stand watching her wipe the tears from her beautiful face, but I have to respect her privacy.
Knowing Andrew is keeping watch will have to be good enough for now.
I should go. If Angie sees me here, she could feel smothered, and I want to give her time and space when she needs it.
As hard as it is to do, I have to walk away.
To say I’m relieved when Angie finally comes home is an understatement, although I’m worried. She seems subdued.
Josh steams into the kitchen, shouting like a mad kid, “Ozzie, where are you? I’m back now.”
“Hey, little dude. He’s outside with Connie,” I call.
“Thanks, Uncle Tommy.” He beams and runs straight into the garden.
“Babe, you’re back,” I say. “I was worried.”
I’m sat at the kitchen island when she walks over to my side, sliding her hands around my shoulders and laying her head there too. “I’m sorry if I worried you. I wanted some time to myself. If I need to get away again, I’ll make sure I let you know first.”
“It’s okay. I was just worried, especially as we’ve got another batch of photographers outside.”
She looks up at me. “I noticed that on the way in. They haven’t been there long, don’t worry. There wasn’t a soul to be seen when I left this morning.” She takes my hand, leading me to the sofa. “Come and sit with me for a while.”
Fuck. She seems so weak and done with it all. It wouldn’t surprise me if she wants to call it a day, but it won’t stop me from fighting for her.
Our fingers stay locked together and her grip is tight, like she’s scared. I pull her body close to mine, and I take her in my arms. Her head falls to my chest while I comb my fingers through her hair.
“What was going through your mind when you saw me at the memorial garden?” she asks.
My mouth feels like I’ve eaten a cotton wool ball. “You knew I was there?”
“Kind of. I had a feeling you might seek me out eventually and Andrew confirmed my suspicions when I asked him.” Her tone is resigned.
I run my hand up and down her arm. “I wanted to make sure you were okay. That’s all.”
“But what was going through your mind?” She glances up and our eyes meet. “You haven’t said.”
I take a second, looking straight ahead. “I don’t know. It’s not as if I expect you not to visit Scott’s memorial. I thought you’d gone to a place you knew was safe and you wanted to clear your head.”
“But?” she asks and continues to focus on me.
“I suppose with everything that’s happening, I was worried the news this morning was the last straw and you wanted out.”
She reaches up and her hand cups my cheek. It’s warm and reassuring. “Never. I’m here to stay, Tommy.” She nuzzles back against my chest. “But you are right in one sense. It’s peaceful there and I could think clearly.” Again, she looks up at me. “Thank you for understanding.”
“It’s okay, babe.” If this is what she needs, then I’ll take it.
Her mouth twitches with a slight smile. “I made some decisions today and I hope you’re willing to support me. I can guarantee you won’t be happy, but please hear me out.”
“I’m listening,” I say, still holding her tight.
“Your divorce mediation is coming up soon.”
“Right.”
“And you need to be ready when that cow throws accusations around. We can’t give Chelsea any ammunition, so for now, we should cut down the time we spend together until the divorce is final.”
My chest tightens as my heart sinks. “Angie, that’s insane. It could take months or even a couple of years to settle this thing.”
“Then we work around it. Perhaps I could stay the odd night, but we should be careful. Chelsea won’t break us up, but she couldn’t have chosen a better time to come out fighting. Let’s just beat her at her own game.”
“For fuck's sake.” I tip my head back against the sofa as my stomach rolls with disappointment. This is fucking frustrating, but I sense her eyes pleading with me to agree, so I guess I have no choice. I don’t like it at all “Okay. I’ll do it your way, but you’re keeping Andrew. That’s non-negotiable.” I growl.
“Ahh, that’s another sticking point.”
My stomach twists tighter. “I mean it, Angie. Andrew stays with you.”
“I’m not disputing that, but I’d like him to transfer to my payroll.”
“What the—”
“Tommy, this is just the ammunition Chelsea is looking for, and as half the bloody nation already thinks I’m a home-wrecker, I’m not giving her or anyone else the satisfaction of thinking I’m a kept woman.”
“Why the fuck would you say that? You work your arse off every single day.” It’s getting difficult to keep my temper even.
“Come off it, Tom. You know better than anyone about this stuff. The press doesn’t care about that. All they care about is spinning a good ‘news story’.” She air quotes. “Anyway, with that in mind, I’ve made a big decision.”
I note her take a breath and roll her lips. “From today, I’m a silent partner in the business.”
I sit up abruptly. “Why the—Jesus, Angie. You’re giving up everything for—”
“No, I’m not,” she says, adjusting her sitting position so we’re eye to eye, although she’s still in my hold. “I’m doing what’s best all around. I met up with Chris this morning.”
“But Andrew checked out the showroom and said you weren’t there, just a mob of press.”
“Which is why I met him at the Rosie Lee café. It just felt safe, and I guessed no one would find me there.” She bites her bottom lip with worry, then adds, “Chris and I made an agreement, Tom. I’ll get an income, but Chris will run the business from now on.
It’s best for everyone in the long run, and this way, I’m still involved without running things day to day. ”
I feel like shit. “I made you do this,” I reply, shaking my head and looking away.
She guides my face back to look at her. “No. I did this because our circumstances have changed. I want to be with you, and this is something I have to do.” Her eyes are so intense as they look into mine.
Then she says, “You were right, Tom. I do work my arse off, and I finally realised that I’ve done my best for Scott.
I’ve kept the business going for six years without him, and I hope that one day, Josh might take an interest, but for me, it’s time to move forward.
As for keeping a low profile, it’s the first step to the rest of our lives.
Once your divorce comes through, we can do everything we planned.
Until then, please, let me do what I feel is right for me, you, and the boys. ”
It's clear Angie needs this, and after all the shit she’s gone through for me, I’ll give her anything.
“As long as spending less time together is just temporary—”
She interrupts me without any hesitation. “I promise.”
I nod then close my eyes for a second. “All I want is the chance to love you the way I should have the first time around. If this is what we have to do to make that happen, then okay.”
She nuzzles her cheek against my chest. “Thank you, Tom. Believe me. It’s best for all of us.”