Chapter 47

**Brad’s POV**

With just one appearance Rose managed to screw everything up! Now my relationship with Angela was waning but not gone. I would fix it. I couldn’t let her go. Not after everything. I couldn’t think of this ending.

I walked outside and went over to Harvey. He was standing with Scott and they seemed to be enjoying each other’s company.

“Where have you and Angela been?” Scott questioned a mischievous gleam in his eyes. If only he knew what really happened!

“It’s complicated.” I sighed. Scott shrugged.

“You know, this kid reminds me so much of you. I think that’s why we are actually enjoying each other's company.” Harvey and I stared at Brad as if he had lost his mind.

“You see?” He looked at both of us. “The expressions are so similar!” He mused.

“By the way. I promised Harvey that uncle Scott will take him to my townhouse. I could use some company, besides playing video games alone is not fun.” Scott looked at me for confirmation.

“Uncle Scott?” I replied dryly.

“Hey, you and Angie are not the only ones who were gifted with titles. So is it alright for Harvey to stay the night?” He was pushing and I guess why. He was giving me a chance to spend the night alone with Angela. This probably wasn’t a bad idea.

I looked at Harvey. “It’s your decision son.” I laid the ball in his court.

He looked at me mystified. “It is?”

“If you want some time away with this idiot over here, it’s fine.” I responded. I trusted Scott with my life and if it had been anyone else Harvey was going over to I would be dead set against it.

“Hey, no need for such harsh words, you’ll wound my male ego,” Scott answered defensively.

“What male ego?” Harvey and I echoed together. We gazed at each other awkwardly and then back at Scott’s smiling features.

“Sure, I don’t mind going. It would be cool.” Harvey decided and I ushered him upstairs to gather some of his things.

“Do you want me to pick him up or are you going to drop him off?” I questioned.

“Well, I think I might take him to the movies tomorrow and we’ll hit some other places. So I’ll drop him off a little later in the evening.” Scott contemplated.

Harvey came down and he left with Scott. My next manner of business was getting rid of the people in my house.

“Excuse me,” I called and they turned to face me. “I am sorry to report that this gathering needs to be promptly ended. My wife has turned a bit ill and I would much rather like to attend to her, so if you would please exit, I will greatly appreciate it.”

**Angela’s POV**

I sat on the edge of Brad’s bed and tried to breathe. The mist of clouded judgment slowly evaporated and clarity reined in. I buried my face in both palms and felt the anger dissipate.

You do know that Brad was not to blame right?

My conscious questioned soothingly and I nodded to myself. I shouldn’t have reacted in that manner. It wasn’t his fault, he gave me no reason to think he was unfaithful yet my mind burned when confronted by Rose. Yet this was not entirely her, I let her get to me. I allowed myself to feel used. And it was me who kept driving a stake into the heart of whatever it was Brad and I had.

I looked around the room, who the hell was I kidding? I didn’t want to end it, but I also didn’t want to feel more than I already do for Brad. It would be so much more unbearable the day he chose to leave me.

The door creaked open and I jumped from the bed as if it had caught fire. Brad stood under the door frame.

“Can I come in?” He asked cautiously, his gaze intent.

“It’s your room. You don’t need my permission.” I answered softly. He lowered his gaze and entered.

“I much prefer it to our room.” His eyes meshed with mine and my breath caught. He walked in and was closing the distance between us.

“Why are you here?” I had to talk to keep my mind active.

“Well there is no one here anymore, I sent them home.” He replied nonchalantly.

I eased my lips open to speak but no words came. “Where’s Harvey?”

“He is staying the night at Scott’s.” He replied as if it was common knowledge.

“Really?” I was shocked.

“Yeah.” He snickered, “I think he likes him more than me.” He mused. But I didn’t see the hilarity in his words, he seemed...disappointed.

“That’s not true.” I replied softly.

His eyes clashed with mine, “Isn’t it. The people I seem to care the most for prefer his company.” He stared at me, daring me to refuse.

“How could you think that?” I searched his eyes, my feet closing the distance. I held his hand in mine and looked into his eyes.

“You’re not the only one with insecurities Angela.” He ignored my question and hit the heart of the choices I made. I swallowed.

“You feel threatened by Scott?” I asked. It couldn’t be true. This man who let nothing bother him felt insecure?

“Only with you and Harvey. He seems to make the two of you happy with simplest of things whereas I...” he laughed. “Well look at us. We fight all the time and you don’t trust me. You seem determined to believe the worst.”

“Brad.” I interrupted. “You can’t ever feel that way. You can’t think I would ever want Scott the way I want you. He is your best friend and he’s like a brother to me. I can never care for him with the intensity I care for you. You make me happy.”

He searched my eyes as he brought me closer to him. Our bodies were in danger of becoming one if we come any closer. He brought his hand up and swept the curtain of hair away as he cupped my cheek holding me in place. His lips were so very close to mine that my body waited and screamed in anticipation.

“About Rose, I didn’t—“His breath mingled with mine and it felt as if his lips brushed mine when he spoke.

“Brad, you don’t need to apologise. It was my misconception and jealousy. I overreacted; I should not have never blamed you for the mess Rose made.” I confessed. He stared at me intently, clearly surprised that I was taking the wrong.

“I guess I was just trying to end it on my terms rather than wait for you to realise I am not good enough,” I revealed my inner feeling of fearing rejection.

His grip on me tightened protectively.

“Not good enough? Angela, I am the one who’s not good enough. There is no way I can see myself severing what we have. In fact, I want us to work on our marriage, let’s try to commit. What do you say? Do you want to give it a shot?” His voice was pleading.

“I-“

“Please, don’t think about anything else. Do you want to stay with me or not?” His voice wavered.