Build And Break novel Chapter 55

After Dr. Gibbs had left the room to attend to other patients, Angela watched her son recounting the dream he had of himself playing soccer with his favorite team in the biggest stadium of the world and Jimmy and Steven were also there with him too. Steven had surprisingly continued developing the imaginary story of what had happened next with help from Jimmy. As much as those two seemed to hate each other, they always seemed to unite for Daniel's sake.

"You're quiet." Grace's voice woke Angela from her reverie.

Angela looked at the loving woman. Since the very first day she met Grace, Angela was unable to hide any of her emotions from her. "I am. I'm worried." Angela admitted in a low tone.

"About Daniel?"

Angela checked on Daniel and the men to make sure they wouldn't hear a word being spoken between her and Grace. But they were lost in their own conversation. "I'm having dinner with Steven and my father tonight."

She didn't need to speak further for Grace to perceive her worry. Grace rubbed a soothing hand on Angela's back.

"Should I go, Grace?"

"Of course you should go."

"I'm afraid to go. I keep thinking about how much they have been imposing on my life and I'm afraid they'd order something else to me. To me and Daniel. What if now they want to take Daniel away from me?" Angela shivered at the thought alone. "What if they don't let me leave?" A frightening tear released from the corner of her eye.

Grace was quick to wipe Angela's tear away. "Hey, be strong. Don't show your weakness, your fear in front of Steven. You have to be strong Angela for Daniel. Like you've always been strong. Don't falter now. And clear those thoughts away from your mind. I'm sure it's just dinner."

Angela spoke to her inner self, told herself to believe Grace. With less uncertainty, she nodded at the woman, took a deep breath to steady herself. "It's just dinner." She whispered mostly to herself.

"That's better." Grace earned a smile from Angela. "Now go get a little rest before you have to get ready. Go put on your best dress and wear it with confidence. Go. Jimmy and I will keep Daniel company until visitors hours are over."

Angela looked at herself in the tall mirror. She had took Grace's advice and dressed herself up for the dreadful dinner with her father and Steven. The royal blue dress she wore, her long straight hair and red lipstick had actually boosted her confidence and eased some of the anxiety she had. It had been a while since the last she looked like that.

"Angela." Steven's voice came followed by a light knock.

She took a deep breath before answering. "I'm ready."

When the door opened slowly, Steven strode in dressed in an immaculate navy three piece suit with his blonde hair combed back. In Angela's eyes, he looked the most handsome man she'd ever seen in all her life.

She accepted his arm and began their walk to the elevator.

Down in the lobby, a nervous Angela was greeted with an appraising look from the friendly concierge. Then, at the main door, there was John with a glint in his eyes that mirrored... joy?

He grinned at her, encouragingly. "You look lovely tonight, ma'am."

The kind man's words and smile stole away some of her nerves. "Thank you John."

"John," Steven patted the man on his shoulder, "My apologies for having you work tonight. I know this is your night off. I would have drove myself but you can't blame me for preferring to sit in the backseat next to my gorgeous lady, right?"

"Exactly the reason why I couldn't refuse working tonight, sir." John winked at Steven before gracefully pulling open the car back door for them.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

As soon as the car stopped outside Jack's enormous mansion, Angela began to shiver involuntary. The anticipation of what's to come was a huge burden for her. She feared going back into the house she had once lived in, where she grew up but never called home. She feared meeting her father again after the explosive conversation she had with him since she'd been back.