Chapter 12

"Dad! Hurry. We are gonna be late!"

"In a minute darling." I called out to her.

"You said so five minute ago." She groaned. "And I thought ladies are the one who takes forever to get dressed." She murmurs silently but I heard

"Hey, are you calling me gay?"

"Dad? Whats wrong with being gay?" She asked accusingly.

"Nothing. Unless its used as an insult, which it was."

"Dad, I said nothing. I wasn't even talking to you!!" She defended.

"But you were talking about me."

"No!"

"Really? So who were you talking to and about ?"

"Ehmm, myself, and no one in particular."

"But-" I began

"Daad, lets just stop this unnecessary chatter and get going already."

"Fine. fine."

"But this ain't over young lady."

"Sure. Whatever you say dad."

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As you can see, we are heading out. I promised to take her to the movies. And here we are.

"Alright, lets get some popcorn, a coke for you and a soda for me."

"You get the tickets and I'll meet you inside okay?"

"Sure. Make sure mine is extra large."

"Trust your dad dear. I know you well enough."

"Yeah, I doubt your competence sometimes."

"Gosh really, your something else." I said shaking my head.

"Alright. Hurry up now. It's almost time for the movie to begin."

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

Today, I had set aside all my duties just so that me and my kid can have a father- daughter time. Like we used to before I became the CEO to a multimillion dollar company.

I was making my way toward the movie room when I got a call.

"Hello, "

"Sir, sorry to bother you but its a matter of serious importance."

"What is it Nora. I told you I didn't want any disturbance today. It's supposed to be my alone time with Angel. So what was so important that couldn't wait till tomorrow?!"

"Sir, if it could be postponed, I wouldn't have to call. But believe me sir, it sure is worth the inconvenience. "

"It better be worth it. Angel wouldn't be happy about this at all."

"Am sorry sir."

"Tell me, what the issue of importance?"

"Mr Edward is here to see you."

On hearing this, all my lament went down the drain.

"H-how did you get me a appointment with him? It's almost impossible!"

"Not impossible, just difficult. All it took was a little more push, maybe not so little. But with a few good words put in for the company and a whole bunch of smile, I nailed it." She spoke confidently. Her pride and joy about getting this deal shining through her voice.

"Nora, have I ever told you how amazing you are?" I asked.

"Not as often as you should Mr Westfield. But you can thank me later. You've got to make it down here fast. He'll be here any minute. First impression goes along way you know."

"Sure. Let me just tell Angel I have work to do. "

"I'm sorry for running your perfect day out." She apologised. Feeling guilty.

"No, it's alright. This is not your fault. Its all for the good of the company. Don't let guilt eat you alive." I said. But deep down, I know that its not alright. My fire breathing dragon would not like this one bit. I hate to see the disappointed look that is to come when I tell her this. She would surely skin me alive later.

Entering the movie room, it didn't take long to find my baby amidst other people.

Taking I'm deep breath, I walk up to where she sat.

"Hey Angel,"

"Finally your back! Gosh what took you so long?" She asked as I try pass her a snack and drink.

"Er... Actually, I-"

"Wait a minute, Dad didn't you get something for your self? Dad? Did you eat it all on the way coming here?" She whispered like she were talking about me committing a crime.

"No, actually, I can't stay to watch this movie with you am sorry." I said feeling ashamed of myself. Once again I have chosen work above her. I don't look at her as I say this. Not ready to see the look she as to give. I just wait patiently for would come next counting each second that passed.

"You're kidding right?" She asked.

"Sadly, I'm not..I-"

"What?!" She shouted in rage. Making everyone in the room look our way. She didn't seem to notice though cause she just continued in her fit of rage. Or maybe she knew but didn't care.

"Darling I-"

"No, no no and no! Don't you give me that excuse. You promised me! You said no work today. It's just me and you! So why? Why are you going back on that promise? What's so important? More important than me!!"

"Angel! Calm the hell down now!!" I said with so much force and anger, she was shocked.

"I am your father. Don't forget that. Mind the way you talk to me!. Don't you think it's unruly to create a scene?"

"Yes, I made a promise. And I'm sorry if I disappointed you. But something serious came up at the office. I have a meeting with a very important personnel. An opportunity that all other companies crave to have but do not.

"Darling, every other thing in my life would come and go. Including this man. But you would still be here. That's why I need to make good use of this rare opportunity."

"Don't be mad. You could come by my office when you're through."

"This important personnel, how important his he? His he an actor? Artist?singer?" She asked

"No. He is the President's brother." I said.

"The expression on her face was priceless."

"You aren't joking." She said. More of a statement than a question.

"No."

"Oh my gosh!" She yelled excitedly.

"Edward Smith?"

"Yes. That's him."

"Oh gosh! He's son is so hot! Can you make arrangement for me to get an autograph?"

"Hey, calm down firefly, this is a formal meeting noting like that is gonna happen. I made it clear."

On hearing this she pouts. And silently grumbles.

"Darling am sorry I can't be here for you today. I promise to make it up to you."

"Sure. You better get going. I don't want you losing this deal cause you got there late."

I was surprised at her words and sudden calm on this issue. One would not believe she was a crazed lioness a while ago.

"OK dear. Enjoy the rest of your evening. "

Kissing her on the head, I look at her one last time to ensure she was cool with this. After being assured, I take off with lightning's speed.

######################################################################

"Mr Westfield, how did it all go?" Nora asked.

I just walk past her without saying a word.

Getting to my office, I undid my tie roughly, flying out my shirt. Pulling at the roots of my Hair as I pace back and forth with no idea on what to do about this situation.

I don't realize I got company till I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Turning around I discover it was Nora.

"What's wrong Jack?" She asked.

I look into her eyes. That pool of blue that never seize to draw me in. This is the first time she used my name and not my tittle. And I must admit. It sounds much better when she calls it than when others do.

"Jack, talk to me!"

"He brought a proposal." I started to say.

"That's good." She said.

"No it's not."

"Why say so?"

"He wants me to marry his daughter..." I finally dropped the bomb.

"Oh..."was all she could manage to say as she tried to take her hands of my shoulders. Placing my hands on hers, I keep her from doing so.

"But there was no record on him having a daughter." Nora said confused.

"Apparently, she was kept out of the spotlight."

"Isn't their something else we can do to retain this deal?" she asked

"The other options is he gives the project to FRANKtech." I said signing deeply.

"I don't no what to do Nora. We need this project. It's our next big thing. But the price to be paid is too much. I can't."

"I don't want to let this company down, my father down. But I don't wanna let Angel down as well. What do I do Nora, what do I do?" I wailed my anguish out for her to hear.

It took me by surprise when she closed the little distance left between us as she gave me a bear hug.

I don't take notice of her scent till now. She smells lime a mixture of vanilla and strawberry.

Resting my head on her shoulder , I couldn't help but notice how nice it feels to be like this with her. Taking a bold move I hold her by the waist. Squeezing her ever so subtly. Taking in her sweet scent, I feel my nerve endings getting a little loose. It takes lot of self control not to taste her soft skin.

Pulling away from me, she gives me a small smile as she tells me every thing is going to be fine.

It wasn't until then I noticed a presence behind us. Taking a look at the entrance I find Angel looking straight at me. With so much hurt and disappointment. She looks from me to Nora and back to me again. Shaking her head, she walks away without saying a word.

"Angel wait," I ran after her. Knowing that if she had been standing long enough like I suspect she had, she could have read meaning to what she saw. Which I don't want.

Getting to the private car lot, I found her standing beside the car with a blank expression.

"Angel I-"

"It's okay dad. I understand."

"You do?" I asked surprised by this.

"Sure."

"Can we go home now? I'm So tired."

Entering into the car, I don't drive. I take my time to study her features to ensure she was cool about the issue. Her blue eyes,rich pink lips and perfect body. It's like she was made by God himself on a special day. Seeing she was fine, I was at peace. But not the less, I still felt the need to reassure her.

Pulling her into me for an embrace.

"Dad?" She asked

"Shh...let me hold you."

"OK?" She said.

"I know I haven't been there for you lately, but I promise you that things would get better." I say trying to desperately believe in those words.

I feel her hold me tighter. Like I would disappear any moment. I place a kiss on her forehead.

It's in this moment I can't help but wish things were back to normal. That I wasn't the CEO of a multi billion company. Just old me...

Sighing deeply, I close my eyes and say a silent prayer into the breeze.

"God please help me"

Sorry, not edited.

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