Chapter Nine

            "So Boss, when are we going to get back to business," Cordy asked on the third morning when Angel came downstairs to make Susan another cup of tea.  By now she was only having a cup four times a day.  Her symptoms were finally subsiding.  "We haven't seen you much the last few days."

            Angel was quiet; he had so much enjoyed the time together.  It had been like a holiday, but Cordy was right, it would have end soon.

            "Another couple of days should do it.  Susan is doing much better."

            "I think she should hit the road, she has turned everything upside down around here," Cordy continued.

            "Another couple of days," Angel repeated going into the kitchen.

            Wesley had stood back out of the conversation, but stepped ahead when Angel left the room.  "Don't be too hard on him Cordelia.  I think this is doing Angel some good.  Let him think about something other than killing demons all of the time."

            "Aren't you worried that they are getting too close?  I know it would be nice for Angel to have a love interest but let's face it, it just is not written in his cards."

            "Cordy, they both know they can't carry this thing too far.  I think they'll know when to cool it."

            "I hope so."

            Angel came back into the room with a tray of tea, toast and jam, with a tall glass of blood on the side.

            Cordelia was shocked, "You wouldn't drink blood in front of me for at least a year until you got comfortable."

            "I've never seen you hit it off with anyone so fast before," Wesley said.

            "She's just easy to be with."

            "Be careful Angel," Wes was starting to agree with Cordy.

            With no answer Angel ascended the staircase to Susan's room.

            Angel was surprised to find Susy dressed in the sweater and skirt again.  The last three days had been spent in pajamas, except for when she bathed each day and then he kindly laundered them for her.  He was getting rather domestic and loving it.

            After they finished their breakfast she hesitantly started, "Angel, I think it is time for me to leave and time for you to get back to business.  I've taken up so much of your schedule already."

            "You don't have to leave.  You can stay here while I'm out."  Angel was very disappointed at the idea that maybe it would be over so soon.

            "If I don't leave I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep my distance."

            "I really don't want you to go."

            "Do you know what this is like?  It is like when you have a baby.  You get to the point where you want to push, but the nurse says, "don't push yet".  So you put this relaxed look on your face and you give a little push anyway, because you really can't help it.  Angel, I'm getting to the point where I know I can't climb on top of you, but I really can't help it.  I know we can be friends, but I don't think I can leave it at that.  I'm falling in love with you, but I'm quite certain that the one I'm supposed to find isn't a two hundred year old vampire.  I'm really sorry that I am doing this to you."  Again the tears spilled.  "I haven't cried since Faith died, but it seems to be all that I do the last two weeks, and you've witnessed almost every tear.  What would you want with such a weak person anyway?"

            "You're not weak, I don't think I've known anyone so strong," Angel held her, "Please don't go."

            "Angel, please forgive me for doing this, but I have to go.  I have to get things figured out and get pointed in the right direction."  She tightened her arms around him and held him as if she was afraid to let go.  Angel returned the embrace and put his face down to her neck and gently kissed it.  Susan took a step back to break the hold looking into his eyes.  "I love you, Angel."

            "I love you, too."

            With that Susan turned and walked out the door not looking back in case that would weaken her.  She left the hotel without saying goodbye to Cordelia or Wesley.  They both looked toward the door as it closed expecting someone to come in.

            Angel went downstairs looking very upset, carrying the tray of empty dishes.  "You got your wish Cordelia, she's gone."

            Cordy stood with her mouth open.  For once lacking something to say.

            "Let's get on a case," Angel said.  "I've got to get busy with something."

            "We've got five faxes we should look into."  Wesley said, "I'm sorry, Angel."  He put his hand on his boss's shoulder but what he got in return was a cold look of indifference.