The Next Step

by FortheLoveofJackie

After 7 years of hiding their feelings and burying their deep desires for one and other, Tony and Angela have finally confessed their love. But, after a disastrous first date trying to keep the family in the dark about their newly expressed love for each other, Tony and Angela question if they are truly meant to be or will the love they feel for each other be enough.

4. Sailing the Tides of Love

The following weeks after their declaration of love and kitchen encounter that nearly lead to them having sex on the counter, was nothing short of chaotic and stressful. Angela was in the middle of a huge campaign for swimwear that was consuming all her time at work and mind at home, leaving her little time to relax and unwind. Outside of getting caught up in the few moments Tony and her shared filled with sexual tension, Angela was a pretty served person, enjoying time alone to reflect and relax without the constant need for companionship. Tony on the other hand, feeling guilty about having pulled away from her that night in the kitchen, was trying overly hard to prove his love for her by going overboard on all things related to her in typical overbearing Tony fashion.

Unable to get the hurt look in her eyes out of his mind after he stopped from making love to her that night, he was trying extra hard to show his love for her to the point of smothering her with his obsession. The more she didn't reciprocate his advances, the more he tried, thinking she was pushing him away because he had pushed them away that night despite her seeming to understand and agree with his reasons.

Trying to find the balance in their new relationship and a way to communicate as a couple versus as best friends, their relationship nearly came to blows after Angela sprained her ankle trying to get away from him, not wanting to hurt him by telling him she needed some space and alone time as he pushed harder for her attention trying to make her feel loved and wanted.

Thanks to some unconventional relationship advise from Hoyt and Kelly at the dinner, about communication and honesty, Angela and Tony were finally able to be honest with each other about feelings of insecurities and reservations and get past their communication barriers.

Taking the long way home from the diner, passed the lake where they spent their first date night as a couple together, Tony and Angela spent the evening under the moon, watching the glitter of the sprinkling water, discussing how they would sail through the tides of their love; Open communication, honesty and trust in one another, just as they had the last seven years of their relationship.