No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 22



Even though shopping with Haley put me in a bad mood, it didn't kill my appetite.

I wolfed down a massive cheeseburger before heading back to the office. As soon as I got there, my phone rang. It was Jacqueline, Conrad's mom. Not having been home in two days, her call wasn't unexpected. "Jacquelin," I greeted.

"Felicia, sweetie, stop crashing at your girlfriend's place. Come home tonight, will you? I made mutton chops, your favorite, with black pepper," Jacqueline's offer made me chuckle.

It looked like Conrad had come up with an excuse for my absence.

I had already decided to move back to my folks' house, meaning I'd have to return to the Wagner family to pack up my things. "Jacquelin, I'll be there tonight," I said.

Just before leaving work, Deborah sidled up to me. "Felicia, you alright?"

"What's up?" I asked, puzzled.

"You know how people love to gossip around here. Just ignore them. I've seen firsthand how much Mr. Wagner dotes on you," Deborah's words made me reach out for her hand.

She instinctively hid her phone behind her back. My face turned stern. "Hand it over."

I had overheard

friends, including Haley's late husband, Aiden. There were rumors of a love triangle back in the day. That was

returning the phone to Deborah, I drove off, but not back to the Wagner family. Instead, I headed to Jefferson's

entertainment venue in town. When I arrived, he was in the middle of a pool game. Catching sight of me,

Shedding my coat, I picked up a cue stick and joined Jefferson at the table. "Not bad at all. A credit to your teacher," he complimented, referring to Conrad. "Jefferson, did

ask? Are you fishing for some old college gossip?" Jefferson was

between him and Haley back then?" I asked

game to look at

offered a light smile. "I know you wouldn't

Jefferson took his shot, sinking

his assurance, he looked at me. "Why

briefly, focusing

be together, trust is key," Jefferson

broke up," I blurted out,

a moment, he nodded, "Better to part ways now than to end

straight shooter. Remembering his advice from the other day, I thanked

"What?" He looked puzzled.

left and

I