No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 97



I was at a bar from 3 PM to 9 PM, sipping drinks more to pass the time than to get a buzz. Eventually, I reached a state of mental blankness and physical lightness.

The owner, James, knew me well enough to keep an eye out, ensuring my solitary drinking sessions didn't end in trouble.

"When are you planning on heading out? Someone coming to pick you up?" James had this fatherly concern about him, looking to be in his fifties, reminding me of what my dad would have been like had he still been around.

"I guess now's good," I mumbled, not really wanting to leave.

But, work awaited me tomorrow, and I needed to rest up. Tonight marked the definitive end of whatever was left of my connection with Conrad.

I started to get up, but James intervened, "I can't let you leave like this. I'll get someone to drive you."

a little alley,

driven by jealousy and heartache after seeing Conrad dance with a girl who had a crush on him.

He advised me then, "Whenever you feel down and out, come here.

sure I was safe. His protective nature stemmed from a personal tragedy-his daughter, at 16, fell victim to abuse after seeking solace in alcohol

girls like me, offering a safe

wanting to worry him

wandering off," he instructed before turning

a familiar voice called

over to find Dustin

"James, looks like I won't be

stranger here. Our paths had crossed several times before under this very roof. Meeting him again tonight felt like more than

settle the tab," I gestured

velibe

refused, but Dustin, without a word, scanned a QR code, paying a generous 2000, much more than what my