No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 153



I checked my planner, and realized Herschel's birthday was just three days away.

It didn't feel right to burden him with heavy news on his special day, so I decided to deliver my gift early. That way, I could skip the festivities altogether without feeling guilty.

But before I could act on my plan, Dustin showed up out of the blue.

I hadn't seen him since we left the amusement park, and I almost didn't recognize him at first glance.

"Guess I'm a bit of a coal miner now, huh?" Dustin joked, referring to his disheveled appearance.

His comment made me think of Ernest, and I couldn't help but smile. "Your mom would have a fit if she saw you like this."

"Nah, she thinks I look more rugged this way," Dustin said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Definitely

face,

things light, I found myself at

intention to visit Herschel, I asked, "How are your folks

words tugged

work, but since moving out, I

dropping by today," I paused, "to talk to your dad about

gaze lingered on

the topic. I

"Conrad has been aggressively undermining the company I joined, even

was no surprise on Dustin's face; he already

he said. "I've talked to my dad about

as a lobbyist today. Felicia... come back." Dustin's serious tone took me by surprise and made me chuckle. "What, is he going to kick you out if

incident

botched, resulting in a couple of kicks. It was the first time I'd seen Herschel lay a hand on someone, and Dustin took it without a tear or an explanation. His embarrassment was evident only when he caught my eye, making

shame.