No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

On the ride back, I dialed Ernest's number.

This time, he picked up quickly. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" I cut straight to the chase.

There was a brief silence on the other end. Then he asked, "You're back?"

His few words choked me up. I had returned, but only because he pushed me to it.

"Yes, where are you? I need to see you," I said firmly, my tone laced with anger.

"Come home, I'll come to you," Ernest's response made me close my eyes in frustration.

The next second, I spelled it out, "Ernest, are you not getting my point? I said, I-want-to-see-you."

"I'm at home, and Susie's here too," Ernest replied, but his last few words made it clear he didn't want me there, not wanting Susie to witness any conflict between us. Not to mention Susie's fragile health, which couldn't handle any shocks, her being around just made it tough for me to chat with Ernest.

I didn't push further. "Fine, I'll wait at home."

Hanging up, I looked out the car window, watching the landscape flash by.

the car, I headed

lobby, I ran straight into

much better than she did

discharged, though her premature baby must still be in the

Ernest along while still tangled up with Conrad." Clearly, she hadn't given up on Conrad, knowing his whereabouts and, unsurprisingly, mine. This was to prevent any rekindling between Conrad and

like her interest in Conrad wasn't just for manipulation; she actually did have

keep your

was about to enter the elevator, she said, "Felicia, can we discuss a

her. Haley smiled. "Maybe we

woman had first

by using

now to collaborate. I could

figure out her angle.

WY

she couldn't let go of

she still approached me, meaning she hadn't given up

no time,"

elevator door with her leg. "Felicia, you'll

me, but I pressed the button to close

me until the