No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Jacqueline muttered under her breath, "It's raining outside. Why not talk here?" only to receive a sharp glance from Herschel.

"Mom, didn't you say something about baking apple pies? I'll help you with that," Dustin said, jumping in to defuse the tension that had briefly flared between his mother and Herschel. I didn't say a word, just got up and followed Conrad outside.

He waited for me at the door, umbrella in hand.

Honestly, whatever private things he wanted to discuss could have been said in any room of the house. We didn't need to step out into the rain for a heart-to-heart.

But he had his reasons, I suppose, and I didn't ask.

"Aren't you cold? Do you want me to grab you a jacket?" Conrad asked, ever so considerate.

I had to admit, he seemed more attentive than before, more... boyfriend material, if you will. But it was too late.

"No need," I said, taking the umbrella from his hand and stepping into the rain.

Conrad didn't protest, simply joining me in the downpour. "Do you remember the last time we walked in the rain like this?" he asked.

particularly fierce storm that had led to flash floods in

walk home, but Conrad, always going overboard, wanted to

what about the rest of the staff? As the company's CEO, if you just up and leave by air, what kind of message does that

call the helicopter. Instead, he walked

legs at first to avoid getting wet, but in such rain, it was a

initial

leading to a playful water fight that ended up being more fun than frustrating. Even when a car finally came to pick

as Conrad brought up that memory, I understood why

no matter how sweet those memories

hope,

bitterly. "You don't have

brushed off the awkwardness and splashed through the puddles, saying, "I'm just

become so rational. That's not like

of or hold on to," I replied, looking up at him. "What did you want to talk about? Is

away. Losing you is the biggest loss and failure of my life," Conrad

it about