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.

fierce storm that had led to flash

home, but Conrad, always going overboard, wanted to call a

helicopter, but what about the rest of the staff? As the company's CEO, if you just up and leave by air,

he walked home with everyone else,

legs at first to avoid getting

initial irritation, I

splash him on purpose, leading to a playful water fight that ended up being more fun than frustrating. Even when a car finally came to pick us up in a dry area, we felt like we

understood why he wanted to talk

those memories were,

without giving him any hope, I

bitterly. "You don't have to

and splashed through the puddles, saying,

so rational. That's not like

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

have to keep pushing me away. Losing you is the biggest loss and failure of my

it