No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I watched as Conrad's shoes splashed through puddles, rainwater soaking through the fabric. "How did Ernest pull it off?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"I'm not sure, nobody is," Conrad replied, adjusting his umbrella to shield us better from the rain as he glanced at me.

I met his gaze head-on. "So, you think I'm in the know and you're trying to pry some information out of me?"

Facing my piercing stare, Conrad conceded, "You probably don't know."

He looked away, continuing to walk. "He's keeping it under wraps for sure. But I heard something."

"What?" I prodded.

"There's a rumor going around that the head of Club Q got into some trouble. Whether it's true, I can't say," Conrad shared, the uncertainty in his voice clear. It seemed he was trying to gauge my reaction. "You suspect Ernest's involved?"

After a brief pause, Conrad admitted, "Maybe, but it seems unlikely. Club Q is a big deal in Houston, touching their boss, let alone getting an audience with him, is no small feat."

Conrad well enough to understand he must have tried and failed

I have no idea... and he didn't give me a chance to ask," I confessed, feeling a droplet of rain hit my face, chillingly reminiscent of the tears I shed when Ernest pushed me away. "Ernest didn't even

didn't want the woman he loves risking her life for another man," I shared,

actions weren't about you specifically; it's about valuing life. It could have been anyone, but it happened to be

and said, "Just like how your actions with me led Haley to misunderstand, despite your explanations,

hint

a bitter smile. "Think explaining to him

one I was now on with Ernest, only with the roles reversed. Silence fell between us, and then I added, "Conrad, we're practically family now.

"Felicia..."

"Conrad, whatever happened

him and me. Don't blame yourself

Houston? Consider it repaid the

I concluded