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."

knew Conrad well enough to understand he must have tried and

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 hear you out?" Conrad's voice was

but he couldn't forgive. He said he didn't want the woman he loves risking her life for

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

"Just like how your actions with me led Haley to misunderstand, despite your explanations, I was still

sorry," Conrad said smoothly, a hint of genuine apology

forced a bitter smile. "Think explaining to

my journey with Conrad mirrored the 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. Let's leave it at

"Felicia..."

"Conrad, whatever happened

the real issues are between him and me. Don't blame yourself or feel guilty," I said, aiming to sever any fingering

you said you owed me a 'blood debt' back in Houston? Consider it repaid the next time

I concluded to