No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

My breath hitched as our eyes locked.

He stared back at me, unflinching, without a hint of avoidance.

Every time, he was so open, so honest. In contrast, it was always me who felt jittery, as if being apart from him was somehow my fault. "Speak of the devil, Mr. Collins, Director Hudson and I were just talking about you," Grant, with his ever-wagging tongue, quipped. Ernest just hummed, standing there straight as an arrow, without further comment.

"Aren't you going to ask what we were saying about you?" Grant was the type who loved to wield his words like a double-edged sword. Ernest remained silent, and Grant rubbed his nose, "We said you've lost weight, and that you..."

Grant paused abruptly, then winked at me. "Director Hudson, let's keep it from him."

I couldn't help but chuckle internally, my lips curving up slightly.

Ernest happened to glance over just then, but I quickly averted my gaze.

If he didn't want me, I wasn't going to let him think I was desperate for him.

I had received a call from Shirley at lunch. I had been meaning to call her myself, worried she might be inconvenienced being with Lord.

"How are you doing? Everything alright?" I asked as soon as the call connected.

to dodge the bullet today," Shirley's tone

to stay by Lord's side for years, bearing him a daughter, all while harboring resentment. It spoke volumes of her cunning. Thinking back, I had once thought she was just a woman flaunting her looks,

something else

for. Do you want

had thought it would take at least a couple of weeks, not

it's convenient, I'd like

an address, just come over," Shirley said before hanging up and sending

my car was still in the shop. I considered taking a cab but felt it might not be appropriate. So, I went to find Grant, "Mr.

don't need to ask for things like that, just use it," Grant said, always so generous. "Thanks!" I said,

"You mentioned a

bender. The

car and go," Grant said, then reached into his drawer, pulling out an invitation and handing it to me. Puzzled, I opened it, and understanding Grant's intent, I asked, "Mr. Smith, you want me to attend this cocktail

you free?"

but I don't see a reason to

an

"The collaboration between the Collins and Wagner

can you say