No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Mentioning my father, Dustin fell silent, acutely aware that his own father was responsible for my dad's death.

"I guess I'll never enjoy meatballs the same way again," I said, looking at the dish Phipps had prepared, my words lacking sincerity.

I couldn't let Dustin suspect Phipps. I was now certain that Phipps was Ernest in disguise, which meant he had a purpose.

Though I wasn't privy to his motives, my role was clear: cooperate and avoid causing trouble.

"Felicia, I'm truly sorry about your parents," Dustin said, displaying the expression of a man burdened by guilt.

His pretentiousness sickened me, but I placated him against my better judgment, "It's not your fault."

He managed a bitter smile, "Felicia, you're a kind soul."

Yes, foolishly kind. I once thought I could forgive the harm his parents inflicted on mine, but I've realized that's beyond me.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, I turned my attention to the creamy pumpkin soup before me, its sweet, milky flavor providing a semblance of comfort. Phipps' culinary skills were undeniable, even surpassing Ernest's previous attempts.

him to admit he's Ernest, I'll have to ask

complimented, under Dustin's

asked,

I replied, licking

enticing that must have looked, Dustin's gaze deepened, his Adam's apple bobbing, "How about dinner

not unexpected, considering

accepted, figuring it was time to give him a glimmer of hope after keeping him on tenterhooks for days. "Sure!" I

feel like eating? Chinese

Dustin, you decide," I replied just as

to leave, "I'll see you

and turned my attention back

bite, confident I wouldn't be hungry until the next

asking if someone was

him, but instead of responding, I tried calling Deborah, only