No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

"Spill it, what's your game?" After skirting around the topic for what felt like an eternity, Phipps finally got straight to the point.

Now that I was aware of his true identity, there was no point in keeping secrets. "I've got a sister who might be caught up in all this. I need to know she's safe, maybe get someone to watch over her," I confessed. There was a brief pause before I added, "Her name's Deborah."

Phipps went silent. I couldn't tell if he was shocked or had already been in the know. Given that he had infiltrated the Sapphire Lounge with a hidden agenda, and had been there for quite some time, he must have uncovered something by now. "Alright, I'm in. But you're not putting yourself in danger," he commanded, leaving no room for disagreement.

However, his assurance didn't bring me any relief. On the contrary, my heart felt heavy. His mention of the risks involved in stepping into the Sapphire Lounge only served to remind me that Deborah was already inside. Was she hurt? The mere thought sent shivers down my spine.

"Did you hear me?" Phipps pressed, breaking the silence that had followed his promise.

Swallowing the dry lump in my throat, I managed to ask, "Phipps, why are you doing all this for me?"

Deep down, I yearned for him to admit that he was Ernest, that his actions were driven by love.

But he remained silent, and I couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle. "I'm meeting Dustin for dinner tonight. There's a chance I might need you to pick me up."

both a heads-up and a precaution. What if Dustin had ulterior motives? Last time, I could feign drunkenness to keep my guard up, but if he was planning

my concerns. "Then why go

"What do you

a word from Deborah. My anxiety grew with every passing hour, to the point where I considered checking her place, though I quickly dismissed the idea, suspecting she

sent me the location for dinner right when my shift ended Conveniently, the restaurant was close to the bar I had been keeping

there without stopping by home

quiet at this hour, the peak crowd yet to arrive, but the staff

door mistook me for a customer and

It seemed Haley was doing a commendable

this way, Miss!" a server greeted

the manager around?" I asked, opting not to

moment, the server mistook my question. "Looking for a job,

she didn't need to