Jacqueline paused for a second, then broke into a warm smile.,

"What on earth are you talking about, kiddo? Don't let a guy like Conrad ruin your view of all men. Yeah, there are some playboys out there, but there are plenty of great ones too,

" Jacqueline said with her usual good humor., Even at fifty, she was as hip as they come., Her comment had me chuckling,

"Sure, there are good guys out there, but I'm just not in the mood right now. I need a breather, at least.

", I was hoping that would steer the conversation away from delicate topics., Some things are better left unsaid to avoid awkwardness for everyone.,

"Fair enough,

" Jacqueline conceded, and I secretly breathed a sigh of relief., But then she quickly turned the tables on me.

"However, you know what they say - the early bird catches the worm. Don't wait too long, or all the good ones might be taken.

", I laughed again, and so did Jacqueline.,

"With your looks and your heart, Felicia, whoever ends up with you will be counting their lucky stars,

" she complimented me., Her praise made me a bit nervous, but I had my response ready,

"Jacqueline, you said it yourself - I'm a catch. So, only the very best will do for me. I'm happy to wait until Mr. Right shows up.

"Exactly, I couldn't agree more,

" Jacqueline was fully on board.

"Don't settle for less, and certainly don't... let a little hurt now lead you to just anyone.

", She was clearly hinting at Ernest and me., I was upfront about it,

"I never settle. If I choose someone, he must be the best in my eyes.

", I wanted Jacqueline to understand that my decisions were always well thought out, including my choice to move past Conrad., Jacqueline looked at me, saying no more., Having been by her side for a decade, she might as well have watched me grow up. She knew me well.,

"That's the spirit,

" she concluded the topic., I quietly went back to my meal, and just as I was about to finish, Jacqueline casually asked,

"Did you visit your parents' hometown recently?

", I looked up at her.,

"Conrad mentioned it,

" she explained.

"He's still quite worried about you.

", She chuckled,

"Even if you two aren't lovers, you've grown up together. We're practically family.

",

"Mhm,

" I hummed in response.,

",

"What made you think of visiting? I remember your parents saying they sold their house when they moved to Seabreeze City. Plus, there aren't any relatives back there,

" Jacqueline inquired gently., I paused for a moment before responding,

"My dad always talked about it. He wanted to take me there someday. It was about fulfilling his wish and revisiting my birthplace,

" I didn't hide anything from Jacqueline., It was the truth, and there was nothing to conceal.,

"Did you find anything??

" she asked., For some reason, Ernest came to mind first, then the little courtyard and our landlord, Ethel.,

"Times change,

" I replied., I didn't delve into the details. After all, those weren't Jacqueline's concerns.,

"Indeed, it's been over twenty years,

" Jacqueline mused., When my parents and I arrived here, I was too young to remember anything. It had been a long time.,

"Let us know next time when you go somewhere. We worry about you,

" Jacqueline added.,

"I'm sorry, Jacqueline. That was my mistake,

" I apologized.,

"Silly girl, it's not your fault. It's just...

" She didn't finish her sentence, but I understood., Jacqueline stayed with me until I finished eating, only leaving when I mentioned I had to work. She reminded me to come home after and reiterated that the Wagner family would always be my home., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.