I checked my planner, and realized Herschel's birthday was just three days away., It didn't feel right to burden him with heavy news on his special day, so I decided to deliver my gift early. That way, I could skip the festivities altogether without feeling guilty. But before I could act on my plan, Dustin showed up out of the blue., I hadn't seen him since we left the amusement park, and I almost didn't recognize him at first glance.,

"Guess I'm a bit of a coal miner now, huh?

" Dustin joked, referring to his disheveled appearance., His comment made me think of Ernest, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Your mom would have a fit if she saw you like this.

",

"Nah, she thinks I look more rugged this way,

" Dustin said, trying to lighten the mood., I bit my lip, agreeing.

"Definitely adds to your manly charm.

", Dustin rubbed his face,

"I thought so too.

", Despite his efforts to keep things light, I found myself at a loss for words., Remembering my intention to visit Herschel, I asked,

"How are your folks doing?

",

"They miss you,

" Dustin's words tugged at my heartstrings., I used to visit the Wagners every day after work, but since moving out, I hadn't been back once.,

"I was planning on dropping by today,

" I paused,

"to talk to your dad about something.

", Dustin's gaze lingered on me, clearly curious about the topic. I had nothing to hide.

"Conrad has been aggressively undermining the company I joined, even going as far as poaching clients.

" There was no surprise on Dustin's face; he already knew.,

"As expected,

" he said.

"I've talked to my dad about it. And about you quitting, he's firmly against it.

", Dustin looked at me but didn't see any response from me. He said again,

"I was arranged by my dad as a lobbyist today. Felicia... come back.

", Dustin's serious tone took me by surprise and made me chuckle.

"What, is he going to kick you out if you don't convince me?

", I recalled an incident from my third year with the Wagners when Herschel had sent Dustin on an errand he botched, resulting in a couple of kicks. It was the first time I'd seen Herschel lay a hand on someone, and Dustin took it without a tear or an explanation. His embarrassment was evident only when he caught my eye, making me wish I'd hidden to spare him the shame.,

"Making fun of me?

" Dustin laughed, perhaps recalling the same memory.,

"No, I...

" I started to explain, but Dustin cut me off.,

"Today isn't about persuasion; even if it gets me in trouble.

", His words puzzled me until he continued,

"I know why you left, even giving up on the amusement park. How could I ask you to return?

", Dustin smiled.

"Besides, I know you too well. You wouldn't come back just because I asked, so why bother?

", He was right. My bond with Dustin had always been stronger than the one I shared with Conrad. Conrad was kind but enjoyed scaring me with pranks, while Dustin never did. He was always protective, much like a real brother.,

"So, Herschel is okay with Conrad's antics?

" I asked, referring to Dustin's earlier mention of Herschel's awareness of Conrad's actions.,

"No, Dad gave him a piece of his mind and warned him about stepping out of line again,

" Dustin assured me, and I believed him., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.