Jacqueline hadn't told me that they were going to join us for dinner., Had I known, I'd have stayed home., It's not that I'm a coward or afraid to face them, but honestly, their presence just kills my appetite.,

"Felicia, there you are! We've been waiting just for you,

" Jacqueline greeted me with a bright smile, wrapping me in a gentle hug., It's hard to be mad when someone greets you with such warmth. Still, I couldn't help but comment,

"Jacqueline, I thought it was going to be just the two of us.

",

"Well, it was supposed to be,

" Jacqueline glanced over at Conrad and Haley with a shrug.

"Ran into them by chance.

", Chance? As if!, I'm not a kid; who would buy that?, But walking out now would only embarrass Jacqueline and make me seem petty., So, with a hint of sarcasm, I said,

"What a coincidence.

",

"We didn't mean to intrude, Jacqueline, on your time with Felicia,

" Haley chimed in., Knowing they're intruding yet not taking the hint to leave? The nerve!, When I first met Haley, I thought she was as innocent as she looked. Now, I know just how much of an act that is., I didn't hide my annoyance,

"Had I known you two were here, I wouldn't have come.

", Haley's face stiffened, and even Conrad seemed put off, quickly asking,

"Can we get the meal started then?

", Only then did I realize Jacqueline's comment about waiting for me wasn't just politeness., But seriously, Haley sitting there like a future bride while Jacqueline doesn't bother to start the meal? Awkward doesn't even start to cover it.

"Let's get started. And can we also get the pumpkin spice lattes going?

" Jacqueline suggested, pulling me to sit beside her., Conrad, looking slightly annoyed, signaled the waiter to start serving.,

"Felicia, you've put on some weight, haven't you? Your hands are all chubby,

" Jacqueline observed with unsettling precision. Indeed, I had gained a couple of pounds, thanks to Ernest., One would think a heartbreak would lead to weight loss, not the opposite., Thinking of Ernest, I replied with a smile,

"Yeah, gained a bit. Good mood, good food, good sleep.

", At that, Conrad's cutlery clanked loudly., I caught Jacqueline's quick glance in his direction before she added,

"Must be Ernest spoiling you.

", That jab hit home. Now, I was starting to wonder if Jacqueline was actually on my side more than her son's., I just smiled, and Jacqueline went on,

"Is Ernest free? It'd be fun to have him over, make it a real party.

",

"Mom!

", Before I could respond, Conrad sharply interjected,

"Aren't you fond of the grilled salmon here? Still want it?

",

"Of course,

" Jacqueline responded without missing a beat,

"Felicia loves it too.

", Haley's already pale complexion turned a shade whiter, a mix of embarrassment and the sting from Jacqueline's pointed remarks. Pitiful, sure, but as the saying goes, you reap what you sow., Even though I've moved past everything with Conrad, and there's no reason to antagonize Haley, this wasn't my battle to stop., It was clear Jacqueline wasn't a fan of Haley, her words always edged with sharpness., Conrad ordered the grilled salmon, effectively sidestepping any further mention of Ernest., Jacqueline wasn't truly inviting Ernest over; it was all a ploy to needle Conrad., As the meal arrived, along with two pumpkin spice lattes - Conrad isn't into sweet drinks, but Haley was left hanging., Talk about awkward., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.