The amusement park was never the issue; the problem was Conrad., As the dream flashed through my mind, along with the reason for this call, I asked Dustin,

"Is it something about Conrad? What happened to him?

", Dustin didn't respond immediately. After a pause, he finally spoke,

"You know, you could just ask him directly.

", There it was, the unspoken rule - nobody's a fool here., Dustin's words left me at a loss for words., He's always been the one to spare me any embarrassment, Easing my awkwardness, he added,

"I mean, even though you guys aren't dating anymore, you've been close as family for years now.

", I chuckled.

"Well, I just didn't want to stir up any jealousy with his current flame.

", That got a laugh out of Dustin too.,

"How about we grab a meal together when you're free, Felicia?

" Dustin offered., He had just said we were like family, so I didn't refuse., Hanging up, I sighed, relieved that nothing had happened to Conrad., But why did I have that dream? Was it because of his question yesterday about whether I'd be sad if he died one day?, Ten years of deep-seated feelings aren't something I can just let go of on a whim., Yet, I had already started something new with Ernest, and Conrad was destined to be just a chapter from my past., I put down my phone, about to get out of bed, when Ernest's text came through: You up?, I didn't reply, and soon another message followed: Made breakfast and left it in the thermal box. Don't forget to eat. Also, you don't need to come to the office today., Huh?, He sounded like he owned the place, despite being the new guy on the block., But then again, his hefty salary was proof enough of his prized position at Grant Smith's firm., A request from him to take the day off was likely to be granted without question., Still, it felt awkward and somewhat unsettling., Even if he was my boyfriend, he had no right to interfere with my personal life, especially my job., But I knew it was out of concern for me, so I replied with a simple: Okay., Despite Ernest's instructions, after breakfast, I still went to office, my legs aching as if I'd climbed Mount Everest.

"Hey, what are you doing here? Thought you were off today?

" Grant, coffee in hand, caught me off guard.,

"When did I say I was taking the day off?

" I retorted, catching him off guard., Grant paused for a moment, then chuckled awkwardly.

"Must've been my mistake.

", He was clearly putting on an act., And for Ernest's sake, no less. But hadn't they just met?,

"Go on, I'll manage,

" Grant said, trying to leave.,

"Mr. Smith,

" I stopped him,

"Did you know Ernest before this?

",

"Before?

" Grant blinked,

"Does before today count?

", His evasion told me everything I needed to know. I scoffed,

"Never mind.

", Heading to my office, I was immediately informed by a colleague,

"Director, you've got a client waiting in the meeting room. He said you had an appointment.

", That was news to me. Puzzled, I asked,

"Are you sure he's here for me? How long has he been waiting?

",

"Yes, he specifically asked for Director Hudson. Been here nearly an hour.

" Curiosity piqued, I dropped my bag and made my way to the meeting room. Pushing the door open, the sight of the person waiting hit me like a ton of bricks., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.