I watched as Conrad's shoes splashed through puddles, rainwater soaking through the fabric.

"How did Ernest pull it off?

" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.,

"I'm not sure, nobody is,

" Conrad replied, adjusting his umbrella to shield us better from the rain as he glanced at me., I met his gaze head-on.

"So, you think I'm in the know and you're trying to pry some information out of me?

", Facing my piercing stare, Conrad conceded,

"You probably don't know.

", He looked away, continuing to walk.

"He's keeping it under wraps for sure. But I heard something.

",

"What?

" I prodded.,

"There's a rumor going around that the head of Club Q got into some trouble. Whether it's true, I can't say,

" Conrad shared, the uncertainty in his voice clear. It seemed he was trying to gauge my reaction.

"You suspect Ernest's involved?

", After a brief pause, Conrad admitted,

"Maybe, but it seems unlikely. Club Q is a big deal in Houston, touching their boss, let alone getting an audience with him, is no small feat.

", I knew Conrad well enough to understand he must have tried and failed to meet with Club Q's head honcho himself.,

"How Ernest helped Jefferson, I have no idea... and he didn't give me a chance to ask,

" I confessed, feeling a droplet of rain hit my face, chillingly reminiscent of the tears I shed when Ernest pushed me away.

"Ernest didn't even hear you out?

" Conrad's voice was heavy with concern.,

"He did, but he couldn't forgive. He said he didn't want the woman he loves risking her life for another man,

" I shared, raising my umbrella a bit to look at Conrad.,

"It's a misunderstanding. My actions weren't about you specifically; it's about valuing life. It could have been anyone, but it happened to be you. With our history, Ernest's misunderstanding makes sense, just like...

", I stopped and said,

"Just like how your actions with me led Haley to misunderstand, despite your explanations, I was still hurt.

",

"I'm sorry,

" Conrad said smoothly, a hint of genuine apology in his voice., I forced a bitter smile.

"Think explaining to him would help?

",

"It'd only embarrass him more, just like Haley's explanations did to me,

" I replied, realizing how my journey with Conrad mirrored the one I was now on with Ernest, only with the roles reversed. Silence fell between us, and then I added,

"Conrad, we're practically family now. Let's leave it at that.

",

"Felicia...

",

"Conrad, whatever happened, between me and Ernest started with you, but the real issues are between him and me. Don't blame yourself or feel guilty,

" I said, aiming to sever any fingering emotional ties or guilt he harbored. ,

"Remember how you said you owed me a 'blood debt' back in Houston? Consider it repaid the next time I need blood. We're each other's blood banks. And for that, I have no, regrets,

" I concluded to lood, managing a, laugh. , Conrad gave a rueful smile.

"Felicia, I used to think I knew you well. But it seems I'm just getting to know you.

", Just then, turning my head, I caught sight of Dustin at the kitchen window, seemingly making meatloaf with Jacqueline. His glances in our direction, however, told a different story., He was playing a game of retreat, obviously not ready to give up on me., Yet, Conrad remained oblivious to Dustin's lingering interest in me. I reached out to catch a droplet of rain from the edge of my umbrella

"It's normal, I guess. Sometimes, life-long partners or siblings who've grown up together might not truly understand each other.

" , Conrad nodded in agreement,

"Yeah, we all tend to assume...

", His words trailed off as my phone rang, a voice call that made my heart skip a beat., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.