No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Haley threw another glance at Conrad, her voice soft and deflated as she said, "Yeah."

That unmistakable look in her eyes was as clear as day unless I was blind.

"Haley, how far along are you with the baby?" I changed the subject.

But no sooner had I spoken than Conrad intervened, "Felicia, your foie gras is getting cold. It'll lose its texture."

I wasn't dumb. I could tell Conrad was trying to stop me from questioning Haley. But he had said the child wasn't his, so why couldn't I ask? He was too protective of this woman if it wasn't some secret about the baby. Yet, I was his fiancée.

"It's lost its texture now." After hearing him offer Haley the foie gras, I lost all appetite for it.

Conrad caught the annoyance in my voice, looked at me, and we locked eyes, engaging in a silent standoff. The warmth and happiness when we first entered the restaurant were gone. Indeed, a world made for two had no room for a third.

Just then, the foie gras and juice Haley had ordered arrived. The server set it down, politely asking, "Would you like it sliced?"

"No, it's fine," Haley declined, then turned to Conrad, "Rad, could you cut it for me? You always get it just right."

"Haley," I interrupted again, "The restaurant offers slicing service. Let's not trouble Conrad with that, especially since he's busy deboning my fish. He can't do it all."

Haley immediately bit her lip. "Sorry, Felicia, I wasn't thinking. I'll do it myself."

"Felicia!" Conrad's voice was heavy, the third time he had called me.

"Haley's just not comfortable with food touched by others. She has to be extra careful, what with the baby and all."

"Ha," I laughed out loud, "And which of the foods before her hasn't been touched by someone else?"

Conrad fell silent at once.

Haley looked guilty and flustered. "I'm sorry. It's my fault, Rad, don't be mad at Felicia. Maybe I should leave."

She made to get up, but Conrad

pulled her back. "Don't take her seriously. She's just on her period, and her mood's off. She's always like this anyway."

Conrad had a way with words, and as soon as he said it, I felt a warmth below.

I looked at Conrad. "You're right. I'm

on my period, but I didn't bring any I tampons. Could you go buyProperty of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

es me?"

Conrad frowned. "Knowing your cycle is coming up, why didn't you prepare some in your bag?" "Well, I've got you, my fiancé, who remembers my period for me, right?" I said with a cold smile. Though visibly upset, Conrad got up. "You two eat. I'll be back in a bit."

Leaving only Haley and me at the table, neither of us touched our food, sitting quietly.

A few seconds later, Haley broke the silence. "Felicia, you dislike me now, don't you?" She was at least self-aware.

I didn't mince words. "Dislike is a strong word, but you make me uncomfortable."

I pursed my lips, looking at her pitiful

expression. "Conrad is my fiancé. We're about to get married. You constantly reach out to him, even calling him away in the middle of the night. Don't you think that's overstepping? Would you like it if you were in my shoes?"