Resent, Reject, Regret by Aqua Summers

Kyran became Deirdre’s kitchen helper. Around 5:00 p.m., they heard a knock on the door, prompting Deirdre to clap the flour out of her hands in joy. "Sweet! That has to be Glenna! Let her in, Kyran!"

A subtle change shadowed Kyran's expression, though he ultimately obliged and answered the door.

The young woman had a few bags on her fingers when the door opened. When she saw Kyran, her eyes dodged him for a second.

Steeling herself, she called out, "Hi, Mr... Reed."

Kyran nodded and stepped aside to let Glenna in.

Deirdre strode out of the kitchen and greeted cheerfully, "You came just in time, Glenna. A new change of kitchen helper is sorely needed! Kyran’s just no good at these things... He could not even peel and slice those potatoes right. If we want our dinner to happen soon, I'm gonna need your help."

"Well, well, well! You're in luck! This is exactly what I'm born to do!" Glenna placed the fruits down and rolled her sleeves. "Let me at 'em!"

let go of whatever misgivings she had. The thought relieved her. She brought out a large plate and said, "Slice them thin and

potatoes for a three-person meal, don't you think?" she remarked offhandedly.

Mr. King's joining us

felt her friend’s movement freeze.

nervously leaned closer and asked quietly, "You don't mind him coming, right? I honestly thought you

never anything serious, to begin with. Even people who've known each other for years get into

still

her head and gazed at Deirdre's face. A wave of sympathy, conflict, and something else in between crashed onto her chest, and suddenly, Glenna found her

rubbed her cheeks a little self-consciously and smiled. "Are you

of her trance. "No, I'm fine." Her tone reverted to its casual gracefulness. "It's between him and me, so you don't have to overthink it. Who do you think we are? Schoolchildren? No, madam, we are adults and don’t need

"Okay, then. I'm with you on this. But if you need help with anything,

mom," Glenna intoned

rang. Declan had arrived. He removed his thick, heavy coat and hung it on the rack as