Chapter 44

Chapter 44:

The weekend’s leisure meant Eileen had no commitments to the company. She slept until late morning, stirred only by Bailee’s call. They made plans to visit Ruby at the hospital later today.

After the call, Eileen lay looking at the blank canvas of her ceiling, the events of the previous evening escaping her. Fragments of memory lingered, just the sour-sweet taste of grape and grapefruit cocktails, their pleasant burn a ghost on her palate.

Pain jolted her as she tried to sit up. Grimacing, she eased back down.

“You’re awake?” Bryan’s voice was casual.

Eileen’s gaze landed on him. He was comfortably nested in a bean bag chair, his attention captured by the laptop’s screen.

Ignoring the soreness protesting with each movement, Eileen rose. “Mr. Dawson, have you had breakfast yet?”

“No. Waiting on takeout,” Bryan replied, putting aside the laptop and standing up. Looking at her, he added gently, “Remember, we’re not at work now.”

He was clearly displeased by her addressing him formally as “Mr. Dawson.” Eileen just took some clothes and went to the bathroom to change without a word.

Vivian’s stinging admonitions echoed in her thoughts, a bitter reminder of the gap between her and Bryan. It was a reality check against any daydreams that might have taken root.

The doorbell’s chime interrupted the silence. Eileen decided to handle it.

Descending the stairs, she opened the door. Roderick, with a goofy grin, pulled down his mask. “Hey, is Mr. Dawson at your place?”

Feel inspired by ga ln o vels . com

The receipt in Eileen’s hand displayed Bryan’s details. Eileen said, “Yeah, he is. Is this your new job?”

Roderick peered past her, lowering his voice. “I won’t step inside; I don’t want to embarrass you. When I saw it was your address, I took this order right away!”

Accepting the delivery, Eileen lingered on Roderick’s disheveled state. “Hang on for a second,” she said.

Returning, she handed him a couple of cold beverages. “Stay hydrated, okay? Tough work, but it pays. Save what you can; it might help kick-start something of your own.”

Roderick, with a nod of affirmation, caught something odd in Eileen’s appearance. “Are you okay, Eileen? Your eyes are a bit red and swollen,” he said.

“It’s nothing, just a rough night’s sleep,” Eileen assured him, though she recalled the morning’s puffiness—a souvenir of last night’s excesses. What exactly had happened after the drinks was still a blur.

lining his features. “Is anyone giving you a hard

by the concern that was a

gave him a nod. “You’d better

his electric bike,

As Bryan descended, she said without looking

morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After

day’s schedule. “Are you planning to

me when you’re heading out.” Her question hinted at curiosity for his

pick you up in the evening. We’ve got that event,”

to say much. After all, she

serious? How have

piece of bread halfway to her mouth, then slowly chewed and swallowed before she could answer. The

Eileen busied herself with the cleanup, stowing away leftovers. By the time the table was clear, noon was casting its shadow. She slipped into something casual, ready

stops—a fruit shop for a colorful selection and a mall for health supplements. It wasn’t until they reached the hospital that Eileen realized the

be appropriate,” she began,

gifts down. “What’s wrong with it? It’s normal for a boss to support their employee’s family in times of illness,

did he mean by

her isolation a palpable force Bryan could no longer overlook, echoing the discord sown by Vivian’s

a sigh that carried more than air, Bryan’s voice grew gentler. “Eileen, there’s no need to keep

and drove off, leaving Eileen alone with a mix

herself the challenge of maintaining distance. After all, walking away from what was

the ward with the fruits and supplements, Bailee was taken aback by the unexpected sight. Ruby’s expression

here?” Her eyes

lavish basket was clearly not her doing,

over revealing the source, Eileen hesitated. Ruby

“He bought these things on his way here. But he decided not to visit. After all, we’re not

her eyes, a mix of disappointment and urgency in her voice. “He is a catch, Eileen. What is holding you back? Didn’t you two go to Lakedale

injury… It was an accident,” Eileen responded while setting aside the fruit basket and health supplements, eager to steer away from a conversation spiraling towards Huey. Seeking to redirect

been with you at work lately?” Eileen

“Going great! I’ve actually become a formal employee ahead of time. They’ve transferred me

shone with excitement. “My salary bumped up

“A secretary position? What are your

sure yet. The notice came in just last night,

“It’s just—I don’t see how it fits with my degree. Eileen,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255