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?”

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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

the concern that was a

she gave him a nod. “You’d better

acknowledged and swiftly departed on his electric bike,

an inviting breakfast spread. As Bryan descended, she said without looking at him, “Go wash up, then come

complied, joining her soon after. The table boasted an array of morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After all, Eileen

schedule. “Are you

Her question hinted at curiosity for his departure

to the office. Expect me to pick you up in the evening. We’ve got that event,” Bryan said. Then, after a moment’s reflection, he inquired, “Anyone you know staying at the

wanting to say much. After all, she

“Who? Is it serious? How have I never heard

her mouth, then slowly chewed and swallowed before she could answer. The word landed

stowing away leftovers. By the time the table was clear, noon was casting its shadow.

Bryan made 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 items were intended

be appropriate,” she

set the gifts down. “What’s wrong with it? It’s normal for a boss to support their employee’s family

relationship? What did he mean by

her isolation a palpable force Bryan could no longer overlook, echoing the discord

voice grew gentler. “Eileen, there’s

car and drove off, leaving Eileen alone

to herself the challenge of maintaining distance. After all, walking away

the fruits and supplements, Bailee was taken aback by the unexpected sight. Ruby’s expression transitioned from shock

Huey? Is he here?” Her

ever brought modest selections of fruit. The lavish basket was clearly not her doing, leading Ruby to such an

over revealing the source, Eileen hesitated. Ruby had inadvertently offered

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

is a catch, Eileen. What is holding you back? Didn’t you two go to Lakedale together? And he got hurt because of you,

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 the focus, she

you at work lately?” Eileen

employee ahead of time. They’ve transferred me

eyes shone with excitement. “My

showed. “A secretary position? What

not quite sure yet. The notice came in

paused, a frown crossing her features. “It’s just—I don’t see how it fits with

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