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

by the concern that was a constant in his eyes.

him a nod. “You’d

acknowledged and swiftly departed on his electric bike, continuing with

inviting breakfast spread. As Bryan descended, she said

morning fare; Bryan had ordered a lot. After all, Eileen was exhausted from the night. Bryan was worried

schedule. “Are you planning to go to the

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

up in the evening. We’ve got that event,” Bryan said. Then,

replied tersely, not wanting to say much. After all,

broke through. “Who? Is it serious? How have

swallowed before she could answer. The word landed heavily between them, and Bryan fell into a pensive silence, recalling her

By the time the table was clear, noon was casting its shadow. She

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

not be appropriate,” she began, reluctance

gifts down. “What’s wrong with it? It’s normal for a boss to support

What did he mean

silent, her isolation a palpable force Bryan could no longer overlook,

than air, Bryan’s voice grew gentler. “Eileen, there’s no need

and drove

the challenge of maintaining distance. After all, walking

aback by

these from Huey? Is he here?” Her eyes darted

lavish basket was clearly not her doing, leading

hesitated. Ruby had

replied, “He bought these things on his way here. But he

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

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 the

with you at work

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

shone with excitement. “My salary bumped up

showed. “A secretary position? What are your

quite sure yet. The notice came in just last night, and I’ll start this coming

crossing her features. “It’s just—I don’t see how it

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