Once inside, Kyson released Dulcieâs wrist.
She rubbed the spot where he had held her, a shadow of sadness crossing her face as she took a seat.
Kyson settled Destinee into a chair next to him before getting straight to the point.
âYou mentioned you were leaving for a blind date.
How did that go?â
Dulcie shook her head, a hint of resignation in her voice.
âThere was no date.
I decided against it.
â
âWhy?â Kyson furrowed his brows.
She looked down, her gaze dimming.
âInitially, I thought about settling back in my hometown.
But then I realized there was nobody there waiting for meâ nobody who cared whether I returned or not.
What was the point? Iâve been here in Cadiered for over four years now, and the thought of leaving feels⦠hard.
I decided to take a few more days to think it over.
â
Pausing, she added, a flush of embarrassment coloring her tone, âMr.
Shaw, I hope my presence didnât spoil your blind date with Miss Perez.
If it did, Iâd feel terribly guilty.
Iâm sorry.
â
Kyson reassured her, âThe date was doomed from the start, and your arrival had nothing to do with its end.
I was clear with Phillis; she and I will not be seeing each other again.
â
After a moment, Dulcie ventured, âThen⦠Mr.
Shaw, what are you looking for in someone?â
Kyson didnât reply directly to her question.
Instead, he addressed her immediate concerns.
âSince youâre staying, youâll need to think about money, food, and housing.
If you like, you can return to the aquarium anytime.
Consider the time you were away as paid annual leave.
â
Dulcie gripped the hem of her uniform, her fingers tensing around the fabric.
âYouâre a good boss, Mr.
Shaw, easy-going and fair.
â Her eyes clouded over âBut⦠no, thank you.
I donât need the job.
â
Kyson was slightly stunned.
Dulcie had once saved Destineeâs life, a fact that had always made him more favorable toward her than others.
He was puzzled that she would choose to be a waitress in a _ high-end restaurant over returning to her role as an administrator at the aquarium.
He was curious about the reasons.
âYou mentioned you came to Cadiered to find someone.
Did you find that person?â he asked.
Dulcie offered a self-deprecating smile.
âI found him long ago, but he doesnât remember me.
Besides, heâs changed; heâs not the man I once knew.
Now, heâs far beyond my reach.
I donât think weâre meant to connect anymore.
â
She averted her gaze from Kyson, her eyes downcast.
Softly, she added, âHeâs been on a blind date recently.
His date seemed quite taken with him.
Heâs attractive, and Iâm sure many women vie for his attention.
Iâm afraidâ¦â
She trailed off, the unspoken words heavy in the air-âthat she stood no chance.
Gripping her uniform, she spoke with resignation.
âIâve made up my mind.
After I receive my last paycheck in a few days, Iâll leave Cadiered and return to Tuborg for a blind date.
Then, Iâll settle down.
â
Kysonâs expression hardened.
The mention of âTuborgâ made him frown deeply.
He couldnât recall having met Dulcie before, but he had been to Tuborg.