T's & C's (don't) Apply

18. (Stay) Within Your Limits

I kept glancing over my shoulder to see if Kai was anywhere but he wasn't. I was known to be quite impulsive and an overthinker. Perhaps Rosalind's insecurities about Kai and I made me read too much into our interactions.

"Don't mind him," Mr. Berkeley's voice interrupted my thoughts. "He tends to sulk and throw tantrums often."

"I don't think that was a tantrum," I couldn't help but say. "I got credit for his work. Anyone would get upset over that."

"And what drove him to do the work?"

"It wasn't me," I said honestly. "I was quite surprised when he handed me the files."

"Is that so?" Mr. Berkeley rubbed over his chin. He snapped out of his thoughts. "That doesn't matter. Kai has a long way to go and if I pat him on the shoulder for every small task, he'll get too used to it and slack off."

I frowned. "Wouldn't a compliment rather motivate you to do more?"

Mr. Berkeley shook his head. "Kai has spent his entire life hearing compliments from everyone yet he still never showed much interest in work. You need a firmer approach to get through to him."

"But has he received those compliments from you, his father?" I couldn't help but ask. "The whole world can worship the ground you walk on but there are only a handful of people you want to feel appreciated by."

Now I sound like a hypocrite after what I just told Kai. I wish I controlled my mouth sometimes and didn't allow emotions to get the better of me.

Mr. Berkeley remained silent for a moment and studied me. "Are you getting too attached to my son?"

My eyes widened. "Pardon?"

"I feel we're not on the same page as before," Mr. Berkeley mused.

I squared my shoulders. "I have always drawn a line between my professional and personal life. I know Kaidan is nothing more than a year-long contract. You don't need to worry about... attachments of any sort."

Mr. Berkeley stiffly nodded. "Good."

"However, if you feel that I'm off track or not doing my job, you are more than welcome to dismiss me, sir," I said as respectfully as I could.

Mr. Berkeley shook his head. "I still think you're the perfect person for the job and Kai seems to be making some progress already."

"But?" I couldn't help but ask.

Mr. Berkeley cleared his throat. "I believe that you've met Rosalind, my future daughter-in-law.

Daughter-in-law? Just how serious is their relationship?

I nodded. "Once or twice."

"Rosalind is very dear to Kai and our family but I assume you already know that?" Mr. Berkeley more like asked.

I didn't know how dear she was to Kai's family until a few seconds ago but I didn't want to argue so I just nodded.

"Of course, you know that because Kai took off most of last week to spend time with her."

So, Kai was right, his father did know and had no problem with it at all.