"..."
Mia Grant pouted. "But it's so embarrassing."
"How could it be?"
"I doze off at work sometimes too, and my mood swings from lack of sleep can affect my performance. It's only human. Everyone understands."
Hayes Hughes acted as if he didn't know what she was really talking about.
Mia tilted her head, glancing toward the balcony again.
"Go on."
From behind her came Hayes's gentle, encouraging voice.
Hesitantly, Mia walked out of the kitchen, carrying the box of egg tarts.
Hayes Hughes watched her until she reached the balcony, then he looked away.
The man lowered his head, his shoulders slumping as he slowly let out a breath.
He quickly composed himself, picked up the ingredients on the counter, and continued washing them.
The kitchen door closed, leaving only the sound of a spatula lightly scraping against a pan.
