At that point, Elizabeth averted her gaze from Keith's eyes and asked in a calm tone, "Do you plan on staying in here for the long term?"
"Well, I should have everything settled in about two weeks," Keith replied.
Upon hearing that, Elizabeth continued, "In that case, I congratulate you on your decision to return here. However, my work will be very busy, so I may not have much time to meet with you."
How could Keith not detect Elizabeth's polite refusal in her words?
However, he was no longer the impulsive teenager he once was but rather a grown man who understood that some things could not be rushed.
After all these years, Keith was prepared for a slow and steady journey, knowing that some things take time. He wouldn't speed things up, and he wouldn't back down due to Elizabeth's polite refusal.
"That's alright. We can meet up when we have time. Don't forget about me just because so many years have passed."