"Can't say I blame Zoe but it still doesn't mean I don't understand and respect your decision." If he only knew how Inara limited herself. That was something he would probably scold her about. The sky was the limit as far as he was concerned, especially if she gave up the companion business. --Something she had seemed to already do with him in Eudio. A part of him worried that maybe he ruined her somehow and she'd consider going back to it.

Had it been her illness which gave her pause with him or feelings of something more toward him? Inara asked him not to feel sorry for her or speak of her illness with anyone. She really didn't know him. Derek didn't get angry with Inara for what she asked. He could only be mad at himself. Maybe he hadn't tried being someone that he wasn't, but he hid who he really was from her and most of Eudio. "I get it. Your secret is safe with me."

He gave her a friendly smile then randomly dusted his hands off the side of his jeans. "So that cabinet. I took off the entire back. It was rotted with water damage. That's why I need to check the plumbing. Figured you'll be fine with an open back since it's against the wall." If she didn't want to be treated differently, he'd get right back to business so Inara could see he meant what he said. He'd soon call it a day and get down to the admin building.

Derek Morgan had some bargaining to do.