As she told her story, he noticed the way she swallowed, the trademark shrug, the avoidance of eye contact. Yes, she was abused in some way. Maybe it wasn't recent, but abuse at any point in one's life can have a major impact on how they behave throughout the rest of their time on Earth. There were countless victims of abuse he had dealt with over the past year and most of the treatments he had prescribed had worked like a charm. Maybe he could give her some of the medicine, give her treatment, see where it led...ethical? Borderline, but if he could help her break through her meekness, that bubbling potential underneath could break free and overflow. Yes, he would do that. But not now. He was an employer for now, nothing more. 
"No siblings, eh? I know the feeling." Another huge bite of lamb and vegetable was chewed and swallowed before continuing: 
"An only child was I. Growing up was strange, you know. No other playmates around to distract myself with, so most of my attention was focused on books and other things that an only child would take up their time with." A peal of thunder exploded in the sky, causing the walls of the house to shake slightly in protest of the noise. 
"To think..." He waved his hand at the house.
"That a home of such elegance would quake at the mere mention of a storm! I dare say I might ask for my money back." He chuckled, eating a bit more on his plate. 
"I do have to say that that I'm rather impressed with your flexibility. Most are utterly terrified of trying something new. I think it speaks well to your character that you would be willing to step out on chance and see what happens. I never had much of a chance to that myself until my father passed. Being in an academic program that takes almost ten years away from your life will do that." He leaned back in his chair, sighing lightly before asking:
"So you say you wanted to try something new, yes? Why a position here? Surely you could have sent out resumes elsewhere? To be honest, the ad in the paper that I put out was a bit haphazard, not thought out. Why did you respond?" Ok that was a TAD psychoanalytical, but he did want to know why she came to him. 
"Are you looking to run away from something?" A trace of a smile formed on his lips as he took a sip from an almost empty wine glass that had been filled prior to Alyssa's arrival. 
"Or someone...?"