Ethan hung up with a playful chuckle. "I'll be waiting..." he murmured, his thumb swiping the screen dark.
He continued down the hall toward the executive conference room, but his phone buzzed again. He laughed to himself, shaking his head. "It seems I'm quite the popular man today."
It was Lilly. Her voice was bright, though there was a hint of nerves behind it as she reminded him that her mother's birthday party was this Saturday. She was calling to see if he was still coming.
"Of course I'll be there, Lilly," Ethan said, his tone softening into that of a devoted lover. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"You better not," Lilly replied, her voice dropping into a mock-serious pout. "And listen, Ethan... don't bring any of your other 'vixens' with you. I know you've got plenty, but I want this day to be about my mom... and me. Okay?"
Ethan let out a rich laugh, imagining her expression. "I promise. Just you and your mom. I'll be on my best behavior."
