“I have the quarterly launch at nine,” Ethan whispered into the receiver, his phrasing quick and breathless.

“Alan is going to tear me apart if I miss the opening presentation.

I do not have the energy to deal with this right now.”

He went quiet for a moment, listening intently to whoever was on the other end of the line.

“Just come if you can,” Ethan begged softly.

“I cannot handle sitting in this place by myself.”

I stepped around the tile corner and walked directly into the alcove.