I was worried sick after you made me leave the emergency room waiting area.”

“I’m at home, Mom,” Ethan said.

“Why on earth are you still at home?” Sylvia asked, her sharp tone leaving no room for discussion.

“Your launch meeting is in forty minutes!

Did Rachel talk you into skipping it?”

“Rachel didn’t talk me into anything,” Ethan said.

“I’m staying home because my four-month-old daughter has a severe pediatric urinary tract infection and she needs her father.”

“Ethan, you’re ruining your professional reputation!” Sylvia insisted, the heavy rustle of her coat and the clink of her leather handbag strap audible over the line.