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

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

I don’t have the energy to deal with this right now.”

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

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

“I can’t handle sitting in this place by myself.”

I stepped around the tiled corner and walked straight into the alcove.

Ethan jumped back, nearly dropping his phone onto the waxed linoleum.