What? That’s not due for another two weeks.

So typical of him. I’m sure his boss is asking for them, and instead of telling him they’re not ready, he’s going to promise the impossible. Not today, I’m leaving town.

“Mom, I need to call you back. My boss needs me.”

“It’s your day off,” she reminds me. Her voice sounds a little annoyed.

I hate it when she doesn’t believe me.

“Are you trying to cut the conversation short?”

Well, there’s that but… “He’s texting me. Can’t you hear my phone vibrating?”

D. Evans: You didn’t finish the templates for the Stewart project.

C. Solis: It’s almost done, but the proposal isn’t due yet.

D. Evans: I’m aware of that, but you’re leaving on vacation.

C. Solis: For a week. I’ll be back next …

I can’t tell him I’ll be back next Thursday. He’s going to want me in the office on Friday. Or right after my plane lands. This man needs some boundaries.

C. Solis: I arrive on Sunday. There’s plenty of time.

D. Evans: Mr. Archer wants to see them today. Send me what you have, and I need an update on the Carson’s account.

Ah, that makes sense. If Devon Evans is Darth Vader, Miller Archer is Emperor Palpatine. All they care about are the accounts they land and the hours we bill.

C. Solis: I’m leaving for the airport.

D. Evans: Then you better hurry. I need to see something now.

This can’t be happening. I leave for the airport in less than an hour. It wasn’t enough I stayed up late last night, working on some last-minute changes for a campaign that launches this Friday.

“Mom, I have to finish a few things. Can I call you later?”

In a week or so?

“You haven’t heard the news yet.”

“Mom?” I ask exasperated, opening my laptop to access my office desktop. “Can I please call you back later?”

She’s pushing me to the edge. I’m about to have a nervous breakdown.

Calm down, Claire. You always work well under pressure.

“Nikki is expecting,” she says, ignoring my plea.

“Expecting a call?” I try to humor her and fake ignorance.

It’s better this way. I just can’t deal with my sister’s life. I love Nikki, the sister, but I’m less than thrilled with Nikki, the Mom.

“What’s going on with you today?” she asks.

Mom and I are close. I usually roll with her conversations, but today isn’t a day I can be animated or match her excitement.

“I meant she’s expecting a baby, Claire. You could at least show a little interest.”

“Woohoo,” I say, taking out my drawing tablet and connecting it to my laptop. “Mom, I really need to go.”

“Claire, you should be happy for your sister.”