Ellen had just stepped out of the shower when her cell phone started ringing. She ran into her bedroom, picked up her BlackBerry, and checked the display screen. It was a 215 area code, a Philly phone number she didn't know. She pressed Answer.
"Hello?" It was Marcelo, and Ellen warmed to the sound, sinking onto her bed and drawing her pink chenille robe closer around her.
"Hey, hi."
"I got your message. Sorry I couldn't get back to you until now. Are you at home?"
"Yes, I'll be back to work tomorrow, like I said. If you're free, we can meet in the morning and talk over this thing with Sarah."
"I don't think it can wait. I'd like to come over tonight, if I may."
Wow. Ellen checked her watch, 9:08. Will was in bed, fast asleep. "Sure."
"It's not a social call," Marcelo added, and she felt herself flush.
"Understood?"
"I'm on my way. I'll be there in half an hour."
"Great," Ellen said, and as soon as they hung up, she bolted to the closet. She changed her clothes four times, ending up with a light blue V-neck and jeans, but instead of a tank top underneath, she went with a lace-topped ivory camisole.
Though her underwear was the last thing on her mind.