He processed that for a moment. “Didn’t go so well with Tessa, huh?”
“Not so good. We’re heading to the airport in just a few minutes.”
He paused, probably to weigh what I’d just said against the con-sequences of me not showing up at one of Margaret’s meetings. “All right. I’ll cover for you. And if you can’t make it to the meeting, I’ll tell Margaret you’re on an assignment from me.”
“Thanks. And, hey, tell me I’m doing the right thing here with Tessa.”
“You’re doing the right thing, Pat.”
“Thanks, Ralph.”
“I think.”
And before I could say another word, Tessa’s door swung open and she stepped past me, carrying her hastily packed bags. After she’d taken four steps, she called over her shoulder, “You can take me to the airport now, Patrick. I am so ready to be out of here.”
Ralph and I ended the call, and I led my stepdaughter and her illegal raven to the car.