Just as she was about to grab the remote control to take a break, she saw Justin Battleson hurriedly emerging from his room, grabbing his coat as he walked out.
"Charlotte, there's an emergency at the office. I need to step out and we can start the big cleaning when I return at noon," he said, pausing slightly with a hint of a smile spreading across his face, "together."
And without waiting for Charlotte Thompson's response, he walked away on his own.
It was only when she heard the door shut did she ponder his words, picking up the remote to turn on the TV, her lips curving into a smile she didn't even realize she was wearing.
Unconsciously, she found herself glued to the television on the sofa for several hours, only realizing it was inching toward the afternoon.
She rubbed her sore neck, yawning and covering her mouth with her hand.
Justin Battleson was still not back.