....To Billions

The hum of the Speedtail's engine filled the car as Parker drove through LA's morning traffic. The city was already alive—cars honking, people rushing, life moving. He reached for his phone, his thoughts drifting to Tessa. They hadn't talked yesterday, and that silence felt wrong.

He hit her name on speed dial. The line rang twice before her familiar voice filled the car.

"Morning, Master," she said playfully.

Parker couldn't help but grin. "Morning, Tessa. You miss me yet?"

"You have no idea," she said with a dramatic sigh. "It's been, what, hours? And it already feels like a month. How do people even do long-distance relationships?"

"Some don't," Parker quipped, his tone teasing. "But I'm guessing you're not one of them."

"Obviously not," she shot back. "Anyway, I told you, I have a surprise coming your way soon. It's already in progress."

"Oh, really? A surprise I won't see coming, huh?"