“Good morning, Mom.” Rowan answered.
“Oh, I see,” her voice rang through brightly. “You actually picked up before the third ring. A miracle.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
“No, Dominic. I know you too well. You dodge my calls like they’re business proposals.”
Rowan pinched the bridge of his nose. “What is it this time?”
“Well that isn’t why I called,” she continued cheerfully. “I heard you’re organizing a gala event for your sister.”
“Yes,” he sighed. “Aria insisted. You know how she is.”
His mother laughed from the other end. “Of course I do. She got that from me. Well social. Unlike you.”
Rowan muttered something under his breath.
“Oh! Speaking of which,” she added suddenly, “I approve of this gala. It will be perfect.”
“For what?”
“For you to finally stop being stubborn and give me
