A/N: This is to go along with Chapter two of 'The Life I Chose.' It's also most likely the last update I'll make before I head home for a much deserved long weekend. Be looking for a whole bunch of updates on Monday of next week.

"I won't be back Friday after all. I have to go to Paris."

I steel myself against what I know is going to a bad reaction.

"Okay."

That's all she says. One quiet word, said tightly, in a voice that's more tired than anything. I would rather she yelled and cried at me than that.

"Chloe, I'm sorry," I say, though I know that nothing is going to make up for this, "I want to be there."

"I know you do."

She's upset and I can hear it in her voice. She's trying to get me to believe her so I'll hang up and leave her alone.

"Don't do that," I plead. When did I become a man who pleads?

"It's fine Lex."

The hell it is. I'm mad at myself for this.

"I'll make it up to you Chloe."

She scoffs, "Are you going to jump into your time machine and make it back for my birthday?"

"Come meet me here and fly out with me. We'll spend a few extra days if you want. Or we can go somewhere else. You love Prague in the Spring."

She sighs, "Lex-"

"Chloe, come on, I don't want you to be alone on your birthday."

"I'll see if I can get the time off," she gives in.

I turn things over in my head, trying to figure out how I can spend some time with her on Saturday. I'm going to be busy.

"Are you actually going to have time for me?" she asks, and I can't blame her if her tone's a little peevish. If only she didn't know me so well.

"I'll make time," I promise.

She yawns, "I'm going to fall asleep on you Lex."

"I wish you were here to fall asleep on me," I grin.

"Me too."

"Go to sleep honey," I tell her, "I'll call you in the morning with your flight information."

"'kay. Night."

"Goodnight. I love you."

"Love you too," she murmurs and I wonder if she's even going to bother to hang up.

I start making calls right away. I'm going to have to cancel some meetings if I'm going to be able to spend any time with her on her birthday. I don't care though, because she comes first and always will.