The Fourth of July hadn't hit yet and already Angela was counting the days until September. Summer meant her clients wanted new campaigns and a game plan for the fall. It also meant other agencies trying to lure them away which forced her to play the same game. Her workload was doubled, if not tripled when new clients were considered. Life at home had relaxed a bit at least, though the last week didn't account for much of that. The first heatwave of the year on top of two bored teenagers trapped in the house made for a miserable time for all.

Today in particular had been a tiresome one. Her morning started with the realization that Tony was still on his date with Kathleen from the night before. It'd happened a few times now, but it didn't bother her any less. At least the other times he'd made an attempt to be home to have breakfast made. He'd pretend he'd been home all night while Angela ignored the fact he was still wearing yesterday's clothes. With school out for vacation, he had no reason to stick to a strict routine.

Late for her train after a struggle with the coffee maker, she arrived at the office just in time to find Jack was out sick and that she was due to cover a meeting across town in half an hour. She barely made it, struggling through as she tried to catch up on Jack's notes all while bearing the client's gruff attitude which was the result of her tardiness. She'd finished in time to meet Peter for lunch, at least, but hardly enjoyed it with so much on her plate for the rest of the afternoon.

She didn't get home until after seven, discouraged to see Tony still wasn't home. Samantha had taken the liberty to prepare dinner, but not without a side of incessant bickering between her and Jonathan.

"You used too much cheese," Jonathan complained, making a face at his spoonful of macaroni.

"How about being grateful for something homemade rather than from a box."

"The box is better," he sneered.

"Oh, good. I'll keep that in mind and next time you can make dinner!"

Leaning against her elbows, Angela pressed both of her palms into her forehead. "Please… let's try to have an hour of peace. It was good of Sam to prepare a meal for us all."

With a grimace, Mona spoke up. "I'm with the boy on this one. Too much parmesan and not enough cheddar."

"That's it," Sam said as she stood, taking away Jonathan and Mona's dishes and dumping them into the trash. "That's the last time I do a good deed around here. Dad can cover his own butt next time. I should have gone to the beach with Bonnie."

"Come on, Jonathan," Mona nudged his shoulder as she stood as well. "Why don't you and I go pig out on concession stand food and see that new horror movie."

He nodded. "Can't be any scarier than Sam's cooking."

Sam reached for her bowl, eliciting Jonathan to scoot out of the room before he had a chance to wear it.

"I've done my part," Mona said with a shrug as she went to follow. "Enough peace for you now, Angela?"

"Thank you, Mother," she replied without looking up.

Sam plopped back down in her seat and took another bite. "Is it really that bad?" she asked.

"It's fine," Angela smiled, taking another bite to appease her. It wasn't great, but better than she could have done herself. She didn't have much of an appetite anyway.

"Ah, I hope you enjoyed your minute of silence."

Angela and Sam looked up as Mona reappeared.

"I beg your pardon?" Angela questioned.

"I regret to inform you your presence is urgently needed in the living room."

A flash of panic shot through her. Her mind went straight to Tony. Something was wrong. There'd been an accident. Of course! It wasn't like him to disappear without calling. What if it was Kathleen coming to bear bad news? One glance at Samantha told her these worries weren't unfounded, and in a second, they were both racing into the living room.

Angela could have strangled Mona when she saw Michael standing at the door.

"What're you doing here?" she said before any proper greeting, trying to think of a time she'd ever been this relieved to see him.

"Hello to you, too," Michael chuckled.

Jonathan had attached himself to his father's waist. "He came to surprise me!"

Putting on a smile, Angela said, "That's wonderful, sweetheart… I just wish I'd known about it."

"I would have called, but it's hard to find a phone on safari in Africa."

"Ah, that explains it," she said with sarcasm.

With a hopeful gleam in his eyes, Michael said, "But seriously, that's the fun of a surprise. I was thinking I could bring Jonathan home with me for a couple of weeks."

Jonathan gave an excited gasp. "Can I, Mom? Please!"

"Um," she stammered, still trying to shake off the worry she'd felt a minute before. "Of course you can. Are you two leaving tonight?"

"I assumed you wouldn't want a houseguest," Michael winked as he pulled out two tickets. "The plane takes off in two hours. Better get a move on, tiger!"

Jonathan ran upstairs to go pack.

"Samantha, will you go help him and make sure he packs appropriately?" Angela asked.

"Anything to get the house to myself for two weeks!"

"Well," Mona said once Sam reached the top of the stairs, "I'm still going to the movies."

"See you, Mone," Michael said, to which she replied with a half-hearted wave as she shut the door behind her.

"Can I make you a cup of coffee?" Angela offered, feeling more relaxed now that they were alone.

"I'd like that."

. . .

"You've been out of touch for over a year," Angela said as she set Michael's freshly brewed coffee in front of him. Her tone was hard, but not so much accusatory. Both she and Jonathan had come to terms with his lifestyle by now.

"I know," he said. "I'm sorry."

She sat across from him with her own cup. "It's Jonathan you need to apologize to."

"I'm making it up to him now. Don't think I haven't missed the kid. You know how time gets away from me."

"I just wish you'd remember to send him a birthday card. Or at least tell us before you disappear into the jungle."

"I'll try to do better," he said with a grin.

Angela reciprocated but knew the chances that it was in one ear and out the other was high.

"How have things been?" Michael asked after taking his first sip. "I can't believe how much Jonathan has grown. A little man. Still kind of short though. When do you suppose the growth spurts hit?"

Angela chuckled. "Don't say that to him. He's the shortest in his class."

"Didn't he skip a grade, though?"

"Yes, but he's still sensitive."

"A couple of weeks with me will do him some good, then."

"Please, just don't push him," Angela said. "It's been crazy around here lately. A vacation will do him some good."

"Yes, dear," he said with a play-mock tone. "He's doing all right, though, isn't he?"

She perked up. "Yes, of course!"

"Good. I do want to know these things even if you just drop me a line. Heather will get it to me eventually."

"Oh, yes. How is Heather?"

"Fine," he answered with a shrug. "Just spent a few days home with her before coming here."

"No kids?"

"Nah. It was a nice thought for a while, but after everything with Jonathan at the wedding…"

Angela laughed. "Parenting isn't easy."

"You're so good with him. I take that for granted."

Eyes wide, she said after a few seconds, "Thank you, Michael. That means a lot."

Reaching across the table, he squeezed her hand.

Conversation became lighter and more casual from there. Angela asked about Michael's trips and Michael asked about the agency. They tossed around a few memories, glad to be in a place where they could look back on their time together rather than pretend it didn't happen. They were laughing over one of the stories when Tony came in.

"Oh, Tony!" Angela said, a smile plastered on her face. "We were getting worried about you."

Stunned not only by her cheery tone but also by seeing Michael with her, Tony stammered, "I… yeah, sorry. Lost track of time… in the city. Michael?"

"How you doing, Tony?"

"Fine, fine… is, uh, everything okay?"

"Michael's taking Jonathan to California for a couple of weeks," Angela answered.

"I had no idea," he said through a twinge of hurt as he held his hand out to shake Michael's.

"Neither did Angela or Jonathan," Michael said. "He's upstairs packing. Sit and join us!"

Angela tensed up, her smile fading.

Tony noticed this and replied, "You know, I'd love to, but I've been out all day. I think I'll just go take a shower."

"Ah, it will only take a few minutes," Michael said, oblivious to the uncomfortable glances Tony and Angela were giving each other. "How've you been? I remember Jonathan mentioning to me a while back that you've gone back to school?"

Not seeing a way out, Tony gave in, pulling out the chair between them to give himself some distance. "Yeah… Fairfield U."

"What are you studying?"

"I'm going to be a teacher."

"No kidding. That's great!"

Tony nodded, looking at Angela through the side of his eye. When she interjected nothing, he carried on with the standard reciprocal questions.

"So, how many years have you been working for Angela now?" Michael eventually asked. "I saw your daughter earlier. Last I saw her she was a little kid."

"Yeah," Tony smiled. "She's off to college in September. Hard to believe. We've been here six… almost seven years."

Angela nodded.

"Wow, that long?" Michael chuckled. "I guess it's okay to admit now that when I first met you, I was threatened."

"By me?" Tony questioned.

"You kidding? Angela thinks the world of you. Jonathan, too. I appreciate everything you've done for him."

Awkwardly, Tony said, "Yeah, well, he's a great kid."

Angela slumped down against her seat.

Michael went on. "Seven years… I can't believe you two haven't got together yet."

"What?" Tony and Angela said in unison.

Nudging her foot under the table, Michael said, "This woman can be hot-blooded when she wants. And a good-looking guy like you, Tony? What gives?"

"Michael…" Angela admonished.

He looked between them, suddenly aware of the uncomfortable air between them.

"Ooh," he said with the realization. "Touchy subject, I see."

All three adults were relieved when Jonathan came barreling into the kitchen moments later.

"I'm ready!"

"And I made sure he packed his toothbrush," Sam said from behind before noticing Tony. "Dad, where have you been?"

Brushing her off, he pulled Jonathan into a hug. "Glad I got to see you before you left. Have a great time in California!"

"I will," Jonathan said before pulling away for Angela's embrace.

"Call me as soon as you get there," she said.

"I will."

"And listen to your father."

"I will."

"And don't forget to use sunscreen."

"Mom, I know!"

Kissing his head, she surrendered him to Michael.

"Be responsible with him," she finished firmly.

"Promise," he said with assurance. Sneaking one more curious look between her and Tony, he bid them goodbye.