[Reid Mansion—Alexander's Room]
Alexander was already awake, propped up against the headboard with a cup of coffee he wasn't supposed to be drinking yet.
The city outside his window was waking slowly, sunlight spilling over glass and steel.
His phone buzzed.
A smile tugged at his lips before he even looked at the screen.
"Good morning," he said the moment he answered.
Evelyn's voice came through soft and still a little sleepy. "How do you know it's a good morning for me and not a bad one?"
"Because you are not bossing everyone around," he replied easily.
She laughed. "You are impossible."
"And you like me anyway."
There was a pause — the good kind.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, concern slipping in despite her teasing.
"Better," he said honestly. "Annoyingly bored. I am officially cleared to sit, stand, walk and complain."
"Very impressive recovery milestones," she said. "Have you taken your meds?"
"Yes, Doctor Carter."
