Tom bailed out

~ Chicago, Ellie's villa ~

Ellie is sitting in her design-office, trying to brush of her frustration and to think calmly.

Jasper is on the sofa in the corner, reading business news on a tablet while glancing occasionally toward Ellie. He can't help her, but he hopes that his presence provides some support.

Ellie pursed her lips while thinking: how did she end up in this situation?

Jasper spent the night, everything was great (mmm, more than great).

In the morning, they went to the dining room for breakfast and found that Tom is not there.

Brian was acting strangely, and only when Ellie finished her two pastries he gave her the envelope. It was a letter from Tom: he left stating a family emergency.

Ellie would maybe believe it if he returned any of her calls. In the letter he said that he does not know how long it will take and that she should find a replacement for him for Wednesday's show.