Taking advantage of each other

"Do you already have a dress for your party? If you don't, I can refer you to my designer. She has many RTW designs you'll surely love!" Esme chimed from the other end of the line. Allie had just arrived at Evan's penthouse when her mother-in-law called.

"Thanks for the offer, but I already have a dress, mother." She didn't actually have one, but she didn't want a reason to meet Esme. In fact, she didn't want to meet the madame unless absolutely necessary. "I've mentioned before that my friend, Chloe, is a designer. She will take care of it."

"Oh, that's nice. I'll let you be, then. Anyway, how are things going between you and Evan?" She sounded hopeful, and Allie knew Esme was waiting for big news about her bearing a child even when she didn't explicitly ask about it.

"We're doing well. Even though we have been busy with Lotus Tech's upcoming software launch, we always make time for each other." Allie made sure she sounded sweet.