Not Appropriate
Mason stood there all tense, his patience wearing thin as he exchanged pleasantries with one of his business partners. The man, an older gentleman with thinning hair and a booming laugh, had been going on about a new investment opportunity. Mason nodded politely, though his mind was elsewhere.
He had been trying to excuse himself for the last five minutes, but the man didn't seem to notice. Mason cast a quick glance around the room, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of Ellen. The longer he stood there, trapped in this conversation, the more his irritation grew.
"Well, that sounds pretty interesting," Mason said, injecting just enough interest into his tone to satisfy his partner. "But I'm afraid I need to attend to something. Let's continue this conversation later."
The man chuckled, clapping Mason on the shoulder. "Of course, of course! You've got a beautiful wife to look after now, don't you?" His wink didn't go unnoticed, and Mason forced a smile.